Skip to main content
Hotel
4 star

Watergate Bay Hotel

Watergate Bay, near Newquay · Hotel

View on Google Maps

Photo: Watergate Bay Hotel

Contemporary beachfront hotel set directly above the two-mile sands of Watergate Bay, with a sea-facing infinity pool, spa and three restaurants.

Photos

Photos via Google

About Watergate Bay Hotel

Watergate Bay Hotel sits at the top of the slipway onto one of the north coast's biggest beaches, a two-mile stretch of firm sand backed by cliffs about four miles north of Newquay. The building started life as a Victorian seaside hotel but has been rebuilt and extended into something distinctly modern: pale timber, glass, and rooms designed so the view does the decorating.

Bedrooms are split between bay-view rooms looking straight out at the Atlantic and quieter garden-side rooms, with a good number of interconnecting and family configurations. Suites and apartment-style options work well for multi-generational groups. Decor is light and coastal without tipping into nautical cliché, and the better rooms have balconies or terraces facing the water.

The pull for many guests is the combination of pool and beach. There is a sea-facing infinity pool, an outdoor hot tub, and the Swim Club and spa complex alongside. Three seasonally led restaurants cover the range from casual beach dining to a more considered evening menu, and the Extreme Academy on the sand below runs surfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and hand-planing lessons through the season.

This is one of the more family-capable upmarket hotels in Cornwall, with a free kids' club, baby listening and a genuinely relaxed attitude to sandy children in the lobby, but it is equally used by couples out of school holidays. Rates start around the mid-£170s for a basic configuration at quieter times and climb steeply through summer, when minimum stays usually apply. Parking is on site, which is a practical advantage over the harbour-town hotels.

Reception hours

Monday
Open 24 hours
Tuesday
Open 24 hours
Wednesday
Open 24 hours
Thursday
Open 24 hours
Friday
Open 24 hours
Saturday
Open 24 hours
Sunday
Open 24 hours

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

What guests say

Harry East

We stayed at the Watergate Bay Hotel for our wedding anniversary and it was outstanding from start to finish. We mentioned the occasion when booking and the team could not have been more gracious. They went out of their way to make it feel special, and it truly did. The staff were polite, kind, and clearly worked as a team. That sense of everyone pulling together made the whole stay feel effortless. The room was lovely and the view is simply outstanding. But the food was the highlight, particularly at Zacry's and the Beach Hut. Every member of staff knew the menu inside out and gave genuinely helpful recommendations. As a coeliac, this matters enormously to me, and I felt completely looked after throughout. It's rare to feel that confident and cared for when eating out. I don't often leave reviews, but we had such a wonderful time that I felt I had to. Thank you for making our anniversary so special. We will absolutely be back.

a month ago · via Google

Caitlin B

I had such a memorable time at the Watergate Bay Hotel, it will always hold a special place in my heart because it's where we stayed when I got engaged back in December 2024. We stayed in the beach suite loft and I couldn't recommend it enough. From the moment we walked into the room we were blown away with how massive it was. The space felt airy with huge windows that stretched across the room and framed the most beautiful view of the beach. The room had everything you could possibly need and the addition of the loft pantry was such a lovely touch. One of the standout features was the bathtub positioned perfectly to overlook the beach. Sitting in a warm bath overlooking the waves roll in felt unbelievably relaxing and made the whole experience feel extra special. The staff also deserve a shout out as they went above and beyond to make the stay memorable and were all super friendly. It was the perfect setting for such an important moment in our lives, I'm so incredibly grateful we got to experience it here. I'll always associate this place with one of the happiest memories of my life and I cannot wait to stay here again!

2 months ago · via Google

celine

what an amazing stay! the hotel is situated right on the beach so you have a gorgeous view of the celtic sea coming in right from your window - there’s also a spa and a little lounge downstairs where you’re able to sit, recuperate, and watch the waves hit the sand. the sunsets are absolutely stunning too, it’s impossible not to fall in love with such a beautiful location and to really appreciate the beauty of cornwall! there’s also breakfast in the mornings with a restaurant for lunches and dinners just below your room which is a massive perk when you want to avoid the harsh winds! i also had been served by the loveliest barista while i stayed in the lounge to spend my afternoon journalling, i unfortunately did not get her name but she’s a lovely day of sunshine! incredibly friendly and she made me the tastiest cranberry sour mocktail and the creamiest hot chocolate ever. genuinely, the best hotel i’ve stayed at and the best staff working here, they make you feel right at home from the moment you leave your room to the moment you’re having a chat in the lobby!

2 months ago · via Google

James House

The staff are fantastic. Everyone I spoke to during my stay were helpful, professional and they smiled! The food (Zacry's & The Living Space) was delicious and very well presented. The beach is stunning, although the weather was a bit of a challenge!

4 months ago · via Google

See all reviews on Google →

Guests mention this hotel offers stunning views of the beach and sea, along with excellent food, especially breakfast, and a variety of facilities including a pool, hot tub, and spa. They also highlight the friendly, welcoming, and attentive staff who provide exceptional service. Visitors appreciate the comfortable rooms and the hotel's family-friendly and dog-friendly atmosphere.

Summary via Google

At a glance

Address
On the beach Watergate Bay Hotel, Watergate Bay, Cornwall, TR8 4AA Get directions
Property type
Hotel
Location
Watergate Bay, near Newquay
Star rating
4 star
Guest score
8.8 / 10 (900 reviews)
Prices from
£175 per night
Good for children
Yes
Destination
Cornwall