The Beach at Bude

We had a really good three nights in Room 16, with a lovely view across Bude Bay. It's a big room but still feels cosy, and the en-suite is very generously sized. There was something different each morning at breakfast: a Full Cornish, salmon and scrambled eggs on sourdough, then a continental with fruit, yoghurt, granola and pastries. The staff were all great, and the service felt just right.

We've stayed at the Beach several times, including in July or August this year, and have always enjoyed it, so we brought my sister and brother-in-law along this weekend. Sadly, it felt a bit disappointing and, for the first time, a little tired for the price. We arrived on Friday, 7th November, and waited about ten minutes at reception before a woman who was there alone gave us a key. She didn't seem as welcoming as the two women we've usually seen there. My sister had Room 1 and I had Room 7. Both had patches of missing paint, and Room 7's sink wasn't draining properly. I reported it, but it was still the same when we left on Sunday. Breakfast was beautiful again, but the server leaned across us to hand me my plate. While clearing up, she asked me to pass it to her. I felt she could have waited until we'd left the table. The restaurant wasn't full, and at 8am we were the first people seated.

Our breakfast table was ready by the window, with our room number and orange juice already there. The evening meal and breakfast both went smoothly, and the receptionist was amazing, helpful and professional. Probably my best hotel experience so far. We'll stay again.

The setting by the sea couldn't be better, with lovely views and easy beach access. My base room was gorgeous, spotlessly clean and well looked after, with a fantastic shower. I especially liked having a coffee machine, fresh milk, bottled water and a fridge in the room. Breakfast had plenty of choice and high quality ingredients, and dinner was delicious, with every course cooked just right and beautifully presented. The staff were exceptionally friendly and welcoming. It lived up to what I'd expect from a four star hotel.