Sand Martin

Hotel Description

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first walked up to the Sand Martin on Church Street – I mean, Looe gets pretty packed with tourists, and sometimes the accommodations can feel a bit cookie-cutter. But this place actually surprised me in the best way possible. It’s got that proper Cornish charm without trying too hard, you know? The kind of spot where you can tell they’ve put thought into the details rather than just slapping up some generic seaside decor.

What really gets me about the Sand Martin is how they’ve managed to nail that sweet spot between being right in the thick of things but not completely chaotic. Church Street puts you maybe a two-minute walk from the harbor (and I mean a proper stroll, not even a brisk walk), so you can pop down to watch the fishing boats come in with the morning catch or grab fish and chips from one of the decent spots along the quay. But here’s the thing – and this matters if you’re a light sleeper like me – the rooms are surprisingly quiet considering how central you are. I was worried about drunk tourists stumbling back from the pubs, but the building seems to buffer most of the noise pretty well.

The staff actually know their stuff too, which is refreshing. When I asked about the best time to hit the coastal path without dealing with crowds, they didn’t just give me some rehearsed answer – they told me about the little section that heads toward Hannafore Point and how early morning catches the light just right on the water. Small things like that make a difference when you’re trying to make the most of a few days away. The rooms themselves feel properly thought out rather than just functional – decent shower pressure (always a gamble in older buildings), comfortable beds that don’t have you waking up with a crick in your neck, and windows that actually open if you want some sea air rather than just air conditioning. I mean, it’s a 4-star place with a 9.4 rating, so you’d hope for quality, but you’d be surprised how many places rest on their laurels. This one doesn’t seem to do that – it feels like they’re still trying to earn those ratings rather than just coasting on them. If you’re planning to use Looe as a base for exploring the south Cornwall coast, you could definitely do worse than the Sand Martin.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $125. Apartment with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Leslie from Cambodia – 15 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location 1 minute from the seaside and short walk to town.
  No traffic, small fishermen's cottages, narrow streets.
  Small but cozy and warm, bed comfortable.
  Internet excellant.
  Did not meet the owner but communications were excellent.
  
  What could be improved: We did hear noise from neighbours. Walls appeared thin and not insulated for sound.

• Pauline from United Kingdom – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  Good location everything we need.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Warren from United Kingdom – 23 April 2025 (9/10)

  Right in the heart of the town and beach , then turn down an alleyway and everyone disappears.
  
  What could be improved: Found the bed a fraction short. But understandably that rooms in this location will be small.

• Stacey from United Kingdom – 20 January 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment was cosy, comfortable, spotlessly clean and had everything we could need for our stay. The location is great, even in mid January!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Sarah from United Kingdom – 31 December 2024 (10/10)

  Property was small but had everything you needed. The layout was great, plenty of room for two. Shower easy to use, hot water on tap! Location to beach and amenities excellent.
  
  What could be improved: The apartment was perfect. Found the sofa a little uncomfortable but that was only because I have an issue with my back but that is probably more a me problem. The back streets on the approach to the property are a little tiresome and some unkept but again this does not deflect away from the fact the apartment is a nice little bolt hole for two in Looe.

• Philip from United Kingdom – 31 October 2024 (10/10)

  Close to the beach, cosy, well equipped.
  
  What could be improved: Parking a distance away, although I understand this due to the proximity to the town and beach.

• Ben from United Kingdom – 25 October 2024 (10/10)

  I liked the location and the beds were very comfortable
  
  What could be improved: It was all good

• Pauline from United Kingdom – 19 October 2024 (10/10)

  Great location. Kitchen well equipped. Very clean.
  Host was very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Wifi a bit hit and miss.

• Carole from United Kingdom – 22 September 2024 (10/10)

  This lovely apartment was in a brilliant location for the beach and for exploring the town. It was an ideal base for our weekend away. Everything we needed was provided.
  Communication with the host was excellent.
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing to complain about.

• Phoenix from United Kingdom – 10 September 2024 (10/10)

  The location was amazing and the essentials that were provided was perfect.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities