Great British Boltholes: Mullion Cove Hotel is the peak of clifftop perfection
- Mullion Cove is a dog-friendly hotel in a ‘breathtaking’ Cornish clifftop location
- The spa which opened this month will be a ‘major attraction’, says Vicki Reeve
- There are 30 decent-sized rooms and suites that mix classic with modern
As we arrive at Mullion Cove Hotel, we park, jump out of the car and walk away. This is no slight to the solid, dazzlingly white building behind – it’s just impossible to resist the dramatic coastline spread before us. Perching on a wonky bench in prime position, we take it all in.
The Cornish clifftop location, right by the coastal path, is breathtaking. Set above the quaint fishing cove of Mullion, the hotel overlooks the craggy Lizard coast and has views towards Land’s End, Penzance and St Michael’s Mount.
On a sunny day, the clear turquoise-green waters seem almost Mediterranean. With lovely beaches (Kynance, Poldhu) nearby, you’ll think you’re in Greece. On a stormy day, it must be spectacular.
Mullion Cove Hotel is a dog-friendly hotel in a ‘breathtaking’ Cornish clifftop location
Twenty minutes later, we remember to check in. Inside, it’s cosily familiar. Perhaps it’s the welcoming team. Or the communal areas, which tend to traditional with a twist: large, beautifully draped windows with tiebacks; carpets everywhere; spacious lounges where I imagine whist being played, the latest John le Carré devoured; dado rails; abundant mix ’n’ match floral wallpapers; white tablecloths and smart diners in the restaurant. It’s somehow comforting, as if we’re at a grand old relative’s seaside pile.
But no relation of mine has a bedroom like the fine Premier Sea View we’ve bagged. Initially, it feels clubby, with leather wingback chairs, dark-wood furniture and Edwardian-style bathroom. But there are welcome modern touches: fabulous water pressure in the shower; inviting Vispring bed; DAB radio; Nespresso machine; lush toiletries by Made for Life Organics. And it’s the only room with a terrace-balcony, from which to absorb that vista.
After a zingy pre-prandial – Curio of Cornwall’s Wild Coast Gin, made with rock samphire – in the Art Deco-style Glenbervie bar (named after a shipwreck from which barrels of booze were ‘saved’), we dine handsomely in the Atlantic View restaurant, and roll back to our room where our pet dog is thrilled to see us.
This is a dog-friendly hotel. Our hound is sweetly greeted by everyone; treats, poop bags and info about walks and mutt-tolerant beaches are provided, as is a ‘Dog in Room’ sign to hang on the door while we’re dining. There’s also a relaxed Doggy Lounge where, next morning, we breakfast with her beside us as we look out to sea, with sunlight streaming through the windows. This is a dog’s life.
High life: The hotel is perched above Mullion Harbour. It has 30 decent-sized rooms and suites that mix classic with modern
The USP: Location, views and homely atmosphere are the main draws, plus (for some) the canine-friendly policy. The new spa which opened this month will be a major attraction. The hotel’s Harbour and new Harbour View self-catering apartments are spot-on for younger families.
The rooms: 30 decent-sized rooms and suites (including a smart Garden Sea View suite in green-grey sea tones, with doors opening on to the garden and spa) that mix classic with modern.
The food: With two AA Rosettes, the Atlantic View serves great local produce. Fish is as fresh as it comes. My partner had the biggest breakfast kipper he’d ever eaten, and the Cornish cheeseboard is a generous delight.