Our second pilgrimage to The Esplanade Hotel in Newquay with our 7 and 9-year-olds was, for the most part, a smashing success! Having previously experienced its charms, we arrived with a healthy dose of anticipation, and the little birthday message for our son in the room was a brilliant touch that immediately set the tone for a fun-filled escape.
We've certainly learned the local parking dance – street-side is far less stressful than navigating the hotel's tight squeeze. A minor note for future guests, and something we were thankfully informed of beforehand, was that the lift was out of commission, saving us from a surprise stair-climbing expedition.
For kids, this place is a dream factory. Seriously, they've thought of everything: an indoor pool that saw endless splashes, a cinema room that lured our boys into cinematic bliss, pool tables, an outdoor tennis court that saw some valiant (if not always skilled) rallies, table tennis, and both indoor and outdoor play areas. When the famously fickle Cornish weather decided to pull a fast one on us this year, these facilities were an absolute lifesaver, keeping the boys constantly entertained and ensuring we ventured beyond the beach to explore more of Newquay town. And hats off to the hotel for providing a box of beach goodies to borrow – a truly thoughtful touch for forgetful parents like me, proving that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most ingenious!
Upon arrival, check-in was smooth after a brief wait, though it was a little disappointing that our previous stay wasn't acknowledged. As repeat guests, a simple "Welcome back!" would have gone a long way in making us feel recognized. On that note, it's worth mentioning how well the hotel recognizes its returning patrons; their loyalty program is a fantastic touch, making repeat visits even more enticing and showing they truly value their regular guests. It's the kind of recognition that makes you feel part of the Esplanade family!
Our room, while perfectly spacious and comfortable for our family of four (the sofa bed for the boys was ideal), sadly lacked a sea view, which was a shame given the hotel's prime location. We also noticed the absence of Child's Farm toiletries, which our kids had loved on our previous visit. While the luxurious Gaia products for adults were a welcome addition, bringing back a kid-friendly option would be great. However, the cozy robes (including kids' sizes!) and fluffy towels were a definite win.
Breakfast operated on a slightly confusing "book daily" system that we weren't initially aware of, causing a minor hiccup on our second morning. However, the staff quickly and efficiently resolved it, demonstrating excellent customer service. The breakfast spread itself was good, offering a decent continental selection and a solid cooked breakfast. It was certainly preferable to a chaotic buffet style! That said, the filter coffee was consistently poor; it genuinely needs a significant upgrade to match the quality of the food. And the pancakes, while tasty, were definitely on the minimalist side – three or four would make for a much more satisfying portion for hungry little ones (and big ones!). The sea view from the restaurant, however, was a constant highlight that truly elevated the morning experience.
The boys absolutely loved the pizza-making activity on Saturday, which was well worth the £5 per child – lunch sorted and happy faces all around! The staff member overseeing it was fantastic with the kids. However, we did notice a lack of a particularly dedicated staff member for kids' activities this visit, unlike our previous stay where someone seemed to be consistently coordinating and engaging the children. This made things feel a little less organized and energetic on certain days.
And then, there was The Cove Restaurant. Oh, The Cove! Our Saturday evening meal was, unfortunately, a significant letdown. The service was excruciatingly slow, with over 40 minutes for starters to arrive (which bafflingly appeared at the same time as our "nibbles" – we'd assumed they'd be a prelude!). Another 30 minutes for mains that were, frankly, unremarkable in terms of taste and presentation. The desserts were the only redeeming culinary factor of the entire meal. For a restaurant within a hotel of this caliber, it felt incredibly underwhelming and significantly overpriced. There was no discernible difference in ambiance from breakfast, which made the high prices for lunch and afternoon tea even more jarring. Some active differentiation, perhaps with tablecloths, a change of staff attire, or different lighting, would vastly improve the evening dining experience and justify the cost. A review of the pricing, especially for families, is definitely needed; perhaps some creative family meal deals or offers could be introduced to provide better value.
Despite the highly disappointing restaurant experience, the rest of our stay was, as before, fantastic. The staff throughout the hotel were amazing and incredibly accommodating, always ready to help with a smile. The facilities for the boys are truly excellent, ensuring they're never bored. While our children certainly adore it, the inconsistent experiences, particularly with dining, leave us waiting with bated breath on the improvements for any future stays.
GB