The Lugger has been enjoying rave reviews from The Sunday Times and Conde Nast so I was thrilled to stumble across the property when I was researching a winter trip to Cornwall.
The Lugger Hotel , Cornwall
Tucked away in the tiny fishing village of Portloe in a former 17th century inn, this charming hotel has just 22 rooms across 3 buildings and 2 cottages.
A gorgeous location for this homely bolt hole – hidden away on the Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall, just off the coastal footpath. Roseland is incredibly beautiful, full of creeks, hidden villages and stunning gardens. And Portloe looks directly out to the English channel. Such a picturesque place – perfect for enjoying the fresh coastal air and scenery. Close your eyes and you can imagine the exciting smuggling past that no doubt took part in the cove.
The Rooms
‘The Lookout’ is the newest room at The Lugger and where we stayed. It is a short walk along the creek, housed in its own building and so if you want a little privacy it is perfect. It is small and cosy and perfectly put together – very chic. Its real selling point is the views – both sides of the building that look out to sea have windows and the sunrise view from the comfortable bed is quite spectacular.
The bathroom was very well set out and it is rare that the shower is as good as at home – thankfully it was a Grohe shower and there were divine Orla Kiely toiletries. What really stood out in the accommodation was the little touches – turn-down happened while we were at dinner and included hot water bottles in bed, hot chocolate and marshmallows, the weather forecast for the next day and even a short story. Many of the other rooms have sea views and terraces, there are even two cottages which offers the best of both worlds being part of the hotel but with extra space for families.
The Facilities
One highlight is the almost complete absence of 3G and Wifi – it is rare that a strength comes from not having something, but it really is perfect to be so remote and disconnected. There is of course free Wifi available in the hotel lounge and common areas but away from there it is possible to be completely offline which is a true luxury. Whilst the hotel is only small, it offers an on-site spa service with well-priced treatments.
The living room in the main inn is very comfortable and cosy – it really felt like home. There are plenty of sofas and comfortable seating in 2 separate snug areas. In the summer it is possible to make the most of three gorgeous sun terraces – all south-facing and with views out to sea.
The Food
Dining at The Lugger was a delight – the hotels restaurant has been awarded 2 AA rosettes. We enjoyed pre-dinner drinks in the living room whilst perusing the menu – a fantastic choice of local fare with a great wine list to match. There is plenty of local sea food on the menu – we enjoyed scallops and squid for our starters but then opted for steak and venison to follow. Each dish was delicious. Breakfast was of course to the same high standard – a great spread of fruits, cereals and pastries followed by your choice of the full Cornish or other options such as eggs benedict and smoked salmon. The dining room looks out onto the harbour – a very relaxing place to start the day.
The Location
Nearby there is an ample choice of things to do – if walking the coast path doesn’t take your fancy then there are many gardens to visit (The Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project are particular favourites) and it is just a short drive to St Mawes and then a ferry hop across to Falmouth.
For more information visit The Lugger.
Whilst my job gives me the chance to visit clients across the world, in my free time I enjoy discovering new places either in the UK or abroad that, most importantly, are either unique or luxurious.
It certainly is an idyll indeed. The décor is beautiful and what a location. I especially like your mention of those little touches, in particular the marshmallows. 🙂
Thanks Jackie – the little things are the things that make somewhere special, always a good idea when a hotel goes the extra mile!
This is quite a setting for a hotel, the view you captured in the top photo perfectly sets the stage for the authentic intimacy I felt once inside. Like you. I prefer the smaller properties that really reflect their location. I would love to stay at the Lugger and explore this area of Cornwall.
Hi Alison, Anna’s post has got us all here at Boutique Travel Blog longing to stay at The Lugger and to explore this part of Cornwall.
The view is stunning – and from The Lookout is it just blissful to wake up to! Authentic to a tee – that for me is one of the most important things about staying and eating in Cornwall
The attention to detail here sounds spot on and together with the setting elevates the hotel into something really special. I’m sure a stay here any time of year would be memorable.
I think even in the summer it would thankfully still feel quiet and off the beaten track as it is well away from the crowds. I will have to return!
This sounds like the perfect holiday right now. Fireplace, cozy, fiery sunsets. I hear a lot about Cornwell, please can I come with you next time?
You have to make it to Cornwall soon Erin – there is so much to see even though it is just one county of England! And it has the warmest weather on mainland UK!
This looks beautifully quirky – I love the decor and the view over the sea is stunning. I was at a wedding at the pretty old church in Roseland last year and the area is so pretty. Might have to go back and stay The Lugger 🙂
The church in St Just is so pretty, I know the one you mean – down the hill to the sea! What a stunning spot to get married!
What a find. I love Cornwall and have many happy memories from times spent in various spots. Lands End, Sennen Cove parts are my favourites.
It’s a delight to find somewhere new to me in Cornwall that is local and doing it properly – a lovely find indeed!