Sea Breeze – Mount Brioni

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Sea Breeze? It’s actually perched right up on Mount Brioni – and I mean properly perched, not just claiming hillside views like half the places around here. The drive up Looe Hill is a bit of a winding affair (honestly, take it slow if you’re not used to Cornish lanes), but once you pull into Downderry and spot the hotel, you’ll get why they’ve earned that 9.1 rating. The building itself has this solid, unpretentious feel – it’s clearly a 4-star place but without any of that stuffy formality that makes you feel like you can’t put your feet up.

What really sets Sea Breeze apart is how they’ve managed to feel both polished and genuinely welcoming. The staff actually seem to know the area – like, really know it, not just the tourist spots everyone mentions. They’ll tell you which path down to the beach avoids the steepest bit (your knees will thank you), or when the tide’s best for rock pooling if you’ve got kids in tow. The rooms are well-sorted too, though I’d definitely ask for one facing seaward if you can – the morning light coming off the water is something else, and you can actually hear the waves from bed. Fair warning though, if you’re a really light sleeper, the seagulls start their morning conference pretty early, but honestly, it becomes part of the charm after a day or two.

The location is brilliant for exploring this stretch of coast – you’re only about ten minutes from Looe proper if you want the busier seaside town vibe, but Downderry itself has this lovely, slightly forgotten feel that I absolutely love. There’s decent parking at the hotel (not always a given around here), and the coastal path literally runs past the bottom of the hill, so you can walk for miles along the cliffs without getting back in the car. I mean, the South West Coast Path gets busy in peak summer, but spring and autumn? You’ll have stretches of it practically to yourself. The hotel’s breakfast is actually worth getting up for – proper local stuff, not just the usual chain hotel spread – and they don’t rush you out even if you’re the type who likes to linger over coffee while planning the day. It’s the sort of place that gets the balance right between being well-run and letting you feel like you’re actually on holiday, you know?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $116. Holiday Home with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• S from Netherlands – 22 May 2025 (9/10)

  View and location. Perfect for dog lovers.
  
  What could be improved: Bed could be bigger

• Sarah from United Kingdom – 6 January 2025 (8/10)

  It was lovely and clean and warm and the views were amazing.
  
  What could be improved: The bed could’ve been a bit more comfortable. Way too soft but was ok for a few nights.

• Clare from United Kingdom – 2 January 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful haven by the sea, being able to hear the sea 24/7 from inside and out. Light, airy and spacious accommodation with views across the sea and beyond. Jackie and John so kind and communicative making us feel so welcome and giving us privacy and peace on the edge of the sea. Fantastic accessibility on foot to local pubs and cafes.
  
  What could be improved: Having to leave at the end of our stay.

• Debbie from United Kingdom – 13 November 2024 (10/10)

  Fantastic views
  
  What could be improved: Sofa income

• Mark from United Kingdom – 1 September 2024 (10/10)

  Fantastic sea views. All you need. Dog friendly.

• Barry from United Kingdom – 3 August 2024 (9/10)

  Great location and views. Close to beach to walk the dog
  
  What could be improved: Not an issue for us, but walk up hill could be a problem for some

• Elodie from United Kingdom – 31 March 2024 (10/10)

  The view is stunning and the apartment was clean and well equipped.
  The communication before arriving was faultless.
  Myself and my daughter had a lovely stay. Lots of walks, lots of time at the beach. With a car, it's a perfect location to go to visit around. Considering going back.

• Terence from United Kingdom – 19 June 2023 (10/10)

  Everything,especially the views,from the apartment.Access to the beach was also great,We had a brilliant stay.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was really nice,no compaints at all.

• Aditi from United Kingdom – 22 April 2025 (8/10)

  Spectacular views and location. The Apartment we were in had its own private parking. Kitchen was equipped with essentials. The couple who run the property are really nice, welcoming and helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. I liked everything.
  
  Although, it would have been nice if the Apartment had a dishwasher, however there were cleaning products provided in the apartment to clean dishes.

• Jonmguy from United Kingdom – 18 September 2023 (9/10)

  Great location with fabulous views, good information pack. Comfortable and simply decorated apartment that has all we needed.
  
  What could be improved: Musty aroma in kitchen area, probably due to property location on a hillside, the dehumidifier did a good job to combat this.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities