Blue Hayes by Chloe Loyd

Opened in 2003, this hotel has been gutted and transformed by enthusiastic owner, Malcolm Herring, into one of St. Ives few boutique hotels. The style is minimalist bordering on spartan, with no pictures on the fresh white walls. The bar and dining room open out onto a large terrace with unobstructed ocean views. The dining room seats 16 and caters for guests only - delicious fresh food from a good menu. There is a small TV area. The bar and adjoining alcove can be transformed for private weddings though large receptions are not catered for. The small garden leads down to the beach path and onto the beach beyond. A ten-minute walk takes you to the harbour.

The rooms
The rooms are large, individual and stylishly decorated. The Garden suite is the most colourful with deep peach carpeting and cushions. French doors open out onto a private garden patio. Other rooms are more natural colours, beige, soft yellow and creams. Trelyon Suite has French doors opening out onto a huge roof terrace with side sea views. Bay, Godevry and the Master suites enjoy excellent ocean views. The Master Suite has a four poster bed and roof terrace. Godrevy can fit in two extra beds, so could sleep four. There is also a single room. Bathrooms are unusually large, 3 with separate showers complete with body jets and all with large tubs, sparkling white tiles, huge mirrors and oodles of space.