Housel Bay Hotel

Housel Bay Hotel Overview

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Housel Bay Hotel – I mean, you’re basically at the end of the world here on the Lizard Peninsula, and sometimes that means compromising on comfort. But this place actually surprised me in the best way possible. The location is absolutely mad – you’re literally perched on the cliffs at Housel Cove, and I’m talking proper dramatic Cornish coastline stuff here, not some tame seaside resort nonsense. When you step out of your car (parking’s right there, thank god, because dragging luggage down clifftop paths is nobody’s idea of fun), the sound of waves crashing below is pretty much constant. It’s the kind of white noise that either drives you mental or puts you to sleep instantly – for me, it was definitely the latter.

What really gets me about this place is how they’ve managed to feel upscale without being stuffy about it. The staff actually know the area – like, properly know it. When I asked about walking the coastal path, the guy at reception didn’t just hand me a generic leaflet; he told me exactly where to pick up the trail to avoid the boggy bit near Lizard Point and mentioned the little café in Lizard village that does proper Cornish pasties (not the tourist trap ones). The rooms are what you’d hope for from a 4-star – nothing revolutionary, but comfortable beds, decent shower pressure, and those thick curtains that actually block out light, which is crucial if you’re planning any early morning coastal walks. I stayed in one of the sea-facing rooms, and honestly, you wake up to this view that makes you forget you’re in the UK for a minute. Well, until you step outside and the wind reminds you exactly where you are.

The restaurant’s pretty solid too – they clearly know their suppliers because the fish is proper fresh, and they’re not trying to be too clever with it. Simple stuff done well, you know? I had the crab from the local boats, and it actually tasted like it was caught that morning rather than sitting around for days. The only slight downside is that if you’re here during peak summer, the whole area gets absolutely rammed with tourists heading to Lizard Point, so the roads can be a nightmare. But here’s the thing – most day-trippers clear out by late afternoon, so if you’re staying overnight, you get this amazing sense of having the dramatic coastline almost to yourself. Evening walks along the cliff paths when the light’s going golden? That’s when you remember why Cornwall’s got such a grip on people. The hotel’s 8.8 rating makes total sense once you’ve been – it’s not trying to be flashy, just doing everything right in one of the most spectacular spots on the English coast.

Housel Bay Hotel Accommodations

Reviews of Housel Bay Hotel

• Megan from United Kingdom – 13 June 2025 (9/10)

  Stunning views, beautiful Victorian hotel that has been renovated to super high standard, really chic and stylish whilst being welcoming and comfortable. Staff were amazing. Will definitely stay again. Coastal walks right from the doorstep, a 10min walk into Lizard town. Amazing location.

• Wilkins from United Kingdom – 7 June 2025 (9/10)

  Beautiful location, view from the restaurant across the bay, comfortable bed, friendly welcoming staff.

• Richard from United Kingdom – 3 June 2025 (9/10)

  Overlooking the sea, this is a superb hotel, It is clean comfortable with exceptionally friendly staff.
  Excellent base for walking the coastline and exploring the Lizard Peninsula and South Cornwall.
  I enjoyed my stay.
  
  What could be improved: The Lizard light house is close by, maybe 800m away. Now I've had a fascination with lighthouses since childhood and quite enjoyed the sound of the fog horn. However some might not share my enjoyment, in which case earplugs might be in order on misty nights.

• Julia from United Kingdom – 27 May 2025 (8/10)

  Fabulous location
  
  What could be improved: Lift was broken so lots of stairs with the suitcases

• Zena from New Zealand – 18 May 2025 (9/10)

  Fantastic setting, great views from the room. Fabulous food, lots of walking from the hotel, EV charger.
  
  What could be improved: No lift working,

• Kevin from United Kingdom – 15 May 2025 (8/10)

  The food in the restaurant was excellent. The service was also exceptional. The location is second to none so sitting in the garden with an afternoon drink was just marvellous
  
  What could be improved: The room was a little smaller than we had expected. Slightly irritating to arrive at 1505 and not be able to get a sandwich because the kitchen closed at 1500. It would be foolish to complain about the foghorn on the lighthouse so I'm not doing that but I might like to have been made aware of it prior to arrival.

• Susanne from United Kingdom – 11 May 2025 (9/10)

  Breakfast was lovely with self service choice initially and cooked plate choices available via waitress service. Food was appetising and generous. the staff were really friendly and helpful . The view from The Terrace, where we were being served was amazing and made a wonderful start to the day. .

• Oli from United Kingdom – 4 May 2025 (9/10)

  Location was amazing, staff were lovely and the facilities were top notch.
  
  What could be improved: Food was quite expensive but it was still very nice.

• Roger from United Kingdom – 3 May 2025 (9/10)

  Staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. Room was very good.
  
  What could be improved: The garden could be nicer with a bit of professional planting.

• Colin from United Kingdom – 2 May 2025 (9/10)

  The Location!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

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