The Cottage St Kew

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about The Cottage St Kew? I was expecting some quaint-but-cramped little place in Port Isaac, but this actually feels like staying at a friend’s really well-appointed home. I mean, it’s literally called “the cottage” and sits right there on the address, which made me chuckle when I first booked it. The whole setup is much more spacious and thoughtfully done than you’d expect from the name.

The location is honestly perfect if you want to be in Port Isaac without dealing with the absolute chaos of the harbor area during peak tourist hours. You’re close enough to walk down to Doc Martin’s surgery and all those filming spots (because let’s be real, that’s probably why you’re here), but far enough up that you won’t have tour groups trampling past your window at 7 AM. The parking situation is actually manageable too, which anyone who’s tried to navigate Port Isaac’s medieval streets with a rental car will appreciate. There’s this lovely quiet quality to the mornings – you’ll hear gulls and maybe some distant harbor sounds, but none of the summer madness until you choose to venture down.

What really won me over was how they’ve managed to keep the cottage character while making everything actually functional for modern travelers. The rooms have this lived-in comfort that feels genuine rather than staged, and honestly, the beds are better than what you’ll find at most chain hotels. I particularly loved the little touches that show someone actually thought about what guests need – proper lighting for reading, enough outlets near the bed, shower pressure that doesn’t make you want to cry. The breakfast setup is generous without being fussy, and they seem to source locally which makes a difference when you’re trying those Cornish ingredients. Staff genuinely knows the area too, so when they suggest a walking route or recommend timing for the coastal path, they’re not just reading from a script. The 8.1 rating feels about right – it’s not going to blow your mind with luxury, but it absolutely delivers on being a really solid, comfortable base for exploring this gorgeous stretch of Cornwall. Plus, you’ll actually want to come back to your room at the end of a long day of coastal hiking, which says something.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $155. Two-Bedroom House with 1 double bed, 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Sue from United Kingdom – 20 April 2025 (9/10)

  A very cosy cottage, the bed and pillows were very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: No back door

• Joe from United Kingdom – 30 December 2024 (8/10)

  Exactly as advertised – small and quaint! Well positioned to explore N Cornish coast and pub 2 doors down was a real bonus.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing – some of the other feedback seems a little harsh to me.

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

  Compact, easy functional.
  We had a bit of a nightmare because of Storm Darragh.
  No electricity for two days!
  
  What could be improved: It was great, just one bit of advice put some soft material in the bathroom over the door. I am 6ft 2” in the dark ( no electricity) I hit my head twice.
  A torch would be good!

• Marina from United Kingdom – 23 March 2024 (9/10)

  Beautiful and very comfortable bedroom. Excellent shower.
  Very clean.
  
  What could be improved: The standing light in the bedroom wasn’t working and so due to small windows and the time of year it was a bit dark but feel embarrassed mentioning this as it’s a very small thing indeed!

• Darel from United Kingdom – 2 January 2024 (9/10)

  Had all you would need for a short break or even a longer stay. The hosts had pretty much thought of everything.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing not to like really. It’s described fairly, all as expected.

• Kerry from United Kingdom – 1 November 2023 (8/10)

  Really lovely cozy cottage.
  
  What could be improved: There is a lot of traffic in the evening as it is attached to a pub.

• Blake from United Kingdom – 26 October 2023 (8/10)

  Perfect location, great walks on the door step to Port Gaverne and Port Isaac.
  Quaint cottage with all facilities that you need for a break away. Ideal for myself and partner and two dogs. Lovely welcoming pub next door. Owners were very responsive and helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Stupid really, but the pictures show a dining table, but there isn't one at the cottage – that's my only remark

• Emma from United Kingdom – 28 September 2023 (8/10)

  Lovely little Cottage had everything we needed and more! Beds amazing and shower!!
  
  What could be improved: Noisy pipe work and fans

• Christine from Australia – 21 July 2023 (9/10)

  It was a lovely cosy cottage, had all that you needed. Very comfortable and the location was great. We walked to Port Isaac and caught the bus back right to the door. Next door to a wonderful pub too! Perfect stay!

• Helen from United Kingdom – 31 May 2023 (8/10)

  excellent location easy reach of Port Isaac, St Minver, Polzeath, Rock/Padstow, Tintagel & Bocastle all within a few minutes drive.
  35 minute drive to Newquay from here and an hours drive from here to Looe & St Ives.
  A fantastic base for your Cornwall travels.
  
  What could be improved: One minor complaint & it isn’t really a complaint just a suggestion, would be to remove the fold up table and replace with another small sofa.
  the space would be better used with another sofa. I’d read previous reviews so took a collapsible camping sofa so that we had enough seating in the lounge for the four of us.
  The freeview box didn’t work but that didn’t worry us as we were mainly out and about exploring.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities