The Esplanade Hotel

The Esplanade Hotel is a modern, three-story hotel with a plain white facade that overlooks its own small car park, and the more impressive scenery of Newquay's renowned Fistral Beach beyond. Guests enter through a glass entrance, under a trio of glass chandeliers and past a pair of stone lions -- all slightly at odds with the simple, modern, and unpretentious reception area. Decorated in a blend of warm and muted tones with soft, contemporary furnishings and beach-themed wall art, the lobby is flooded with natural light from an extended conservatory offering sweeping views over the sea. Since the hotel is also home to the Quiksilver Surf School, expect a surfing crowd, though this very family- (and dog) friendly hotel also attracts its share of couples with kids.

The hotel is located on the north coast of Cornwall overlooking Newquay's Fistral Beach -- one of the most consistent and best surfing beaches in the UK and Europe. The nearest train station is Newquay, a mile-and-a-half away, so a car or cab is recommended to get to the hotel. Newquay town center, with its bars, restaurants, and surf shops is about 30 minutes away on foot or a six-minute drive, while the Newquay golf club is just under a mile away. Parking at the hotel is free. 

The Esplanade Hotel has 90 rooms, almost all of which are decorated in a simple, modern style in the hotel's signature purple with contemporary furnishings and carpeted floors. Standard in-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee facilities, with mini-fridges available on request. Clean, updated bathrooms provide good quality toiletries and walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, and have attractive wood touches. Many rooms have sea views, while the hotel's 'Best Rooms' also include spacious balconies, freestanding soaking tubs, and king-size beds. There are also a few dog-friendly rooms that provide dog blanket and feeding bowl.

This very family-friendly hotel has several play areas for children, including a wooden pirate's ship and an indoor jungle gym. Kids are also welcome to splash around the pool (which also has a whirlpool and sauna). The spa at sister property Fistral Beach Hotel, a couple minutes' walk away, has a whirlpool, sauna, and steam room, as well as a range of facials and body treatments. The Ocean View restaurant caters to families, offering a continental a la carte as well as a kids' menu, while the Pebbles Bar is also open to all, serving light fare and kids' snacks. Breakfast is delicious and varied, with a Full English option, smoothies, pancakes, and waffles available daily. The hotel is home to the Quiksilver Surf School, which means discounted surf lessons and equipment hire for all guests. Seasonal activities are also put on by the hotel, such as ice skating in winter. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.