The Beach At Bude

We’ve been to the Beach about five times and enjoyed every visit until this weekend. We came on Friday 7th November with my sister and brother-in-law after telling them what a fantastic place it was. The breakfast was beautiful again, but the server leaned across us to hand me my plate, then asked me to pass it while clearing up. We were the first people seated at 8am, and the restaurant wasn’t full, so I felt she could have waited until we’d left the table. Reception also felt different this time. We waited around 10 minutes while one woman handled things alone, and she didn’t seem as warm as the two women we usually see there. My sister had room 1 and we had room 7. Both walls had missing paint, and the sink in room 7 wasn’t draining properly even after I reported it. It was still like that when we left Sunday morning. We were here in July or August too, but this stay left us a little disappointed. For the first time, it felt somewhat tired and not worth the money.

Everything went smoothly, from the room to dinner and breakfast. Our breakfast table was already set by the window with our room number and orange juice waiting. The receptionist was amazing, helpful and professional. Probably our best hotel experience so far, and we’ll stay there again.

The Beach at Bude Hotel is right beside the sea, with lovely views and easy beach access. My base room was gorgeous, spotlessly clean and well cared for, with beautiful decor and a fantastic shower. I also liked the in-room coffee machine, fresh milk, bottled water and fridge. Breakfast had plenty of choice and high-quality ingredients, and dinner was delicious, with every course cooked just right and nicely presented. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. It met what I’d expect from a four-star hotel.

Bude turned out to be a more spacious, relaxed alternative to our usual trips to St Ives, which can feel like a theme park. Parking by the hotel was easy, and booking restaurants didn’t require the six months’ notice I used to need in St Ives. The staff were great, and the rooms were big enough that we weren’t constantly getting in each other’s way. The nearest beach bar is only a two-minute walk. Most of all, I wanted a Cornwall town where we could watch the sun set over the sea from a balcony, drink in hand, with nothing blocking the view. I found exactly that, along with a high-quality hotel. We loved it.