Here are the Good Hotel Guide’s Editor's Choice top 10 seaside hotels.
2024 Editor's Choice Seaside Hotels
Editor’s Choice Seaside Hotels
The Nare - '40 Winks Break' Special Offer
Veryan-in-Roseland
A ‘ringing endorsement’ from readers confirms our regard for this country-house hotel in sub-tropical gardens, above a secluded sandy bay. Guests can enjoy cream teas on the terrace, while in the restaurant retro touches such as an hors d’oeuvres trolley and flambés from the gueridon are positively novel.
Trefeddian Hotel - 'April Escape' Special Offer
Aberdovey
Family-run for more than a century, this child-friendly hotel has views across the golf course to Cardigan Bay. It’s neither hip nor boutique, but it is a perennial favourite with readers who praise the well-equipped bedrooms, the friendly staff, the nightly changing menu and traditional charms.
Porth Tocyn Hotel
Abersoch
Readers express great devotion to this hotel with glorious views to Snowdonia across Cardigan Bay, run since 1948 by the Fletcher-Brewer family. It’s child friendly, dog friendly and traditional, with a sea-facing terrace, heated pool and imaginative cooking.
The Henley
Bigbury-on-Sea
Readers love the warm, friendly, private-home ambience of this Edwardian holiday house B&B with spectacular views across the Avon estuary to Burgh Island from a suntrap terrace. You can bring your dog, walk the South West Coast Path, and spend days on a safe sandy beach.
Scarista House
Isle of Harris
It’s a long journey and a far cry from the teeming resorts of the English South Coast to this Georgian manse on the Isle of Harris, overlooking three miles of golden shell sand beach, between heather-clad mountains and the Atlantic. It’s all about good food, picnics, spectacular sunsets, star-filled night skies, perfect peace.
The Gallivant
Camber
There is so much to like about this evolving and innovating adult hotel across the road from the dunes, with a glorious unspoilt beach beyond. Expect stylish bedrooms, morning yoga in the studio or on the sands, locally sourced food, imaginative menus, a coastal garden and relaxed vibe.
Hell Bay Hotel
Bryher
Readers rave about the gorgeous Atlantic views, personable staff and memorable dinners at the Dorrien-Smith family’s hotel above a cove on the island’s rugged west coast. Local crab in the crab shack, sundowners on the sunset deck and yoga in the studio are among the delights.
Rathmullan House
Rathmullan
On the shores of Lough Swilly, on the Wild Atlantic Way, this Georgian house stands in wooded gardens with a path to a long sandy beach. We like the mix of comfy lounges, formal dining and, in summer, stone-baked pizzas and home-made ice cream under canvas on the lawn.
The Seaside Boarding House
Burton Bradstock
This laid-back yet stylish hotel draws witty inspiration from Edward Hopper’s Cape Cod and Edwardian seaside boarding houses. A cool, fun creation by escapees from London’s Groucho Club, it sits above Chesil Beach, with views over Lyme Bay from the restaurant and terrace.
2023 Editor's Choice Seaside Hotels
Editor’s Choice Seaside Hotels
The Nare - '40 Winks Break' Special Offer
Veryan-in-Roseland
A self-styled country hotel by the sea, The Nare has beautiful gardens leading to the sands of Carne beach. You can enjoy breathtaking views from some of the bedrooms, or fully immerse yourself in the picture by taking one of the hotel’s two boats to explore the Cornish coast.
Polurrian on the Lizard - Island Suite Package Special Offer
Mullion
The spectacular setting of this white clifftop edifice, with mesmerising sea views through its walls of windows, takes some beating. Walk down to the hotel’s own cove, just ten minutes away, or take a longer hike along the South West Coast Path, which runs alongside.
Hotel Portmeirion
Portmeirion
For a beach stay with a difference, check into the hotel Clough Williams-Ellis designed as the focal point for his ideal village. Overlooking the golden sands of the Dwyryd estuary, it makes a great base to explore both the Italianate resort and for coastal walks, preferably accompanied by an ice cream.
Scarista House
Isle of Harris
We love the edge-of-the-world location at Scarista, on miles of remote, crowd-free sands. If the sea is a tad nippy for swimming, try your hand at surfing, kayaking or sailing, then return to a feast cooked by owner Patricia Martin. Two bedrooms have sea-facing sitting areas.
The Gallivant
Camber
With a cool New England feel and a laid-back vibe, this hotel lies over the road from glorious Camber Sands. Rooms are decked out in nautical shades; the full package includes all-day elevenses, wine at 5pm and wellness classes. You can take your dog but not your kids.
Rathmullan House
Rathmullan
If you’re lucky you may see a dolphin or a porpoise here; the family-fun hotel on the shores of Lough Swilly has a three-kilometre beach at the bottom of its garden. The best rooms have lough views on show through bay windows, and fresh seafood is served in the restaurant.
South Sands
Salcombe
A sheltered beach is just steps away from the rooms of this smart contemporary hotel. Head out on a boat or relax in the sun before tucking into some local crab on the terrace. The best room has two slipper baths in a bay window, perfect for admiring the sea view.
From £215 per night
The Seaside Boarding House
Burton Bradstock
It feels like a mix between Edward Hopper’s Cape Cod and an Edwardian seaside hotel here on Chesil Beach. Interiors are filled with marine salvage, seascapes and antique-shop finds while the bright and light rooms all have views of the coast.
No. 33
Hunstanton
It may not be on the seafront, but Jeanne Whittome’s B&B is still a top spot to stay in the Victorian seaside town in the only west-facing resort on England’s east coast. The Coast Path runs from ‘sunny Hunny’ to Cromer, and a concierge service can arrange everything from bike hire to birdwatching.
2022 Editor's Choice Seaside Hotels
Editor’s Choice Seaside Hotels
Trefeddian Hotel - 'April Escape' Special Offer
Aberdovey
With a welcome as large as the stupendous views from its perch above Cardigan Bay, this family-run hotel is perfectly situated for hearty outdoor activities, from golf (with a view of the sea) to sailing, paddle- boarding and pony-trekking.
The Colonsay
Colonsay
Escape to this harbourside hotel, which enjoys views across to Jura and welcomes the locals in the bar and well-regarded restaurant. A restful sleep is assured in the modern rooms; awake refreshed to explore the island’s white-sand beaches.
Viewfield House
Portree
Sweeping views of the Sound of Raasay from the 20-acre grounds are complemented by fine Victorian interiors
– stuffed eagles, Turkey carpets, antique furniture, a grand piano. After a full Scottish, go sailing aboard the family yacht.
The Henley
Bigbury-on-Sea
There’s a touch of nostalgia at this Edwardian bolthole with a panorama of the Avon estuary from its sun terrace. Tumbling plants and towering potted palms, Lloyd Loom chairs, vintage wallpapers and velvet quilts recall a gentler era.
Driftwood Hotel
Porthscatho
Seaside views don’t get much better than from this dreamily located hotel overlooking Gerrans Bay – and you can get to the beach easily along its own pathway. All but one of the comfortable, boho-chic rooms look out on to the coast.
Tresanton
St Mawes
All the bedrooms in this shipshape former yacht club have glittering sea views, and you can dine outside on its waterside terraces. The nautical feel – even the staff wear blue and white uniforms – adds a touch of Riviera glamour.
Rosleague Manor
Letterfrack
Go wild on the Atlantic Way at this pink Regency house, with sloping lawns and views across Ballinakill Bay in Connemara. Interiors are filled with antiques, plump sofas, brass beds and log fires. Seven rooms have sea views.
The Gallivant
Camber
This adults-only hotel over the road from the sand dunes is a seriously funky little place, with a cool Californian vibe. It offers half-board-only overnight stays, which include elevenses, English vino and a yoga session on the beach.
The Pig on the Beach
Studland
You will love being beside the seaside at this eccentric, gabled and turreted villa, with shabby-chic bedrooms, vintage bric-a-brac, excellent food served in the
conservatory and sun-squinting views of the chalk cliffs of Studland Bay.
2021 Editor's Choice Seaside Hotels
Editor’s Choice Seaside Hotels
Soar Mill Cove Hotel - 'February First Week Staycation Saver' Special Offer
Salcombe
You get the very best of the British seaside at Keith Makepeace’s family-friendly hotel. A trail leads to the uncrowded beach, bedrooms have sea views, the menu is rich in seafood and there is easy access to the South West Coast Path.
The Nare - '40 Winks Break' Special Offer
Veryan-in-Roseland
Not only does this family-friendly hotel have beautifully landscaped gardens leading to a secluded bay, but it also has two boats for outings on the ocean. You can explore the creeks and rivers of the Cornish coast by yacht or motor launch.
Scarista House
Isle of Harris
The sea may be a tad frosty from the three-mile stretch of sand in front of this Isle of Harris hotel, but it’s gloriously remote and crowd free. Try your hand at sea sports on the island, including surfing, kayaking and sailing.
Rathmullan House
Rathmullan
It may be on the Wild Atlantic Way but this family-run hotel also has a three- kilometre beach on the shores of Lough Swilly at the bottom of its garden. There are lough views from some of the rooms, and the restaurant features local seafood.
The Pig on the Beach
Studland
Robin Hutson’s litter of Pig hotels is known for its foodie credentials, but in this one the specials on the menu come with a sea view. A path leads down to Studland Bay and the hotel’s beach hut; spa cabins look on to the waves.
Artist Residence Brighton
Brighton
For somewhere that encapsulates the spirit of bohemian Brighton, look no further than this mural-bedaubed hotel, with views to pebbles and pier. There’s a fun atmosphere, with cocktails and ping-pong as well as sea views and street art.
The Ship Inn
Elie
With its own cricket team and a pitch on the beach a stone’s throw away, this Scottish pub looking out across the Firth of Forth is pretty unique. Games are tide dependent but the bay views from nautical rooms should bowl you over all the time.
2020 Editor's Choice Seaside Hotels
Editor’s Choice Seaside Hotels
Soar Mill Cove Hotel - 'February First Week Staycation Saver' Special Offer
Salcombe
This single-storey hotel enfolded in a gorse-clad valley with views of the sea has been in the Makepeace family for three generations.
Talland Bay Hotel - 'Spring Showers & Beautiful Flowers' Special Offer
Talland-By-Looe
In 'one of the most idyllic spots ever', this dog-friendly hotel 'near the end of an extremely narrow lane' overlooks cliff-top gardens filled with larky sculpture and Wonderland whimsy.
The Royal Hotel - 25% Discount Special Offer
Ventnor
On a hillside overlooking subtropical gardens, with sweeping sea views, the Royal started life as a coaching inn in 1832, and went on growing.
Porth Tocyn Hotel
Abersoch
Guide readers are unswervingly loyal to this family-friendly country house by the sea, with peerless views to Snowdonia across Cardigan Bay, run by the Fletcher-Brewer family since opening in 1948.
The Blakeney Hotel
Holt
Readers again lavish praise on this quayside hotel – ‘one of the best run and best maintained in Britain' – in a ‘stunning setting looking over salt marsh’.
Tresanton
St Mawes
‘You feel as though you’re on the French Riviera’ at Olga Polizzi’s seaside hotel ‘in one of the most idyllic locations you could hope to come across’.
The Gallivant
Camber
The name says it all: a place to skip along Camber Sands, enjoy backgammon in the bar, chill in the garden or relax with yoga – and with no children to disturb the peace.
Rathmullan House
Rathmullan
Pass the little gate lodge to drive up to this bay-fronted country house in wooded grounds edged by a beach on Lough Swilly.
The Pierhouse
Port Appin
On the shores of Loch Linnhe, with views to Lismore and the mountains of Moven, this former pier-master’s house is a lovely hotel with stylish bedrooms and a varied menu, long on fish, served in the sea-view dining room.
Seaside Hotel of the Year 2019 (Cesar Winner)
Editor’s Choice Seaside Hotels
The Nare - '40 Winks Break' Special Offer
Veryan-in-Roseland
‘It’s like going back in time to more gracious living,’ writes a reader after an annual visit to the Ashworth family's hotel in sub-tropical gardens above Carne Beach.
2019 Editor's Choice Seaside Hotels
Editor’s Choice Seaside Hotels
Trefeddian Hotel - 'April Escape' Special Offer
Aberdovey
A hotel for family holidays, not boutique or trendy, but relaxed, with the beach just across the road, sea-facing lounges, packed lunches to order, children’s supper, tea on the terrace, a putting green, and good, old-fashioned hospitality.
Cary Arms & Spa - 'Gastro Getaway' Special Offer
Babbacombe
You can arrive by sea and moor at this secluded hotel, which clings to the cliffs above the Teign estuary. Beach huts in tropical coastal gardens have wall-to-wall glass doors, a sunbathing deck, views across Lyme Bay.
The White Horse - Three Nights B&B for the price of Two Special Offer
Brancaster Staithe
There are Brancaster oysters and beer- battered cod on the bar menu at this family-run inn with views across the salt marshes to the sea. Close by are miles of unspoilt honey-hued sandy beaches, perfect for kite-surfing.
Argyll Hotel
Iona
The best tables in the sun lounge gaze across the water to Mull at this owner-run hotel occupying a row of crofters’ cottages. Menus embrace locally caught fish, hand-creeled langoustines, crab and lobster, organic garden produce.
Tresanton
St Mawes
All bedrooms have views across Falmouth Bay to St Anthony’s lighthouse, at Olga Polizzi’s relaxed but stylish hotel. You can sail aboard a vintage yacht or just hang out in the Beach Club, lunch on oysters or a crab sandwich with champagne.
Hell Bay Hotel
Bryher
Outside, calm protected beaches and dreamy views of outlying islets. Inside, rooms with a breezy New England style, an acclaimed collection of Cornish art and a menu highlighting gloriously fresh produce from the Isles of Scilly. Its crab shack is a popular summer fixture.
The Seaside Boarding House
Burton Bradstock
On Chesil Beach, drawing inspiration from Edward Hopper’s Cape Cod, this is a hip but laid-back operation. All bedrooms have a sea view. You can eat on the terrace – crab sandwiches, home-made ices, Dorset cream tea.
Artist Residence Brighton
Brighton
From sea-view balcony rooms to the basement Bunkhouse and ‘Below Deck’, this Regency seafront hotel is as cool and quirky as Brighton itself. Breakfast in The Set includes scrambled rare-breed Cacklebean eggs with local smoked mackerel.
2018 Editor's Choice Seaside Hotels
Editor’s Choice Seaside Hotels
The Nare - '40 Winks Break' Special Offer
Veryan-in-Roseland
‘It’s like going back in time to more gracious living,’ writes a reader after an annual visit to the Ashworth family's hotel in sub-tropical gardens above Carne Beach.
Cary Arms & Spa - 'Gastro Getaway' Special Offer
Babbacombe
A cosy beamed pub is the warm heart of this hotel, in the shelter of wooded, red sandstone cliffs that reminded the young Queen Victoria of ‘a ballet or a play where nymphs appear’.
Porth Tocyn Hotel
Abersoch
Guide readers are unswervingly loyal to this family-friendly country house by the sea, with peerless views to Snowdonia across Cardigan Bay, run by the Fletcher-Brewer family since opening in 1948.
The Blakeney Hotel
Holt
Readers again lavish praise on this quayside hotel – ‘one of the best run and best maintained in Britain' – in a ‘stunning setting looking over salt marsh’.
Tresanton
St Mawes
‘You feel as though you’re on the French Riviera’ at Olga Polizzi’s seaside hotel ‘in one of the most idyllic locations you could hope to come across’.
The Beach
Bude
The old, pointy-gabled Victorian Summerleaze Court Hotel hardly knows itself these days, with its cool New England style and sunny terrace above a sandy surfers’ beach.
The Idle Rocks
St Mawes
With a waterside terrace, coolly stylish interiors, well-equipped bedrooms and a chef who honed his craft in Raymond Blanc’s kitchen, this Edwardian hotel in a fishing village on the Fal estuary is the place to idle away blissful days.
The Pig on the Beach
Studland
There is a hint of Castle Gormenghast about this fairytale 1820s marine villa, with its jumble of roofs, gables, gargoyles, towers and dormers, in gardens running down to a sandy beach.
The Seaside Boarding House
Burton Bradstock
A playful mix of Edward Hopper’s Cape Cod and Edwardian seaside hotel, this white-painted villa above Chesil Beach has an easy-going stylishness, conducive to fun.
2017 Editor's Choice Seaside Hotels
Editor’s Choice Seaside Hotels
Soar Mill Cove Hotel - 'February First Week Staycation Saver' Special Offer
Salcombe
This single-storey hotel enfolded in a gorse-clad valley with views of the sea has been in the Makepeace family for three generations.
The Nare - '40 Winks Break' Special Offer
Veryan-in-Roseland
‘It’s like going back in time to more gracious living,’ writes a reader after an annual visit to the Ashworth family's hotel in sub-tropical gardens above Carne Beach.
Cary Arms & Spa - 'Gastro Getaway' Special Offer
Babbacombe
A cosy beamed pub is the warm heart of this hotel, in the shelter of wooded, red sandstone cliffs that reminded the young Queen Victoria of ‘a ballet or a play where nymphs appear’.
The Old Coastguard - Winter Escape Special Offer
Penzance
‘My favourite hotel anywhere in the world,’ writes a reader of this welcoming pub-with-rooms in an enchanting Cornish fishing village.
The White Horse - Three Nights B&B for the price of Two Special Offer
Brancaster Staithe
The superb setting of the Nye family's hotel overlooking salt marshes to the sea and Scolt Head Island is matched by a 'really good atmosphere', say readers who go back year after year.
Driftwood Hotel
Porthscatho
‘This hotel is all about position – on the cliffs above the beach and beautiful gardens,’ a reader writes.
The Idle Rocks
St Mawes
With a waterside terrace, coolly stylish interiors, well-equipped bedrooms and a chef who honed his craft in Raymond Blanc’s kitchen, this Edwardian hotel in a fishing village on the Fal estuary is the place to idle away blissful days.
The Pig on the Beach
Studland
There is a hint of Castle Gormenghast about this fairytale 1820s marine villa, with its jumble of roofs, gables, gargoyles, towers and dormers, in gardens running down to a sandy beach.
Hotels chosen in 2016
Editor’s Choice Seaside Hotels
The Colonsay
Colonsay
The ferry from Oban brings you to the sole hotel, now under new ownership and management, on a beautiful island of fine sandy beaches, heather-clad hills, wild goats, ancient woodland, peat bogs and tidal flats.
The Henley
Bigbury-on-Sea
The 'spectacular views of the rugged coastline' over Bigbury-on-Sea's sands towards Burgh Island are what first impress about this former Edwardian holiday home, but guests also appreciate the 'inventive, tasty and well-cooked' food and the 'warm, jovial and friendly' owners.
Hell Bay Hotel
Bryher
Sitting above a secluded cove on Bryher’s rugged west-facing coast, with 'nothing in between to Canada', this pretty blue-and-white weatherboarded farmhouse-turned-hotel is a '10/10 experience’, say smitten guests.