Return to Talland Bay « neverimitate

Three years ago husband and I stayed at the Talland Bay Hotel, located on the south coast of Cornwall between Looe and Polperro. We very much enjoyed its location, quirky features and delicious food. When a suitable offer arrived in husband’s inbox earlier this year we decided to make a return visit. Good memories can be rose tinted and going back sometimes proves unwise. Thankfully, our second stay proved just as enjoyable as the first.

The original house dates back to the sixteenth century and has been a hotel since the late 1940s. The current owners purchased it in 2015 and transformed it into the 23-room, dog-friendly property that is still evolving today. Descriptions such as boutique and eclectic are often overused but the fairy tale mismatch of decor throughout the property, that somehow adds to the sense of understated luxury, could be just what these descriptors were intended for.

On booking in January we were able to choose a room from those still available. Wanting a sea view we opted for Le Marinere. This was smaller than the room we stayed in previously but the view made up for this – sitting on the window seat was pure pleasure. The furniture differed from the marketing pictures but served its purpose well. Our only issue was where to put our suitcase as there was little floor space that wasn’t a throughfare – we managed not to fall over it during our stay. The bathroom was small but functional and offered everything we needed. Water pressure in the shower was adequate, controls straightforward to use. Everything was clean and kept that way. The generous hospitality tray was replenished daily.

We had booked on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. There was a specified food credit available for dinner but this was enough to cover most dishes in a three or four course meal from the menu. Drinks were pricier than we’ve paid elsewhere but the locally sourced beverages selected were of excellent quality.

Husband enjoyed all his starters. I passed on this course as I was happy to nibble on the freshly baked bread served with tastily flavoured whipped butter.

The menu barely changed over our three night stay but we each found enough on it to enjoy different dishes each evening. All were delicious and tastefully presented. There weren’t many vegetables included but portion sizes ensured we didn’t go hungry.

Husband also enjoyed his puddings. I opted for the cheeseboard, available with 3 or 6 locally sourced cheeses. When I mentioned that we would be sharing this the staff ensured we had enough biscuits to enable both of us to taste each offering.

Dinner was served in a spacious restaurant with some tables having sea views. Guests who wished to have their dog accompany them to dinner were seated in a bright conservatory. This is where breakfast was served.

Breakfast consisted of a buffet that included: a variety of fruit juices, fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, toast, preserves, pastries. Tea or coffee was brought to the table and there was a good choice of hot dishes, cooked to order. 

On the second morning of our stay we had to leave the hotel before breakfast to get to our chosen parkrun at Lanhydrock. The always helpful staff arranged for a takeaway breakfast to be prepared before we left and we enjoyed this as a most welcome picnic after completing our run.

The service throughout couldn’t be faulted. All staff encountered were friendly and attentive without being overbearing. It was made clear that if we needed anything we just had to ask. As most things were provided anyway there were never any issues.

A short way down a steep lane from the hotel is Talland Beach and from here the South West Coast Path may be joined in either direction. It is therefore possible to walk into Polperro and Looe for those capable of the steep ascents and descents. We were blessed with warm, sunny weather so visited both towns on foot during our stay.

For those wanting to relax there is the large garden with its many quirky installations as well as plenty of tables, cushioned chairs and loungers. Inside there is a small guest lounge with board games as well as the bar and many weirdly appealing decorations.

A most enjoyable 3 day break much enhanced by the weather and unusually trouble free travel. Talland Bay Hotel lived up to our best expectations. Not perhaps for those watching their budget carefully but still highly recommended.