Sandpiper Cottages

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Sandpiper Cottages? It’s actually tucked away on Porth Beach Road in a way that feels deliberately hidden from the tourist chaos that can swallow up central Newquay in summer. I mean, you’re still close enough to walk into town when you want proper restaurants or nightlife, but there’s this lovely buffer zone that keeps things peaceful.

The cottages themselves have this weathered charm that feels authentic rather than artificially rustic – if that makes sense. They’re spread out enough that you’re not hearing your neighbors through thin walls, which honestly was a relief after some of the cramped B&Bs I’ve stayed in around Cornwall. The interiors are what I’d call “thoughtfully updated” – you’ve got modern conveniences like decent WiFi and proper heating (crucial for those unpredictable Cornish evenings), but they haven’t stripped away the character with some soulless renovation. The kitchenettes are actually functional too, not just token gestures with a mini-fridge and kettle.

What really won me over was the location relative to Porth Beach itself. You can literally hear the waves from most of the cottages, and it’s maybe a three-minute walk down to the sand. Porth is one of those beaches that locals still use regularly – it doesn’t get quite as mental as Fistral with the surf crowds, but the waves are decent enough if you’re into that. The beach faces west, so you get these incredible sunsets that paint the cottage windows gold in the evenings. Parking was surprisingly stress-free too, which anyone who’s driven around Newquay in July will appreciate. There’s dedicated spaces for each cottage, so you’re not circling the block at 6 PM hoping someone leaves.

The staff – well, I hesitate to call them staff because it feels more like chatting with locals who happen to run the place. They actually know the area, can tell you which pubs serve decent food versus tourist traps, and seemed genuinely interested in whether you were having a good time. During my stay in September, they mentioned the best times to hit the coastal path when it’s less crowded and pointed me toward a farm shop inland that I never would have found otherwise.

Honestly, the 8.9 rating makes sense once you’ve been there a few days. It’s not flashy or trying too hard to impress, but everything just works the way it should. The beds are comfortable, the showers have proper pressure, and there’s enough space to actually unpack and settle in rather than living out of a suitcase. I stayed during shoulder season when the weather was still lovely but the summer crowds had thinned out – perfect timing, really. Though I imagine it gets pretty booked up in peak summer, so plan accordingly if you’re thinking about July or August.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $241. Apartment with Sea View with 2 × 1 double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Claire from United Kingdom – 14 June 2025 (9/10)

  Everything location, people were lovely always something to do and go
  
  What could be improved: Food was lovely location was fantastic

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

  Excellent location. Comfortable bed and quality furniture. Nice view of the beech but it is restricted. Very quiet and a good place to relax.
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom ceiling has black mould above the shower……not much but needs cleared. All the windows and patio doors are stiff of stuck as the sand gets into the fittings. Just needs a clean, vacuum and some WD40 to sort it.

• Sophie from United Kingdom – 27 April 2025 (9/10)

  High standard apartment, beds super comfortable, all you would need. Great location, amazing views, car parking space.
  We stayed in apartment 5 – was brilliant and really spacious. Two beds, open plan kitchen and lounge, en suite, bathroom and then a downstairs lounge too and small back garden. Really really lovely for a family stay.
  
  What could be improved: Loved it all
  Will be back!

• Sarah from United Kingdom – 28 March 2025 (9/10)

  This property has been finished to a very high standard. Everything is new and fresh and there is literally everything you need! One of the beds was a super king, the lights dim down, chargers next to the bed, TVs in most of the rooms, washing machine, dishwasher (and plenty of dishwasher tablets) The views were lush – we were in apartment 5. Blinds and curtains so rooms nice and dark at night. Under floor heating. The property is 10/10!!
  
  What could be improved: The key safe was a bit tricky to use but this really is only a minor detail with all the amazing positive things about this place

• Roger from United Kingdom – 20 March 2025 (9/10)

  It really felt like a home from home with everything we needed and more!
  
  What could be improved: Couldn't stream Netflix on TV as it wasn't connected to WiFi or LAN. Was able to use laptop, so not really a major issue.

• Lisa from United Kingdom – 3 March 2025 (9/10)

  The location is absolutely beautiful, with gorgeous views and a stunning cottage.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect!

• Penelope from United Kingdom – 24 February 2025 (9/10)

  The place was very clean and it was well equipped with everything we needed.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

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

  Love how open and minimal it was:
  The view for us was amazing. Tv did not get put on once.
  
  What could be improved: Found the key safe really difficult to get open. Took a few goes as was stiff

• Mark from United Kingdom – 25 November 2024 (9/10)

  Amazing property
  
  What could be improved: NOTHING FANTASTIC

• Anna from United Kingdom – 21 August 2024 (9/10)

  Cottage was spotlessly clean and beautiful. Stunning views of the beach from terrace. Allocated parking space was great to have too.
  
  What could be improved: We have no complaints at all.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities