Hotel Description
You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Surf Watch on Mount Brioni – honestly, the name made me think it’d be some cheesy surf-themed chain hotel. But man, was I wrong. This place sits perched on Looe Hill like it was always meant to be there, and when you step out onto that terrace (and trust me, you’ll spend a lot of time out there), you get these sweeping views across Whitsand Bay that’ll make you forget all about checking your phone.
The thing about Downderry is that it’s one of those Cornish coastal spots that locals have managed to keep relatively quiet – it’s not Padstow or St. Ives where you’re fighting crowds for a decent photo. From Surf Watch, you can actually walk down to the beach in about ten minutes, though fair warning: it’s a proper hill, so the walk back up after a day on the sand will remind you of every pasty you’ve eaten. The hotel itself feels like someone took a traditional Cornish guesthouse and gave it just enough modern touches without losing its soul. The rooms are honestly better than most 4-star places I’ve stayed – not huge, but cleverly designed with these little window seats where you can sit with your morning coffee and watch the fishing boats head out from Looe (which is just a quick drive around the coast if you fancy some proper fish and chips).
What really sold me on this place was the staff – they actually know the area, you know? Not just the obvious tourist stuff, but they pointed me toward this little coastal path that runs behind the village where hardly anyone goes. And the breakfast… well, let’s just say they’re not messing around with the full Cornish. I mean, sure, parking can be a bit tight if you’re driving something bigger than a Mini, and the WiFi gets a bit patchy when it’s windy (which, let’s be honest, is most of the time on this part of the coast). But that 9.3 rating isn’t some fluke – this is the kind of place where you end up staying an extra night because leaving feels wrong. The sound of the waves hits just right from most rooms, not so loud that you can’t sleep but present enough that you remember where you are. If you’re looking for that proper Cornish coastal experience without the crowds and tourist traps, Surf Watch gets it absolutely right.
Rooms
- Estimated price from: $163. Holiday Home with 1 double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4
Reviews
Sarah from United Kingdom – 2 January 2025 (10/10)
Fantastic, peaceful location, amazing sea view. Clean, comfortable beds, had everything we needed.
Reception staff very accommodating and friendly.Andzia from Poland – 31 October 2024 (10/10)
All was great 👍
Ross from United Kingdom – 18 August 2024 (10/10)
The sea views.
What could be improved: There was nothing wrong with the property apart from the toilet lock didn’t work, but it wasn’t an issue.Clare from United Kingdom – 13 July 2024 (10/10)
A very comfortable, well equipped holiday apartment with everything you could need.
What could be improved: Leaving it to come home!Amanda from United Kingdom – 16 July 2023 (9/10)
The location was excellent and had everything that you needed.
Yvonne from United Kingdom – 20 July 2022 (10/10)
Fantastic .views. Nice people. Will visit it again. Good value .
Sophie from United Kingdom – 23 September 2024 (10/10)
Location of property was perfect. Stunning views.
Had everything we needed in the apartment. Everything was clean and comfortable would absolutely stay again.
What could be improved: Bit of a drive to a shop for basic things in no way any fault of the accommodation, if someone was to open a corner shop down there they would make a fortune.Charlotte from United Kingdom – 4 July 2024 (8/10)
Fab location, amazing views, very friendly and welcoming hosts.
What could be improved: Small double bed, would have loved a bigger bed.Lalith from Sri Lanka – 24 May 2025 (7/10)
Location
What could be improved: NothingKristýna from Czech Republic – 22 July 2024 (9/10)
Krásné, čisté, prostorné, dobře vybavené s úžasným výhledem.
What could be improved: Daleko od hlavní silnice, ale to je prostě Cornwall 🙂
SURROUNDINGS
What’s nearby:
- Thorn Park: 15 km
- Castle Park: 14 km
- Horson Field: 16 km
- Anthony House: 16 km
- Chapel Fields: 17 km
- Port Eliot Gardens: 7 km
- HMS Raleigh Sports Field: 16 km
- Wild Futures The Monkey Sanctuary: 2.6 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant The Beach House: 400 m
- Restaurant Inn On The Shore: 1.5 km
- Restaurant Summink Different: 1.6 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Hannafore: 7 km
- Seaton Beach: 50 m
- Downderry Beach: 650 m
- Shag Rock Beach: 3.4 km
- Millendreath Beach: 3.5 km
Public transport:
- Train Looe: 5 km
- Train Sandplace Halt: 7 km
Closest airports:
- Plymouth City Airport: 29 km
- Newquay Cornwall Airport: 59 km
Facilities
Kitchen:
- Stovetop
- Oven
- Kitchen
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
Outdoors:
- Beachfront
Activities:
- Beach
Miscellaneous:
- Non-smoking throughout
Room Amenities:
- Private entrance
- Heating
- Ironing facilities
Languages spoken:
- English
Cleaning services:
- Laundry
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
Great for your stay:
- Parking
- Kitchen
- Free WiFi
- Flat-screen TV
- Pets allowed
- Bath
- Free parking
- Beachfront
- Beach
- Shower
Other for your stay:
- Hairdryer
- Bath
- Shower
Rules
Pets:
- Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.
Parties:
- Parties/events are not allowed
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 15:00
- Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
Check-out:
- Until 10:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.
Guest reviews
Staff:
Comfort:
Location:
Free WiFi:
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