The Greenbank Hotel

The Greenbank Hotel is a waterfront boutique hotel with nautical roots. The four connected buildings the hotel occupies date back to the 17th century, when the hotel was a private residence before becoming an inn and watering hole for sea captains and sailors. Since then, it's housed famous guests like Florence Nightingale, whose name is still in the guest book, and the author of Wind in the Willows. The hotel's restaurants are area favorites and make the property lively, and the local flavor adds to the charm. Decor in the lounge and bar is a modern and sophisticated take on classic nautical elements, with armchairs and couches upholstered in navy, cornflower blue, and saddle-brown leather -- and the space offers sweeping seaside views. The hotel is geared toward vacationing families, couples, and small groups, but can also cater to larger events, such as weddings.

The Greenbank Hotel is situated right along the water, on the harbor side of Falmouth, overlooking the town of Flushing over the estuary. Guests can reach the heart of Falmouth, with shops, restaurants, and bars, in a 10-minute walk south down the hotel's road, which runs parallel to the water. Falmouth's center more or less terminates at the National Maritime Museum, a 20-minute walk from the hotel. While there's a small beach area along the harbor outside the hotel, Falmouth's real beaches are a bit of a hike -- Gyllyngvase can be reached in 30-minute on foot, or it's an eight-minute drive. Falmouth Prince of Wales Pier Landing is a nine-minute walk from the hotel, and ferry service runs from here to St. Mawes and Flushing. Penmere Station is a seven-minute drive. 

individually decorated guest rooms are fresh, generally with beige carpeting, white bedding, light-wood furniture, and beachy details, such as navy and white striped throws, and baby blue accents. There are a few chic, modern touches too: many rooms have velvety upholstered chairs or button-tufted headboards; some have bright wallpapered accent walls behind the beds. 

All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and coffee/tea service with electric kettles, but mini-fridges or minibars aren't standard -- and there's no AC. Upgraded rooms may add better views, sleeping space for kids, balconies, more spacious seating areas, separate tubs, or other extras. Bathrooms are sleek and modern: wood floors, circular mirrors, blue or white subway tiling, and wood shutters are common. Most have shower/tub combos with glass partitions in lieu of shower curtains. All come equipped with free individual toiletries and hairdryers. 

The majority of rooms have harbor views, which can be quite spectacular, particularly from balconies or bay windows. The "Lookout Suite," a 2017 addition, features a bed directly facing a panoramic window. Views from Inland Rooms, which face the main road, are comparatively disappointing. 

The hotel's highlight feature is its lively on-site dining and drinking establishments, which are heavy on atmosphere and views. The Working Boat Pub, which dates back to 1876, is a restaurant, bar, and area institution that attracts locals, sailors, and tourists alike. Expect draft beer and casual fare like burgers and fish. For something more upscale, The Water's Edge is a chic spot with parquet floors, panoramic windows, and an extensive menu that includes breakfast and brunch (also well-liked among locals, with cooked-to-order options), lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, and cocktails. A separate bar and lounge area features a massive bay window and causal seating areas. Outdoor terrace seating, also with harbor views, is available. Room plans include breakfast, at a minimum, with half-board options adding a three-course dinner. Room service is available 24 hours.

There's no on-site fitness center, pool, or sauna, but the hotel does have a spa treatment room where a range of massages are available. The front desk is open 24-hours, Wi-Fi is free throughout, and for guests traveling with children, kids' menus and cribs are available. The hotel offers discounts for guests on some area tours. Parking is free, though guests complain about limited spots, as many can be snatched up by guests of the restaurants who aren't staying at the hotel. Free pontoon parking is also available for guests traveling by sea. Pet-friendly rooms can accommodate dogs for a fairly modest extra nightly fee.