Bedruthan Steps Hotel, Cornwall

It was unfortunate that we visited the Bedruthan Steps after a night at the Scarlet, because any hotel would seem drab in comparison. Sister hotels, and separated by only a five minute walk, these two Cornish establishments are very different. Bedruthan caters for the whole family, with large homely rooms, regular children’s activities, and a relaxed inclusive feel. Naturally this meant the hotel was full of young families; the more sophisticated Scarlet caters for couples and smart getaways.

Everyone was very friendly, welcoming us to the Bedruthan, we were shown down to a Villa suite: a lovely large room with a huge double bed, and a separate additional area with a bunk bed suitable for littler guests! The room was very comfortable with tea and coffee facilities and a TV; a petite bathroom had an adequate bath and shower. Yet again phone signal and internet connection were nowhere to be found - luckily I didn’t need it, but I can imagine for some it would be an inconvenience.

After exploring and having a lovely treatment in the impressive spa, we went to the dinner lounge. Our meal was a little disappointing... inspired by the fresh innovative cooking at Scarlet, I was surprised to find Bedruthan's food of a lower standard. Bread and wine were brought to us and we were given the set evening menu to select from. My Alsace caramelized onion tart, Miss Muffet cheese, walnut crust & hazelnut dressing arrived lukewarm and though the taste was pleasant it was rather like bought quiche from M&S. The Vitello tonnato, tuna mayonnaise, capers & rocket also came a little misrepresented and wasn’t a hit with my friend.

Mains were better: Marinated roast lamb rump, chargrilled Mediterranean vegetables, lemon ricotta & mint oil for me, and Aubergine & marinated mozzarella balls with smokey aubergine mash for my guest. The lamb was a little oily and wasn’t a great cut of meat, the accompanying vegetables and chips were good though and soaked up the sauce from the meat deliciously. The aubergine was the best course, the cheese was encased delicately in lovely rosemary flavoured grilled aubergine and the mash was an interesting addition.

For afters we opted for the sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream, and the pecan pie with cinnamon mascarpone & maple syrup. These were warm and sugary and a comforting end to the meal. The waiter kindly let us take the rest of our bottle of wine to our room where we enjoyed it while watching X-Factor!

I slept miraculously well at the Bedruthan, our bed was soft and as soon as my head hit the pillow I was deep in sleep. Our breakfast was wonderful, an array of options set out for guests to help themselves, everything you could wish for including the delicious Cornish apple juice! We ordered two massive cappuccinos that were particularly good and croissants and fruit to munch on.

For the reasonable price you certainly get a good deal at the Bedruthan Steps. In certain areas they excelled: lovely comfortable rooms and exceptional service, and a very high standard spa. For a family this is the perfect place to stay for a lovely Cornish holiday, but unfortunately, for me, the newer more glamorous Scarlet Hotel outshone the Bedruthan.

Visit the Bedruthan Steps website and book here.