“A chic hotel offering front-row seats to Cornwall's coast. Beach-chic vibe pairs laid-back luxury with a modern, glass-adorned design, inviting the outdoors in. Boasting an infinity pool with ocean views, surf school, and varied dining options, it's a haven for both adventure and relaxation”

Hotel review

Watergate Bay’s unique beachside location, with waves crashing onto the sandy shore beneath panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, has the feel of a hip Cape Town or Californian hotel - complete with surfers. Belonging to the Ashworth family since the late- Sixties, it was bought from the MoD and converted into a hotel in 1971. The owners’ son took over running the place in 2004, further developing the space, restaurants and opening the Swim Club, the hotel's take on a spa, in 2012.

Eighty rooms provide various options and sizes, from doubles with or without sea view to interconnecting rooms for families; the hotel covers the gamut, catering for couples, dog owners and groups. The seven Beach Lofts, the original location of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, are the most desirable suites - sublimely spacious and comfortable, and right on the sea front.

The vibe is luxe rustic chic with natural colours and textures - wooden floors, panelled walls, woven rattan pendant lights and one of the largest bathtubs known to this Hotel Guru. There’s direct private access to the beach and a well-stocked pantry for the peckish.

Guests can choose from three restaurants. Formal evening dining at Zacry’s butts up to the sea wall; The Living Space, a lounge/bar and restaurant has relaxed seating and is open for lunch and dinner; and The Beach Hut where breakfast is served (the homemade waffles are unmissable) also offers family-friendly food in casual surroundings for all meals. Menus incorporate everything, from local seafood and innovative salads to towering burgers and tantalising curries.

Staff at this laidback venue are the perfect balance of being warm and friendly yet attentive.

Laura Campbell
Laura Campbell Review published: 09/20/2024

Recommended for

  • Families

    • Surf's up for families with lessons at Wavehunters and a Kids' Zone, ensuring fun for all ages in a sea-view paradise
  • Surfing

    • Dive into the Atlantic with expert-led surf lessons, a thrilling embrace of Watergate Bay's wild waves
  • Great walks

    • Explore Cornish charm with a coastal walk, the hotel's doorstep the start of your adventure
  • Total relaxation

    • Unwind in luxury with a sea-view spa treatment, the ocean's calm a backdrop to relaxation
  • Sights nearby

    • Dive into culture at the Eden Project, a lush world of exotic biomes, 30 minutes away
  • Spa

    • The Swim Club boasts an indoor infinity pool, range of treatments, cardio room and relaxation room
  • Restaurant

    • Savor local flavors at The Beach Hut, Zacry’s and The Living Space
  • Views

  • Family Suites

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Romantic

  • Birdwatching

  • Luxury

  • Wellbeing

  • Disabled access

  • Child friendly

  • Pet friendly

  • Watersports

  • Chic

  • Fishing

  • On the beach

Facilities

  • Rooms

    80 rooms in this hotel
  • Spa

    The Swim Club boasts an indoor infinity pool, range of treatments, cardio room and relaxation room
  • Restaurant

    Savor local flavors at The Beach Hut, Zacry’s and The Living Space
  • Swimming Pool

    Indoor infinity pool
  • Parking

  • Family Suites

  • Bar

  • Car not required

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Outdoor dining

  • Cots available

  • Massage

  • EV Charging Station

  • Views

  • Wifi

  • Air conditioning

  • Suites

  • Disabled access

  • Child friendly

  • Pet friendly

Activities

  • Surfing

    • Dive into the Atlantic with expert-led surf lessons, a thrilling embrace of Watergate Bay's wild waves
  • Great walks

    • Explore Cornish charm with a coastal walk, the hotel's doorstep the start of your adventure
  • Sights nearby

    • Dive into culture at the Eden Project, a lush world of exotic biomes, 30 minutes away
  • Birdwatching

  • Watersports

  • Fishing

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying at Watergate Bay Hotel? We offer a home-from-home beachside experience where our guests can be active as a way to relax. We are all about the balance in life, getting outdoors and then coming back inside with good food and drink, family and friends.

What is there to do in the area? We would recommend surfing and walking the coastal path to the north and south of Watergate Bay. Further afield you can visit Padstow, Newquay, various National Trust Properties, the cycle trails of Lanhydrock and Cardinham, the Camel Trail, the Eden Project and Heligan Gardens.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? We have a full buffet breakfast including continental, make-your-own waffles and a full cooked English breakfast all served with tea and Origin coffee.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We have three restaurants at Watergate Bay and there are lots of restaurants close by in Newquay, Mawgan Porth and Padstow

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Seaview ocean wing rooms. As they look out across the two mile beach and are dog friendly. The beach lofts are our most exclusive with fantastic views, and baths in the window.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? Most of our rooms will take an extra bed or cot. We have family suites which will sleep four or five in beds with extra bunk rooms. We have an Ofsted registered Kids Zone where we offer family entertainment and supervised session for children 6 months to 12 years.

Other reviews

Watergate Bay

Teetering over a two-mile-long, golden-sanded surfing beach and affording panoramic, glassy views over the Atlantic, Watergate Bay casts a spell over a mishmash of comfortably-off characters. Lulled by its high-luxury, low-formality formula, there is something for everyone here, from children to city workers.

Originally published by The Telegraph

Watergate Bay

Winter or summer, it’s a surfers’ paradise, while the sunrises and sunsets are simply spectacular.

Originally published by Conde Nast

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