Carbis Bay, St Ives TR26 2NP England, Carbis Bay, United Kingdom | (888) 399-9863
Tastefully-modernized Victorian hotel retains period elegance
Set on beautiful sandy Cornish beach, two miles from St Ives via coastal footpath
Many rooms open to balconies with sea views
Guest rooms are individually furnished with charming wallpaper and textile prints
Heated outdoor swimming pool with loungers
Spa facilities include outdoor sauna pod, spa pool, and couples rooms
Stylish restaurant, champagne bar, and beachside eatery
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Summer entertainment program for kids and adults
Popular with wedding parties
No elevator
Some rooms are small
No air-conditioning in rooms
Guests complaints of noise from nearby construction
The Carbis Bay Hotel & Spa is a 47-room, mid-range B&B-style property set on one of the finest beaches in the UK, if not the world. Most of the facilities -- restaurants, spa, heated pool, and many rooms -- overlook this golden Cornish beach which actually belongs to the hotel. The hotel's Victorian period elements are a lovely counterpoint to eclectic modern decor seen throughout. Special features include the spa's barrel-shaped outdoor sauna, and chic weathered-white champagne bar. A coastal footpath leads directly from the hotel to the Cornish town of St Ives. Higher rates tend to reflect the location and not always the quality of the rooms, and frequent wedding parties can be disruptive, but these bay views are still some of the best money can buy.