Ocean Blue

Ocean Blue Overview

First Impressions

When I first pulled up to Ocean Blue in Porthtowan, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect — the approach is pretty unassuming, tucked away from the main coastal road. But you know what? That’s actually part of its charm. This four-star property sits right where you want to be on Cornwall’s north coast, and the moment you step inside, you get why couples are absolutely smitten with this place. The staff greeted me like I was staying at a friend’s place, which set the tone for everything that followed.

The Perfect Coastal Spot

Look, Porthtowan isn’t St. Ives or Padstow — it’s better in some ways because it’s not overrun with tourists. The beach is literally a two-minute walk from the hotel, and I mean a proper Cornish beach with decent surf and that wild, rugged coastline that makes you feel like you’re at the edge of the world. What really impressed me was how the locals at Ocean Blue knew all the insider spots — they pointed me toward the best surf breaks and told me exactly when to hit the coastal path for those Instagram-worthy sunset shots. The parking situation is brilliant too, which anyone who’s driven around Cornwall in summer will tell you is worth its weight in gold.

The Room Experience

My room faced the ocean — well, sort of, you get glimpses between the dunes — and honestly, waking up to that view never got old during my stay. The space felt fresh and contemporary without being sterile, if that makes sense. There’s this nice balance between coastal charm and modern comfort that a lot of seaside hotels struggle with. The bed was properly comfortable (I’m picky about mattresses), and the bathroom had one of those rainfall showers that actually works. Small details matter when you’re sandy and salty from a day on the beach.

Dining and Social Spaces

The restaurant surprised me — I wasn’t expecting much from a mid-sized coastal hotel, but they’re doing some really solid modern British cooking with local ingredients. The chef clearly knows their way around Cornish seafood, and they’ve got this relaxed atmosphere where you can show up in your beach gear or dress up a bit for dinner. Breakfast was the kind of spread that actually fuels you for a day of coastal exploring, not just pretty Instagram plates. I spent quite a bit of time in their lounge area too, which has this lovely view over the dunes and feels like the perfect spot for an evening drink.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets Ocean Blue apart is how it nails that sweet spot between being special enough for a romantic getaway but relaxed enough that you’re not walking on eggshells. The location score of 10.0 from recent guests isn’t just marketing fluff — you’re genuinely in one of Cornwall’s most beautiful stretches of coast, but without the crowds and inflated prices of the more famous spots. It’s the kind of place where you can have a proper Cornish adventure during the day, then come back to genuine comfort and hospitality in the evening. For couples especially, there’s something about the combination of dramatic coastline and intimate atmosphere that just works.

Savvy travelers reserve a hotel in Cornwall before Christmas markets light up harbor towns with choirs and lanterns.

Facilities