Driftwood, Rosevine, United Kingdom
Hotel Overview
Review of Driftwood, by The Hotel Inspector
Situated on seven glorious acres of Cornwall's finest heritage coastline, says the brochure and Driftwood Hotel does indeed provide all you could want from a seaside break in a Cornwall hotel. Its a whitewashed converted family house that has been refurbished and renovated into a stylish yet comfortable haven by interior designer Fiona and husband Paul.
The rooms
All ten bedrooms, including the cabin overlooking the beach, have a clean, fresh style that helps maximise the space, as do the cosy sitting and drawing rooms.
Those who love seafood will be happiest here, but the rest of the food is good too. The menu is concentrated on well prepared dishes with fresh local ingredients. The restaurant has spectacular views of the rugged Cornwall coastline and you can eat outside, weather permitting. For children there is a TV room with computer games and video library. If you fancy getting out and about there are numerous small pubs and restaurants nearby St Mawes; or hampers can be made up for lazing on the beach.
All around Driftwood there are varied activities that suit different tastes. Great walks and gardens such as Trelissick, the Eden Project, within a short drive; for art lovers, the Tate Gallery at St Ives; or for the energetic, watersports, riding, tennis and golf. One of our best located Cornwall hotels.
Copyright Charming Small Hotels
Facilities
Hotel Policies
Dinner will be included in the rate from the 4th of November 2012 to the 28th of March 2013.
The hotel may refuse a single night booking on some weekends.
Rooms
15Who stays here?
Smart Londoners escaping the city; well-behaved children; a generally chic but low-key crowd.
Come for...
- Pretty private beach
- Excellent food
- Family weekends
Not Suitable for...
- Nightlife
Children
Child care, extra beds and baby cots are available.
Eating in
A light, airy room, where fresh, delicious seafood is accompanied by an imaginative wine list; have pre-dinner drinks on the terrace in good weather.
The Press Say
"A geologist's dream of shale cliffs and rock pools…The sea on Cornwall's south coast is calm and good for swimming and snorkelling; if you're lucky you might see dolphins or, in May, basking whales." Conde Nast Traveller 06Reviews
Review of Driftwood Hotel, by Chloe Loyd
Tucked away in the tiny Cornish village of Rosevine, Driftwood Hotel is a stylish retreat for couples and young families seeking simple luxuries in lovely surroundings. After being taken over by Paul and Fiona Robinson, Driftwood underwent a facelift. Today, the wooden exterior is painted a nautical blue, blending seamlessly into the beautiful garden overlooking a sheltered private beach.
The facilities
Fiona's interior design skills are apparent throughout. The look is simple and uncluttered with an emphasis on natural materials. The sitting room has an African theme drawn from Fiona's Kenyan origin and Paul's years spent there. The colours are bright and natural - marine blue, cream and white - all repainted annually to maintain the fresh, clean air.
We arrived at Driftwood Hotel on a stormy evening and couldn't have been more warmly welcomed, ushered into the sitting room to warm our hands by the roaring fire and snuggle up on the giant sofa with drinks and nibbles. A cosy TV room is packed with videos, DVDs and board games. There is also a small games room with a pool table amongst other things to keep you busy on a rainy day.
Dining at Driftwood is a special occasion. Chef, Chris Eden offers a three-course evening meal; menus change daily with an emphasis on fresh local produce and an eye for adventure. Lamb with rhubarb sauce, fresh fish of the day, scallops, pigs' trotters and Creole banana soufflé all graced our menu amongst other delicacies. Homemade breads and locally grown vegetables serve as accompaniments.
The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, other guests greet you cheerfully and Paul and Fiona are always on hand. The dining room looks out onto the garden and sea - exceptional food in magical surroundings. Hampers can be ordered to take down to the beach. The pavilion, half way down the path to the beach, can be reserved for a private lunch or a relaxing massage.
The rooms
The 15 rooms are large, with huge soft beds covered with silken pillows; most rooms have wonderful sea views. The style remains light and natural; lamp stands and mirror frames amongst other furnishings are crafted from driftwood. The bathrooms are simply tiled with flagstone flooring and luxurious L'Occitaine toiletries.
Two rooms are good for families and children are welcomed. A small two-bedroomed cabin with sitting room and kitchenette is perched at the bottom of the garden, hidden from view. A private, rustic hideaway popular amongst honeymooners and those seeking solitude.