Product reviews

I visited Bedruthan Steps during February half-term with my DH and 7-yr-old daughter to check out the facilities of one of Cornwall’s best-known family hotels. We stayed in one of their large family rooms which had a separate sleeping area with two single beds for children (complete with a blind to pull down to further separate our sleeping area from hers). We also checked out some of the other accommodation and were impressed with both the villas (we saw a ‘small’ one with a bunk bed area for the kids – leaving the room with the sea view for mum and dad) and the apartments – the one we saw had three bedrooms and two bathrooms, great for larger families. All the rooms have fridges and there’s a parent’s kitchen on site with microwave and laundry facilities.

While the natural location obviously helps – it’s a four-minute walk downhill to the massive sandy beach (and about a 15 minute slog back up!) – the hotel’s own facilities will cover anything the UK weather can throw up. There are two large-ish outdoors pools, plus an indoor pool and a spa area for adults only. Our daughter loved the jungle gym, which equalled in size anything we have near us in London. There are also numerous children’s clubs – more during half-term – and if you go during the holidays the hotel puts on a series of daily activities (food foraging, beach safaris) and evening entertainment which was of a really high standard – magicians, fancy dress discos etc. The playground is particularly well set out with a zip wire, pirate climbing frame, assault course, wendy house etc.

It’s useful to be aware of the hotel’s policy in the evening – they believe firmly in allowing parents some child-free time. This means that under-8s have to take a separate high tea, or eat with their parents in an early sitting in a separate part of the main restaurant (only available during school holidays) Babysitters are bookable, and there’s a baby-listening service combined with a room alarm system. Alternatively, during school holidays there’s an evening club which runs to 10.30pm allowing parents to dine on their own. The hotel’s public areas also become child-free zones after 10pm.

We had a mixed experience in the restaurants –a fairly average evening meal (which listening to other regulars, seemed to be an exception to the rule) and an excellent Sunday lunch. We also ate out one night at Bedruthan’s sister hotel – the adult-only Scarlet Hotel which is a 5 minute walk away and an ultra-modern eco hotel with a swish restaurant with great sea views. It’s well worth trying to book a meal here.

As for the staff – they were uniformly friendly and helpful – nothing was too much trouble for them, although a few – particularly in the restaurants - did seem to be still learning the ropes.

Once you’ve got the hang of how Bedruthan works, it’s a great holiday for all the family. They get a lot of regular customers, including those who came as children and now return with their own kids – so they’re obviously doing something right!

We've stayed at Bedruthan Steps on a couple of occasions and the views from the bedrooms take your breath away. We had a panoramic view of the sea and the sunsets were magical!

The focus is on keeping both the children and their parents occupied, with childrens clubs, entertainment, pools, a soft play area and outdoor activies. For the adults there is a wonderful spa and beauty area, deep relaxing sofas etc. However, the service we experienced each evening in the restaurant is what prevents this family friendly hotel from being perfect.

As mentioned in previous reviews the staff either ignore you or clear your plates before you've had a chance to finish your mouthful and lack knowledge of food or service.

Despite the cost of staying at this hotel (particularly during the school holidays) being fairly pricey there appears to be little in the way of management presense, asking whether you are 'enjoying your stay' or 'need anything further'.

Sadly, none of the staff go beyond what is considered expected, although I must say I wouldn't rule out staying again as the other aspects simply out weigh the negatives.

Overall, had a lovely holiday. Went with 15 month old. The kids mealtimes are fantastic, with a great choice - perfect for a little one who changes his mind about what he likes! The team in the children's restaurant were simply amazing - and my little boy was transfixed with one waitress! Lots of details that make a difference - plastic bibs, lots of children's plastic cutlery at all meals.

The facilities are good, didn't use the creche as want to spend time with my little boy on a holiday. But everything i came across was wonderfully clean - and i was quite happy for my little crawler to trawl the corridors and equipments - the soft play area was scrupiliously clean and you could see cleaning going on throughout the day in the main hotel.

The bedrooms were okay - not as luxurious as i would have expected for the price, but the views are amazing.

However i do have one negative - the service in the main restaurant was just appalling - not the team's fault as they were in the main very lovely indeed, but there is just no process. You were either ignored completely or hounded by 3 waiting staff. They didn't really notice which were 'their' tables and whether you had been served. On our first morning we didn't have a clue what to do and no one came to us to explain or take our coffee order at all. The same with the dinner. The restaurant management should be able to sort this out very easily - it's not what you expect from such a lovely hotel, and really annoyed us because everything else was so good so it really stood out as a negative.

I agree with other posts however, no camarderie with other guests which is a shame, we're all in the same boat, and again this let the break down a little.

Bedruthan Steps is an excellent family hotel. The new improved spa facilities were wonderful. the beach is just a 5 minute stroll down a few steps. The seaviews from your hotel room are magnificent.

Rooms are spacious and very well designed.

Children meals - both variety and quality were good.

My only real complaint about Bedrurthan would be the choice and quality of the adult meals served, as I did not feel that These lived up the the standards shown throughout the rest of the hotel.

A lot of thought has gone into ensuring that the kids have a great time and parents don't need to worry. From homebaked fairy cakes at kids' teatime to step stools in the bathroom and an integral babylistening service as well as prompt, and kind babysitters. Fabulous spa with great choice of treatments. Food excellent but rather rich! We went there as tri-generational party with grandparents and can highly recommend it.