Samphire

Hotel Description

You know what’s funny about Padstow? Everyone talks about Rick Stein’s empire taking over the town, but honestly, staying at Samphire made me realize there’s so much more character tucked away on these narrow streets. This place sits right on High Street – and I mean right in the thick of things – but somehow manages to feel like your own little secret.

The building itself has that proper Cornish coastal vibe without trying too hard, if you know what I mean. I actually loved how they’ve kept the original character while making everything feel genuinely comfortable. The rooms aren’t massive (well, it’s a historic building on a medieval street, so what do you expect?), but they’re thoughtfully done with these lovely details that make you want to actually spend time in them rather than just crash for the night. The beds are properly comfortable too – I’m talking about that sweet spot where you sleep through the seagulls at dawn but still hear the harbor sounds that remind you where you are. Speaking of which, you’re literally a two-minute wander down to the harbor, and I mean an actual easy walk, not that “short walk” nonsense hotels usually claim that turns out to be twenty minutes uphill.

What really got me was how the staff seemed to actually know Padstow, not just the tourist bits. They pointed me toward the best pasty shop (not the obvious one everyone queues at) and mentioned that the coast path to Dennis Head is stunning but gets muddy after rain – the kind of local intel that actually matters. The 9.4 rating makes total sense once you’re there; it’s not trying to be some flashy resort, it’s just doing everything really well. Parking can be a bit of a dance during summer – there’s a car park nearby but it fills up quick when the day-trippers arrive, so I’d definitely ask about that when booking. The breakfast was one of those pleasant surprises too, proper local ingredients without the usual hotel buffet sadness. I mean, you’re in Cornwall, so the cream tea situation is obviously sorted, but they do a genuinely good full English if that’s your thing. Honestly, the whole place just feels like someone who really cares about hospitality decided to open a hotel rather than some corporate checklist exercise. If you’re planning to explore the coast path or just want a base that feels connected to the town rather than isolated from it, Samphire hits that mark perfectly.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $122. Double Room with Private Bathroom with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Chris from United Kingdom – 21 June 2025 (9/10)

  The accommodation was perfect for us, spotlessly clean & everything that we needed was provided. Fabulous bathroom. Location was excellent being only a few minutes walk from Padstow harbour. We'll definitely use samphire again.

• Dr from Australia – 19 June 2025 (10/10)

  This was a very lovely stay in a room that had everything you needed with the best of amenities/products and tea/brekky snacks at your fingertips. The room was cosy and comfortable; every detail thought of by lovely Jane and Geoff to provide comfort. A stones throw away from picturesque views-very close to shops and restaurants. Jane always communicated beyond what was expected to ensure we had what we needed and was able to provide answers to our queries swiftly. A really wonderful stay with hospitable hosts.
  
  What could be improved: NA

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

  Location was fantastic. Hosts were so helpful with directions, and great facilities at the property. Very comfortable, homely and better than expected.
  
  What could be improved: As we're a tidy/ clean pair – a suggestion only, would be to give a little sponge & washing up liquid for the teacups etc (already supplied) and potentially some curtains to make the room a bit darker. But no complaints

• Hazel from United Kingdom – 26 May 2025 (10/10)

  This was fabulous for us. The property is sort of a combination of self catering and B+B. Breakfast is provided for you to make yourself at the time that suits you. The egg boiling and poaching device were brilliant. This was perfect for us as we were walking the South West Coast Path and wanted to get out early before it got too hot. This property gave us the flexibility to do this. The location was fantastic for exploring Padstow.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Jan from New Zealand – 23 May 2025 (10/10)

  Cosy property right in the heart of Padstow. Very comfortable – loved the big bathroom! Owner very welcoming and on hand to help with any problems. The breakfast foods provided were a real treat.
  
  I didn’t have a car and the central location meant this wasn’t a problem – plenty to see and doin walking distance.

• Emily from United Kingdom – 6 May 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent communication , very clean and comfortable .

• Sue from United Kingdom – 27 April 2025 (10/10)

  Spotlessly clean with everything you may need during your stay. Small breakfast station and fridge outside the room with items to help yourself. Close proximity to town, only 5 mins walk down the hill and free parking on the street above.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Stuart from United Kingdom – 18 April 2025 (10/10)

  Very attentive owners, ensured we were always supplied with lovely breakfast items and plenty of milk.

• Kiel from United Kingdom – 12 April 2025 (8/10)

  There is a continental breakfast which was advertised as such consisted of toast butter jams cereals. The host mentioned if there was anything we needed during ours stay to just ask. They only supply the two towels on the first night. I requested a second set of towels which they immediately supplied so that was great. Lovely bathroom. Love the floor lights that shine up. They're very great when you need the toilet at night without waking up your partner.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing I didn't like was I did tick the parking on site for booking.com. however, after booking this I was told there is parking up the road which is very busy and you might not get in there but there's a car park 15 minutes away. Obviously the free parking was full. I ended up paying £10.50 per day for two nights costing me £21 which I wasn't expecting.

• Ngim from United Kingdom – 3 April 2025 (8/10)

  A quiet spot and yet very close to village centre
  
  What could be improved: Could do with some storage space

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities