Looking for a coastal escape that blends boutique charm with barefoot luxury? Let me introduce you to the Watergate Bay Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall. Nestled on a jaw-droppingly beautiful stretch of beach, this design-forward hotel has been on my UK travel wishlist for some time—and now that I’ve stayed, I can confidently say: it was worth every minute of the five-hour train ride from London.
Whether you’re coming for a surf-filled weekend, a wellness reset, or just a change of scenery with sea views, The Watergate Bay Hotel delivers.
Why Watergate Bay?
Perched just a 10-minute taxi ride from Newquay train station, Watergate Bay feels both remote and refreshingly accessible. It’s the kind of place where you arrive and instantly feel your shoulders drop.
Set right on the beach – yes, literally steps away – you’re treated to dramatic cliffs, sweeping sands, and the soundtrack of crashing waves. It’s a slice of Cornish heaven with a modern, relaxed feel.
While it’s easier to reach by car, I tested the experience without one and still had a brilliant time. Just be warned: if you’re arriving train-bound like me, make sure to pre-book meals and activities. This hotel runs on precision – more on that below.
The Room: Coastal Calm Meets Clever Design
I stayed in Room 30, one of the hotel’s land view rooms, aka the more wallet-friendly option if you’re not splurging on sea views. That said, I found it stylish, serene, and surprisingly spacious.
Here’s what stood out:
- Sleek, modern design: Think white walls, natural woods, subtle greys, and pops of coastal yellow. It nails the “boutique meets beach house” aesthetic.
- Comfy king-size bed: Technically two singles zipped together, but honestly, I didn’t even notice. It was super comfortable.
- Smart amenities: Tea station with locally sourced Cornishware mugs and a mini fridge stocked with Rhodda’s Cornish milk. A lovely touch.
- Bathroom bliss: A rainfall shower, heated towel rack, and full-size Land & Water toiletries (which smell divine, by the way). Bonus points for excellent water pressure and design-forward finishes.
My only tip? The rooms don’t have air conditioning. It wasn’t a problem during my stay, but if you run warm or plan to visit during peak summer, a small fan might be your friend.
The Hotel Vibe & Facilities
Watergate Bay Hotel oozes casual luxury. It’s high-end, but not at all stuffy – think surfboards out front, dogs on leads, kids running around in wetsuits. It’s a place people return to again and again, and I can see why.
Here’s what I loved:
- The Living Space: This all-day dining spot with a dreamy beach-view terrace became my go-to. I had two lunches and two dinners here. Highlights included the crispy duck salad, a decadent fried chicken burger (so good I ordered it twice), and a refreshing rose spritz cocktail I’ll be dreaming about for weeks.
- Breakfast at Zacry’s: Simple but solid. Think eggs, toast, pastries, cereals, and cinnamon buns. Enough to fuel a morning beach walk or workout.
- Indoor pool with a view: Although I didn’t get a chance to swim, I peeked in and the setup is gorgeous – an indoor pool that overlooks the bay. There’s also a gym and a spa, both perfect for rainy day plans.
- In-room extras: I loved the branded Watergate Bay magazine and the locally made hand sanitizer. Thoughtful, personal touches like these make the experience feel elevated.
What to Know Before You Go
Watergate Bay Hotel is beautifully run, but it’s also tightly run. This means:
- 3 p.m. check-in is strictly enforced (especially if you don’t arrive by car).
- Book dining and breakfast slots in advance. While you can be a bit more spontaneous once you arrive, things fill up quickly – especially with the hotel’s more secluded location.
- Getting around without a car? It’s doable (I managed fine!), but you’ll be dining mostly at the hotel unless you plan ahead for local taxis or beach walks to nearby spots.
The Beach: Cornwall at Its Best
Let’s talk about the star of the show, Watergate Bay beach. Expansive, clean, and perfect for long walks, it’s the kind of beach that makes you want to cancel your plans and just stay put.
It’s a haven for surfers and boogie boarders, but even if you’re not into water sports, you’ll enjoy strolling along the shore, people-watching, and soaking up the salty sea air. On sunny days, it’s pure magic. And even on foggy mornings, the cliffs and mist add their own moody charm.
Final Thoughts
Would I stay at the Watergate Bay Hotel again? In a heartbeat. It’s stylish without trying too hard, luxurious without being pretentious, and perched in one of the most stunning locations in the UK. While I didn’t try the surf lessons or spa this time, they’re firmly on my list for a future visit.
If you’re looking for a coastal UK escape that feels both energizing and restorative, Watergate Bay Hotel is a dream. For other options near the Watergate Bay Hotel, check out:
- Expedia: https://expedia.stay22.com/withsavvymediaandmarketingltd/vwLXZGVgp5
- Hotels.com: https://hotelscom.stay22.com/withsavvymediaandmarketingltd/eIeRSyJ8NO
- Booking.com: https://booking.stay22.com/withsavvymediaandmarketingltd/y-hAk3ooGt
Watch my full hotel review on YouTube below!
Planning a trip to Newquay?
- Read my Newquay travel blog post here: https://thesavvybostonian.com/2025/01/discovering-newquay-my-first-time-experiencing-cornwalls-coastal-charms/
- Browse more hotel reviews and travel tips at The Savvy Bostonian
Jessica Gioglio founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker on brand storytelling (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.
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