Headland Hotel

I cannot praise this hotel or its staff highly enough. We spent a fantastic 4 nights over Easter 07 at this place and were impressed with every aspect of it. If you like modern, then stay away. It is a Victorian building, which still manages to retain its charm following refurbishment. It was featured in the film 'The Witches' and comes complete with a few ghost stories of its own! Our party consisted of myself, my wife and our young daughter(11yrs). On arrival we were upgraded to a sea view room, without extra charge, just because 'that the way they do things'. The staff were execellent, nothing was too much trouble (not that we needed anything) We settled for bed and breakfast and the food choices in the mornings were brilliant. In fact we ate so much that we did not need to eat again til tea time. There was refined entertainment on most evenings, with a lady jazz singer and a resident pianist. It sounds 'stuffy' but it wasn't. The atmosphere throughout the week was welcoming, friendly and relaxed. They cater for children, but Butlins it 'aint. kids are not allowed to roam around the hotel or to be noisy and annoy other other guests. They had their own evening activities, which were well organised and a games room. We ate in the brasserie on a couple of evenings, which had good wholesome food, with a childs menu. The chef would also prepare smaller versions of the adult dishes if required. We did not eat in the rosette awarded restaurant but the dishes sounded great. Smart dress was required in order to eat in this restaurant, although I saw a few people not that smart! eating in there. We had a 'triple' room, which was functional and just large enough to cater for all three of us, but even if it wasn't, the view from our room onto the beach and sea was marvellous. The area around the hotel was rugged and beautiful. It has its own seating areas cut into the banks above the beach, which were sun traps and quite private. The only negative point I can come up with. is that the hotel was a bit too warm, but I think the unseasonal weather took everyone by surprise. The grounds also contain, chalets, which cater for larger families and their dogs. The dogs are allowed into the hotel, but they did not bother anyone, however this may be a consideration for other travellers. In conclusion, it was well worth the money spent to stay and we can't wait to go back again. Even in bad weather, the roaring fires and comfortable chairs would make it an ideal location at any time of the year. I have included a couple of my photos, one is the view from our window, the other is of a typical sunset that we saw most nights.

I revisited the Headland Hotel after 1 year, staying another 2 nights in a budget room with no view. This was my choice as I was travelling alone on a limited budget, but booking direct with the hotel did allow me to ask for the best room they could offer within that category and again I ended up in a triple bedded room which was great. Last year, I had stayed in 2 different rooms, since I had initially only booked to stay for 1 night and the twin room for the 2nd night was a bit small, hence why I was pleased to have been given a triple this time You know you are in a good hotel when the bath towels are big, the duvet is thick and the duvet cover is a lovely crisp heavy cotton. A nice touch was a box of fudge left out 'welcoming me back again'. I ate both nights in the Sand Brasserie where the food was excellent and really not expensive given the portions. This must be a lovely place to eat in the Summer, since I noticed you can sit outside and watch the sun go down on a warm summer's evening. In Winter ,the adjoining bar has comfortable sofas and chairs, plenty of newspapers and the drinks come with nuts and lovely olives (though you may have to ask for them). Breakfast in the main dining room looking out at the sea was great and the food substantial, though if breakfast is not included in your room rate, beware at £17 a head it is not cheap. You get the feeling as you drive up to the hotel of 'leaving the cares of the rest of the world behind' and in an industry where it can be hard to find and keep good staff, the Headland has not disappointed now on two visits. My one criticism would have to be the lack of any WiFi within the hotel. The rather dated way of connecting to the Internet in the room would involve messing around with your dial up software and not something I was interested in trying. So it was off to the local McDonalds where they have a BT 'hot spot', while even the Premier Travel Inns now nearly all have WiFi access. It just makes business life so much easier. I mentioned this on checking out and was told that the General Manager had only this week been in discussions with a company to bring WiFi at least to the whole ground floor, with the bedrooms to follow. As the Receptionist said with a smile, in 2007 it's really not good enough and it was time that the hotel addressed this issue. I then departed with a final look back and 're-entered' the real world and the thought that here was a real gem. That no doubt cannot get it right for everybody all of the time, but for most people, deliveres the sort of service and standards that these days can be very hard to find. See you next year! JR. Wallingford, Oxon.

Why Choose This Particular Property? The combination of a separate, fully furnished cottage at a reasonable price, together with the convenience of hotel services - was extremely appealing. Overall, the reality came very close to the expectations. General Comments The service was generally friendly and helpful throughout, but we were surprised at the main restaurant, which had an AA rosette. We were offered a free meal at this restaurant and it was appalling. Each dish was unacceptable in some way through over or under cooking. Nobody asked us our opinion although I left most of the food on each plate. When the receptionist saw us leaving she asked us how it was and called the deputy manager on hearing our comments. We checked with him that the main chef was in residence - so how those dishes were allowed out of the kitchen, heaven only knows! We were offered another free meal - but refused it as we had no intention of ever eating dinner there again! We did try a breakfast on the first morning in the restaurant but that was also unacceptable. We then ate breakfast in a café in Newquay high street for the remainder of the week. My wife and I agreed the restaurant had the feel and standards of business catering, serving for big numbers in a hurry who wanted large portions, with quality not the prime target. The hotel's Sand Brasserie (which we understand has a different chef and kitchen) was excellent. We had lunch and dinner there each day and enjoyed the food thoroughly. However, by the end of the seven days, the understandably limited menu became a bit repetitive. The staff here were first rate and a credit to the hotel.

Superb location with dramatic views of Fistral Beach, I took my dog and the welcome and service we received were excellent. Open fires were charming and made a great atmosphere in this grand buiding. It was ideally located a short drive from Watergate Bay and Jamie Olivers Fifteen. Also Padstow with Rick Steins many fine eateries, just too many for a short stay! The breakfasts were fantastic, you could spend hours lingering over the fine array of food. There's also a great restaurant and super brasserie, although dogs aren't allowed into these, they're welcome in the bar and everywhere else, with a bowl of water being brought over as soon as you sit down. I can't wait for my next visit, please give it a go, well worth the money.

For myself, there is no surpassing the Headland! The sheer drama of the Hotel's imposing presence above the sea and coast and the utter sense of contrasting calm within the walls. Blend that with the crisp sense of cleanliness, the appropriate grandure of the decor that yet retains a sense of homeliness, the excellence of the service and truly outstanding cuisine - that is what, for me, makes a stay at the Headland so good for the soul! The rooms are delightfully presented and spacious, with modern ensuites and smart and homely decor - inviting and ideal, whatever amount of time you choose to spend in occupancy! Please don't change anything in the restauraunt! There is nothing too stuffy or too formal that would merit a change; people fit easily into the requests for dress at dinner. The atmosphere is tuned to the elegant attire and this in turn pays respect and homage to the delights that are about to be received. The restaurant has a serene sense of calm that mingles with the candlelight and views of evening skies merging with quietening seas. This is offset by the eager anticipation of the diner, appetite stimulated by the Cornish sea air, contemplating the tastes awaited and the subtle, delectable effects on the palate! I think it is a perfect place to begin and end a day! When the day does end, comfortable beds will embrace you and transport you to peaceful slumber. The sumptuous Headland really does care to offer you the very best of service, comfort and pleasure. I hope it won't be too long before I and my family can return. Patricia King

Stayed here for 1 Saturday night in early November 2006. Really impressed with the hotel, although it is big it does have a homely feel to it. A very oldy world feeling in the lounge area with an open fire in the reception area. We booked a standard room with a sea view and were not disappointed - the only minor minus point was that the room was a little small, but not a major problem. Great location by Fistral Beach and close to coast walk. Breakfast was really nice and the breakfast room looks out to sea - so could have sat there for hours watching the waves! Prior to booking I had read some of the other reviews about the hotel needing some refurbishing and some problems that were experienced but we had no problems and would definately stay there again.

This hotel is excellent in every way. The position, the facilities, the rooms, the food and the staff. My wife and I were there on a conference. Hence the situation was very demanding. I can say that the management and staff worked as a great team and they provided ideal conditions for a most successful event. When we go back to Cornwall for a holiday, we will certainly stay at the Headland Hotel again.

Superb location (see photo); views over Fistral Bay, where (allegedly) in winter you can watch the surf battering the cliffs from the comfort of your room. When we went in November 2006 the sea was like a millpond, and we could sit outside in shirtsleeves. Not that we complained ! Very attractive "Country House" décor and furnishing. (Building dates from around 1900). Wonderful double staircase down which to make an entrance ! Our room was a good size, with 2 seater sofa to watch TV from (although reception was disappointing.) Beds very comfortable indeed. Bedroom lighting excellent; so often it's supposed to be romantic (ie gloomy). Food and wine superb. Great selection of local cheeses. We stayed there on the recommendation of a friend, and were not disappointed. Very impressed with staff. Friendly without being familiar. Respected your privacy, but willing to converse with genuine interest if you did want to chat. Our room with sea view (see photo) was £85 per person per night, dinner, bed and breakfast, and was well worth it.

just would like to say wow! what a lovely place to stay. great staff and a great hotel and last but not least fab food

As our 4th visit to the headland we were aware of the outstanding natural beauty of the location. Our high expecations of the staff were met, always happy to help, friendly & not stuffy. However as this was a holiday with a 22mth old daughter our expectaions were somewhat different than on our previous trips. Throughout our stay I complained to the relevant staff whenever there was a problem(1.playroom FILTHY anable to play.2.bedroom door not locking.3.childrens meal portions too big, overpriced, seansoned, too spicey, no variety.) On check-out I completed the feedback form & gave an A4 page full of comments on our stay. Nobody offered to sit down & talk through these comments. On arriving home & unpacking I realised I hade left our daughter's nightlight in the hotel room, on calling the Headland Hotel I was advised that a fee of £2.95 would be added to the postage cost to send anything back to guests. This was over the cost of the light! Overall we are hugely dissapointed with the "value for money" for our 4th & last stay at the Headland Hotel; tired looking Brasserie, overpriced unvaried childrens meals, tired/messy childrens playroom, night staff incompetent, main lift out of order, complimentary water not in room, towels for child not in room, damaged cuttlery & broken high chairs. I would suggest for anyone looking to go to the Headland Hotel, don't book direct, go through superbreaks & save up to £200 on a 3 night stay(something we discovered from another guest at check-out desk). Then you won't feel so robbed!