Kilbirnie Hotel

The location was handy, within easy walking distance of town and the beaches, and getting checked in was quick even with a coachload arriving at Reception. We only stayed one night on our way to Cornwall. The room was nice for the price, dogs were allowed, and we got a bonus sea view. The pool itself was okay, though the changing areas could be better. Breakfast was nice the next morning. My husband liked the cooked options, but some vegetarian choices would have been welcome. The buffet setup caused queues when the coach groups came down: there's only one toaster and one coffee machine.

I chose not to pay extra for breakfast, since town is close and has plenty of places to eat. For around £40 in Dec 2025, room 212 was a good option for a solo traveller, and I'd stay here again. It's compact but not gloomy, with a wardrobe and safe, desk, side table, large TV, tea and coffee facilities, and a bath and shower ensuite. The room was spotless and warm, with windows I could open for sea air, controllable heating, a desk fan in the wardrobe, and a hairdryer in a drawer. I enjoyed a lovely hot bath and a good, hot shower with strong pressure in the morning. The bed was the letdown: its lumpy mattress needs replacing and wasn't comfortable. The walls are thin too. I could hear the neighbour using the loo, as his bathroom seemed to be against the bed wall. And this is a bugbear with hotels generally: a single quilt doesn't work well for an adult, even at 5ft 5. At least a queen-sized quilt on a single bed would be better. The cold tap ran hot for a while before turning cold every time. I was using the right tap and reported it, but ended up buying bottled water from the Tescos Express next door. There were plenty of plug sockets, but none had USB ports, so bring plugs. I booked a single bed for one night. The hotel is on the cliffs, on the main road into Newquay Town centre, with on-site parking. It was easy to find and had a very welcoming entrance. The front rooms must have an epic sea view. My room at the back right of the second floor wasn't sea-facing, as expected for the price, though I could see the beach between the buildings. On arrival the staff were helpful and friendly, and even got me a hot chocolate from the bar.

Tara is by far the best receptionist I've known. She's kind, caring, and goes above and beyond to help. The pool lets the hotel down badly, though. Because of my disability I can't use it as often as I'd like, partly because it's so cold. Kids come out with blue lips after five minutes. The floor is sharp and has cut my child twice, and the pool area isn't as clean as it could be. From poolside level you can see hair and grime, and we've had four ear infections so far. If you have arthritis, I'd say the water may be too cold for you. They said last year they would address this, but nothing has changed. It's a good-sized pool and there's a sauna, but those issues are a real shame. We wanted to book the hotel, but found somewhere up the road for the same price with a warmer pool. The staff there weren't as friendly as the ones at kilberne.

The food was good, and the staff were friendly. The place was clean and well equipped, but the view was a letdown. I asked for something scenic, but a sea view cost another £65. What scenic view, then? One side looked onto a brick wall and the other onto a building with scaffolding. The windows had film on them. We stayed for five days, and I'm unlikely to stay in Newquay again.