Famous for being the UK’s first surf city, Newquay perches gorgeously on the north coast of Cornwall. The fun, upbeat, and breezy British seaside town is home to world-class surfing, wild nightlife, and many family-friendly attractions.
Newquay’s surf heritage goes back to the 1960s when all surf legends would come here during the summer to ride big waves of the Atlantic. Tourists from all over the world flock to enjoy surfing, wild swimming, camping, hiking, coasteering, and other seaside activities.
Newquay also happens to boast an impressive array of accommodation options. From trendy beachfront hotels to Victorian-style boutique B&Bs, here are my favorite cool and unusual hotels in Newquay, England (in no particular).



The Headland Hotel and Spa
Occupying a striking redbrick Victorian building and adjoining cottages, The Headland Hotel and Spa is a mile from Newquay town centre with Fristal Beach reachable within a 5-minute walk.
Stylish rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi, premium linens, and flat-screen TVs. Suites come with 4-poster beds, full kitchens, and private balconies or terraces offering sea views.
An in-house restaurant dishes out locally sourced produce and afternoon snacks. Leisure amenities include a surf school, a heated indoor pool with a sauna, a chic spa, tennis courts, a boules area, a croquet lawn, and a 9-hole golf course.
Pros
Striking Victorian architecture
Proximity to Fistral Beach
A heated indoor pool with a sauna for relaxation
It also has tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course
Cons
Distance from Town Center
Parking challenges
Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa
The ultimate base for romantic weekends, coastal getaways, and wild Cornish adventures, Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa exclusively caters to adults.
Tasteful rooms come with designer beds and light wood furnishings. Flat-panel TVs, coffee makers, and complimentary Wi-Fi are offered in all rooms.
Some rooms are fitted with private balconies, while some have large windows offering sea views. Suites offer whirlpool baths, separate living areas, and game consoles.
Pros
Walking distance from Fistral Beach
Romantic and classy upscale boutique
Scenic views from the balcony
Suites offer additional luxury with whirlpool baths
Cons
Can get booked up
Drinks can be a little pricey
Oceanside Lifestyle Hotel
Embodying a true coastal spirit, Oceanside Lifestyle Hotel serves as an excellent base for a relaxed vacation in Newquay. This second-generation, family-run hotel opened its doors to guests in 1983.
From the beach-chic decor to airy spaces to the salty-social vibe, you’ll love absolutely everything about this fiercely-independent hotel on Headland Road.
Each of the 28 rooms is designed to synchronize with the coastal surroundings. You can choose from four accommodations: Balcony Bliss, Saltwater Seaview, Coastal, and Cozy. A flat-panel TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and controllable heating are offered in every room.
Pros
Quirky-chic details
Ideal for Millennials and Gen Zs
Coastal ambiance
Family-run charm
Cons
Limited on-site activities
At a distance from the city center
Bedruthan Hotel & Spa
Overlooking the gorgeous Mawgan Porth Beach, Bedruthan Hotel & Spa offers the best of coastal beauty and urban comforts. It displays a powerful fusion of Danish design with Californian architecture and Cornish ocean breezes
From standard rooms to airy suites to luxury villas, you can choose from a broad array of lodging options here.
Whatever quarter you choose to stay in, you’ll be surrounded by contemporary decor and enjoy access to top-end amenities, such as flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The deluxe hotel is also home to a cozy cafe, a refined restaurant, and a cocktail bar, all offering sweeping coastal views. There’s also a chic spa, outdoor pools with sun loungers, and kids’ playgrounds.
Pros
Stunning coastal location
Stylish Danish design with Californian architecture
The presence of a cozy cafe with on-site restaurant and a cocktail bar
Presence of a chic spa and outdoor pools
Cons
Some noise
WiFi is a little spotty
Newquay Beach Hotel
Newquay Beach Hotel is a seamless amalgamation of Victorian charm, coastal ambience, and modern sophistication.
Sitting two miles from downtown Newquay, the beachfront hotel boasts spacious rooms with minimalist decor. Private bathrooms with power showers, flat-panel TVs, and wardrobes are featured in all rooms.
The in-house restaurant dishes out the local cuisine in an elegant setting. There’s also a lounge bar with a curated selection of cocktails.
Pros
Proximity to downtown
Beachfront location
Victorian charm
The on-site restaurant serves local cuisine
Cons
Some noise
Can get busy
Tolcarne Beach Colonial Restaurant and Rooms
Tolcarne Beach Village and The Colonial Restaurant come together to provide an all-inclusive vacation on the privately owned Tolcarne Beach. This stunning combo of fine dining and five-star accommodation is exactly what you need to make the most of your time in Newquay.
Guests staying at Tolcarne Beach Colonial Restaurant and Rooms get to wake up to the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Each of the 14 individually designed rooms boasts a flowing layout with Colonial decor.
In-room amenities available at this beachfront hotel include plush bedding, smart TVs, coffee machines, designer toiletries, and walk-in showers. Select rooms offer 4-poster beds and spa baths, while suites feature large balconies with ocean views.
Pros
Beachfront Location
Breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean
Being located directly on Tolcarne Beach
Spacious rooms
Cons
At a distance from the city center
Limited onsite activities
The White House Hotel
With spacious rooms, a warm ambiance, and premium amenities, The White House Hotel is one of the best hotels near Tolcarne Beach.
All six rooms feature vibrant decor and come equipped with private bathrooms, plush bedding, and flat-screen TVs.
Complimentary perks include parking and breakfast. The hotel also has a laid-back lounge, a sundeck, and a terrace.
Pros
Beachfront Location
Vibrant Decor
Presence of a laid-back lounge and terrace
Individually designed rooms
Cons
Away from the city center
Limited onsite activities
Esplanade Hotel
Looking over the pristine Fistral Beach, Esplanade Hotel guarantees a truly comfortable stay with all modern luxuries. The 4-star hotel is located a 10-minute walk from Crantock Beach.
Genteel rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers. Some rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies facing the sea.
At the onsite restaurant, guests can savor international cuisine while reveling in beautiful ocean views. The hotel also offers plenty of amenities for kids, including a soft play area, a splash area, and a pirate ship adventure playground.
Pros
Prime Beachfront Location
Insta-worthy panoramic views
Breathtaking sea views
Family-Friendly Amenities
Cons
Some parking challenges
A little far from local attractions
Sands Resort Hotel
Situated about 13 miles from Padstow, Sands Resort Hotel provides accommodation in unfussy rooms with satellite TVs, coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi.
Guests lodging in suites enjoy higher-end amenities, such as sitting areas, additional bathrooms, and sea views.
The onsite restaurant dishes up Mediterranean classics in a relaxed setting. There’s also a bar with a summer terrace, a gym, and a kids’ club.
Pros
Located about 13 miles from Padstow
Features a bar with a summer terrace
The on-site restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine
Families traveling with children can benefit from the on-site kids club
Cons
Can get busy at peak times
Potential noise levels
Penwyth House
Located less than a mile from Porth Beach, Penwyth House is within walking distance of many amazing restaurants and cafes.
The charming B&B boasts uniquely styled rooms with upscale amenities and a homey vibe. All units have flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms with free toiletries, while some also feature a patio and/or a sitting area.
Both a la carte and continental options are available for breakfast.
Pros
Proximity to Porth Beach
Walking distance from numerous restaurants and cafes
Home-Like vibe and exceptional breakfast
Upscale amenities
Cons
Limited on-site facilities
Distance from Major Attractions
OYO Minerva Guesthouse
Yet another Victorian-style hotel with wonderful ocean views, OYO Minerva Guesthouse is where you enjoy all homey comforts at the best value.
Downhome rooms at this casual hotel offer satellite TVs, coffee makers, and wardrobes. Some rooms come with bunk beds, while others offer sea views.
A full English breakfast is served for free, while afternoon snacks are available for a surcharge. Other amenities include a pool table and a laid-back bar.
Pros
Victorian-Style Charm
Great spot for Gen Zs
The hotel offers amenities like a pool table
Ideal for budget-conscious travelers
Cons
Possible parking challenges
Not ideal for families
Legacy Hotel Victoria
Set in a magnificent Victorian building behind the South West Coast Path, Legacy Hotel Victoria overlooks the exquisite Tolcarne Beach.
Satellite TVs and coffee makers are available in all rooms. Upgraded units offer sofas and balconies with sea views.
Among the onsite facilities available at the 3-star hotel are a fitness room, a spa, a heated indoor pool, two restaurants, a lounge area, and a game area with billiards.
Pros
Magnificent Victorian Building with family rooms
Lovely coastal views
Features a game area
Proximity to South West Coast Path
Cons
A little distant from the main attractions
Some noise
Top 12 Cool Hotels in Newquay Compared
The table compares and contrasts the top 12 cool and unusual hotels in Newquay.
Hotel Name Location Price Range (per night) Fitness Facilities Distance to Attractions (km) Nearby Restaurants
The Headland Hotel and Spa Headland Road $282 No 1.0 3
Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa Esplanade Road $264-$339 Yes 1.5 3
Oceanside Lifestyle Hotel Headland Road $125-$278 No 0.7 3
Bedruthan Hotel & Spa Mawgan Porth $196-$297 Yes 5.9 3
Newquay Beach Hotel 1 narrowclif $206-$283 No 0.8 3
Tolcarne Beach Colonial Restaurant and Rooms Tolcarne Beach $631-$757 No 0.8 3
The White House Hotel 33 Mount Wise $352-$391 No 20.0 3
Esplanade Hotel Fistral Beach $189-$344 No 1.3 2
Sands Resort Hotel Watergate Road $82-$274 No 1.3 2
Penwyth House 1 Stanways Road $125-$151 No 2.0 2
OYO Minerva Guesthouse 2/3 THE CRESCENT $223 No 0.1 3
Legacy Hotel Victoria East St $158-$461 Yes 0.4 3
Becky Moore – Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
I’ve been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic, The Times, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Thrillist, British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur, express.co.uk, Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and metro.co.uk. Find me on Linkedin or Facebook.
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