The Old Coastguard

In an old fishing village, a ‘friendly’ welcome and the ‘young, buzzy atmosphere’ attract visitors to this personable Victorian hotel overlooking the sea. ‘It’s a well-run spot with no flashy bits, just the things you need: good people, good rooms, a great vibe (ideal for single travellers, like me),’ said a returning guest in 2016. ‘Elegant and relaxed’, the hotel is owned by brothers Charles and Edmund Inkin, whose other properties – The Gurnard’s Head, Zennor, and The Felin Fach Griffin, Felin Fach (see entries) – have also won much praise. Pick from ‘fantastic’, seaside-simple bedrooms overlooking the water; all rooms have books, Cornish art, a Roberts radio, all-natural bath products, ‘proper’ coffee and local tea. ‘We loved gazing out to sea as we sipped our morning coffee.’ Come dinnertime, devour Matt Smith’s bistro-style dishes, including appetising veggie options and ‘the most delicious crab starter’. A handy stop-over for travellers to or from the Isles of Scilly. ‘We had an early start to catch the Scillonian; the staff helpfully set out an excellent continental breakfast.’ (Barbara Watkinson, Michael Eldridge, Ellin Osmond)