Inn on the Shore

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Inn on the Shore? The name actually means something here – you’re literally steps from the water in Downderry, and I mean proper seaside, not some distant glimpse through other buildings. The moment you pull up (parking’s right there, thank god, because finding a spot in these coastal villages can be a nightmare), you can hear the waves and smell that sharp, clean salt air that immediately makes your shoulders drop.

The thing about Downderry is it’s still got that authentic Cornish fishing village feel – none of the tourist circus you get in places like St. Ives or Padstow. It’s tucked between Looe and Plymouth, so you’re close enough to civilization but far enough away that you actually feel like you’ve escaped somewhere. The inn itself sits perfectly positioned to catch both the morning light and those incredible sunsets over Whitsand Bay. Honestly, I spent way too much time just standing at my window with a cup of tea, watching the tide roll in and out. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star – comfortable beds, decent WiFi (important if you’re trying to work remotely like half the world these days), and they’ve clearly put thought into the details without going overboard. The bathroom had one of those rainfall showers that actually works properly, which is rarer than you’d think.

What really sets this place apart though is how it feels genuinely rooted in its location. The staff actually know the area – like, really know it. They pointed me toward this little coastal path that runs from Downderry to Seaton Beach that I never would have found otherwise. Perfect for morning walks before the day-trippers show up, and you’ll probably have it mostly to yourself. The breakfast uses local suppliers (you can taste the difference in the eggs), and they don’t do that annoying thing where they try to reinvent everything – just solid, well-made food that hits the spot after a night of sea air. I mean, the 8.6 rating makes sense when you experience it. It’s not trying to be boutique-fancy or chain-hotel efficient – it’s just confidently itself, which feels pretty refreshing these days. If you’re looking for somewhere to properly unwind and remember why people fall in love with the Cornish coast in the first place, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $140. Standard Twin Room with 1 double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $142. Standard Double Room with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $145. Superior Double Room with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $181. Deluxe Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Mark from United Kingdom – 23 June 2025 (9/10)

  The view from our room (no 1. Downderry) and the terraces was splendid. The ever changing beach with the tide washed rocks and rockpools was lovely. Burger and Pizza were very good.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast offer is quite restricted and service is minimal. The sausages are low quality, more like Frankfurtrss in texture. The Chorizo hash is unlike any hash I've ever had and is not something I would be likely to order ever again, particularly for breakfast.

• Linzie from United Kingdom – 22 June 2025 (8/10)

  A lovely little place. The room was small but perfect. Nice and clean and a very nice breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: View from bedroom window was horrible.
  Extremely noisy as live music on til 11.30pm. Ok if you like that sort of thing but was directly under our room so had no choice.

• Amanda from United Kingdom – 22 June 2025 (9/10)

  Very lovely place. Staff brilliant very friendly and helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Only negative was the live band Nothing against a live band but would of been nice to have been told prior to visit as our stay was for a relaxing romantic break

• Andrew from United Kingdom – 18 June 2025 (9/10)

  This was our 3rd stay at the Inn on the Shore and as always we loved it. The staff are always friendly and attentive and can't do enough for you. Breakfast was fab , great eggs benedict 😊 Lovely room with great views out to sea, great bed too.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing of any worth talking about.

• Mandy from United Kingdom – 16 June 2025 (9/10)

  We loved the location, the relaxed, friendly atmosphere and the staff were so friendly and welcoming.
  
  What could be improved: We liked everything

• Neil from United Kingdom – 8 June 2025 (9/10)

  The location is unrivalled! The bar's terrace wraps around the pub and sits right above the beach and coastline. Superb views. The staff were super friendly and really helpful.

• Stella from United Kingdom – 4 June 2025 (9/10)

  Breakfast was lovely, the location on the cliff top is stunning and the beach walks after breakfast are just soul refreshing. Lovely bed, shower, facilities etc.

• Thorne from United Kingdom – 1 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great pub great room great food great location friendly staff

• Sarah from United Kingdom – 20 May 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing position right by the beach and had a room with a great view .
  Rooms are wonderful , staff are so nice . Great stay thank you
  
  What could be improved: The only negative is they never had much on the menu both evenings , so perhaps stock cupboards up . Apart from that excellent .

• Karen from South Africa – 19 May 2025 (8/10)

  The location was great, and the staff wonderful. The food was excellent.
  
  What could be improved: The room was a little on the small side. Two of the days I had to work and the wi-fi was pretty bad. Also, there was nowhere outside of pub hours to either sit inside or to work.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities