The Lookout – Mount Brioni

Hotel Description

You know what hits you first about The Lookout? It’s that moment when you’re winding up Looe Hill from Downderry and suddenly realize why they called it that – the views just open up in front of you like someone pulled back a curtain. I mean, you’re perched up on Mount Brioni with the whole Cornwall coastline spread out below, and honestly, it’s one of those spots where you actually understand why people move to Cornwall and never leave.

The hotel itself feels more like staying at a really stylish friend’s house than some corporate chain place. The rooms – well, they’ve got this thing where they’ve managed to be properly comfortable without trying too hard to impress you. You’ll find yourself just sitting by the window with a cup of tea (and trust me, the tea situation here is solid) watching the light change over Whitsand Bay. The staff actually seem to know the area too, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how rare that is. They’ll tell you the best time to hit Seaton Beach before the families arrive, or which path down to the coast doesn’t leave you scrambling over rocks in unsuitable shoes – learned that one the hard way on previous trips around here.

What really gets me is how they’ve positioned this place. You’re technically in Downderry, but you feel like you’re in your own little world up there. It’s close enough that you can walk down to the village pub (The Inn on the Shore does a decent pint and fish and chips), but far enough up the hill that you don’t get the summer crowds or the sound of cars constantly rattling past. The parking situation is actually sorted, which anyone who’s tried to park in Polperro or Looe in July will appreciate. I stayed here in early autumn and it was perfect – still warm enough to sit outside in the evenings, but quiet enough that you could hear the waves from your room. The whole area gets mental busy in peak summer, but even then, being up on the mount gives you this sense of being above it all, literally and figuratively. Honestly, if you’re looking for somewhere that feels special without being pretentious, and you want to actually experience this bit of Cornwall rather than just tick it off a list, The Lookout gets it right.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $214. Holiday Home with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Paulo from United Kingdom – 19 May 2025 (9/10)

  We loved every bit, location, sea view, amazing hosts.

• Peter from United Kingdom – 17 September 2024 (9/10)

  Lovely spot just above Seaton. Superb view and pretty good weather too. Apartment beautifully furnished with all the facilities we needed. Managers on site, very helpful.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities