Beach Base Lodge, Padstow Cornwall

Hotel Description

You know what? I’ve stayed in a lot of places around Cornwall, but Beach Base Lodge in Padstow really caught me off guard – in the best way possible. When I first pulled up to 62 Merope (which is basically tucked away from the main tourist chaos but still walkable to everything), I honestly wasn’t expecting much from the name. Sounds a bit like a hostel, right? But this place is actually a proper 4-star spot that feels way more intimate and thoughtful than those big chain hotels you usually find in popular coastal towns.

The thing about Padstow is that it can get absolutely mental during peak season – I mean, Rick Stein’s empire has basically turned the harbor area into a foodie pilgrimage site, which is great but also means you’re dodging crowds and paying premium prices for everything. Beach Base Lodge sits in this sweet spot where you’re close enough to walk to the Camel Estuary and all the restaurants (maybe 8-10 minutes to the harbor on foot), but you’re not dealing with the constant stream of day-trippers outside your window. The rooms have this clean, modern vibe without being sterile – lots of natural light, decent coffee setup, and honestly the bed was one of those “sink right in after a long day walking the coastal path” situations. What really impressed me was the attention to little details that most places skip: proper blackout curtains (crucial when you’re trying to sleep in during summer when it’s light until nearly 10pm), USB charging ports where you actually need them, and a shower with water pressure that doesn’t make you question your life choices.

The staff clearly know the area inside and out, which makes such a difference when you’re trying to figure out tide times for the ferry to Rock or where to park that won’t cost you £20 a day. They pointed me toward some brilliant walks I never would have found otherwise – there’s this gorgeous stretch toward Stepper Point that most tourists miss because they’re all queuing for the Camel Trail. Location-wise, you’re also perfectly positioned if you want to explore beyond Padstow proper. Wadebridge is maybe 15 minutes by car, and you can actually get to some of the quieter beaches on the north coast without fighting through the typical Newquay traffic. I stayed there in late September and it was honestly perfect timing – still warm enough for coastal walks but past the summer madness, plus parking around town was actually manageable. The 9.6 rating makes total sense once you’ve been there; it’s one of those places that just gets the basics absolutely right while adding enough personality to feel special rather than corporate.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $156. Holiday Home with 2 × 1 double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Taxslave from United Kingdom – 28 December 2024 (10/10)

  The Lodge was so very clean and homely, spacious and very comfortable. The place and the linen, cookware and consumables were all of a very high standard.
  We are so delighted with everything about this lodge that we intend to return next year and ultimately buy one as our next home.
  Truly a delightful experience from beginning to end
  David & Maria
  
  What could be improved: The holiday ended too soon

• Prosser from Australia – 1 November 2024 (9/10)

  Great size rooms and very modern. So close to Padstow without paying Padstow prices. The house came with everything that you would want. The showers were some of the best we have had on our journey and beds were very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Hasell from United Kingdom – 4 October 2024 (10/10)

  The lodge was so lovely clean and cosy could not fault it at all
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing not to like.

• Rita from United Kingdom – 8 September 2024 (9/10)

  Clean, spacious comfortable and all facilities you need for a visit, Shona and Simon thought of every you could want or need for the duration

• Giles from United Kingdom – 16 August 2024 (10/10)

  So comfortable and absolutely perfect for our family stay, plenty of space and very clean!
  
  What could be improved: Sadly it’s a short drive/cycle to the beaches rather than walkable.

• Andrew from United Kingdom – 7 August 2024 (10/10)

  Great home to stay in. Good location. Good site with all the facilities I needed.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Lauren from United Kingdom – 25 July 2024 (10/10)

  Everything. We have stayed here 3 times now and hope to keep booking each year for our annual holiday!!
  
  What could be improved: Not applicable. Everything is always exceptional!!

• Linda from Australia – 6 July 2024 (10/10)

  Location, well presented. Beautiful place to stay.
  Very welcoming
  
  What could be improved: Difficult to find as weeds had overgrown at number and home name.

• Barry from United Kingdom – 30 June 2024 (10/10)

  The lodge was fantastic everything you needed could not fault it

• Christina from United Kingdom – 24 June 2024 (10/10)

  Very roomy, clean, great location and everything supplied for us to use if needed.
  
  What could be improved: WiFi slow at times.
  No TV in bedroom. In the evenings it would have been useful so one of us could watch a different channel.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities