Sunset Surf – Mount Brioni

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Sunset Surf? The name actually makes sense – which honestly can’t be said for half the coastal hotels I’ve stayed at. Perched up on Mount Brioni overlooking Downderry, this place gives you proper views of the waves rolling into Whitsand Bay, and yeah, the sunsets are genuinely spectacular. I mean, you’re basically watching the light bounce off the water while you’re having your morning coffee, which beats staring at a car park any day.

The location is sort of genius, actually. You’re technically in Downderry – well, just above it really – but you get all the charm without the summer crowds that pack into the main village. It’s about a fifteen-minute walk down Looe Hill to reach the beach (bit of a climb back up, fair warning), but there’s something nice about being slightly removed from it all. The rooms feel properly coastal without going overboard on the nautical theme – thankfully no anchor door knockers or rope lamp shades here. What really got me was how quiet it is at night. You can hear the waves, but not the late-night chatter from the pubs down in the village, which is exactly what you want after a day exploring the South West Coast Path.

Honestly, the 9.5 rating doesn’t surprise me at all. The staff actually seem to know the area – when I asked about tide times for rock pooling, the guy at reception didn’t just point me to a website, he told me exactly which part of the beach to hit and when. There’s proper parking (crucial around here, trust me), and they’ve clearly put thought into the little things. The shower pressure is decent, the beds are comfortable without being ridiculously firm, and – this might sound silly – but the curtains actually block out light properly. You’d be amazed how many seaside places get that wrong. It’s the kind of spot where you end up staying an extra night because leaving feels like too much effort, and I don’t mean that in a lazy way. Well, maybe a little bit. But when you’re watching fishing boats head out at dawn from your window while planning whether to tackle the coast path to Looe or just wander down to Seaton for fish and chips, there’s something to be said for not being in a rush to check out.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $196. Holiday Home with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Kelly from United Kingdom – 12 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location and view.
  
  What could be improved: Was very warm in the apartment and no way to cool it down

• Pryor from United Kingdom – 29 May 2025 (10/10)

  Everything, location, amenities, staff, nothing was out of place.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, even the British weather was great!

• Graham from United Kingdom – 8 May 2025 (10/10)

  The property was lovely and clean, it was also ready early so we could spend more time on our first day there.
  
  The shower was amazing, could have stayed in it all day.
  
  Amazing view with all the facilities you need. A short walk to the beach.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to dislike at all.

• Sandra from United Kingdom – 27 December 2024 (8/10)

  Everything it was home from home

• Karen from United Kingdom – 12 August 2024 (9/10)

  Lovely sea view. Very clean. Everything you need

• Stehen from United Kingdom – 17 July 2024 (10/10)

  What could be improved: nothing could be better

• Jade from United Kingdom – 27 April 2024 (10/10)

  Absolutely amazing value for money. Stunning views in a great location. The apartment was more than comfortable with great decor and all the needed amenities. 10/10. Will look forward to returning in the future.

• Louise from United Kingdom – 5 April 2024 (10/10)

  Great location, clean accommodation very relaxing just what we needed
  Everything in the apartment to make our stay enjoyable

• Samantha from United Kingdom – 24 September 2023 (10/10)

  The location was quiet, 1 minute walk from a lovely beach. The beachfront restaurant and pub were friendly and served good food. The whole area was very doggy friendly. We found our stay to be really good value for money.

• Aneliya from United Kingdom – 17 April 2023 (9/10)

  everything, location, view, facilities
  
  What could be improved: there was not enough toilet paper, no kitchen towel, just minor things

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities