Polurrian on the Lizard

Rooms

The rooms are divided into three categories: inland, seaview and superior (like seaview, but larger). They are arranged over three floors, including some on the ground floor (for the less mobile) and some under the roof (which have the best sea views). The six villas are on a little hill opposite the hotel. The sea views are what it is all about - sometimes turquoise, sometimes silver or glinting orange, always fringed with the foam of breaking waves - and it is amply worth paying the small supplement for them.

All accommodations are dressed in standard boutique clothes - a muted palette of greys, dusty pinks and olive greens. Beds have thick mattresses with chunky toppers and half a dozen pillows piled on top. And washing is a pleasure, with generous bottles of Elemis toiletries. There's plenty of wardrobe space, too.

There are some lovely family rooms with two bedrooms sharing a bathroom. We were very comfortable in our Inland Family Room, which had a queensize bed in the main room and a second bedroom with bunk beds for our son. The Sea View Family Rooms have two single beds in their second bedroom rather than bunks. And the Island View Suite has the addition of a third bedroom, plus a kitchenette and a balcony with hot tub and ocean views.

There are also six three-bedroom villas, which are another great option for families. These have a topsy-turvy layout, with the bedrooms on the ground floor and the living spaces above. Each has lovely sea views, calm and stylish interiors, under-floor heating, and a full kitchen for self-catering - plus a shared communal area with barbecue.

Features include:

• Central heating
• Cots available
• Hairdryer
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

The hotel offers a full restaurant service (breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus afternoon tea and drinks) in either the formal restaurant or the more casual Vista lounge. We chose the latter because of its stunning 180-degree view out over the sea. Despite all the glass, it didn't feel remotely cold thanks to warm fabrics and colour schemes: mustard and navy. Because of the hotel's west-facing position, the sunsets here are said to be spectacular.

The fare is largely British, much of it sourced from local suppliers. The local mussels really are a must-try, served in a smooth, creamy sauce. We also tucked into a fab chicken supreme with the creamiest dauphinoise potatoes, while the youngster enjoyed homemade pizza which you can watch being prepared at the pizza station. Needless to say, there is also a full kids' menu offering a familiar range of pasta, fish goujons and pizzas, plus local Roskilly's ice cream for dessert.

Breakfast is part buffet, part served. Hot options feature smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, and yummy Nutella waffles. If we're being picky, we found the buffet somewhat limited.

The self-catering villas have full kitchens, complete with hob, oven, fridge, coffee maker, microwave and dishwasher. There's also a shared barbecue outside. Don't feel like you have to cook though; you still get full access to the hotel's restaurant, facilities and room service.

If you want to head out, there are pubs and a restaurant in Mullion (2km), and more in Helston (10km) and Porthleven (15km). Just north of Mullion, the Poldhu Beach Cafe gets rave reviews for its beachfront pizzas and fish'n'chips - a great lunch stop if you're walking the coastal path - as is Polpeor Cafe on the tip of the Lizard.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Kids' meals
• Restaurant
• Room service

Activities

• At the hotel, you've a choice of indoor or outdoor swimming pool, board games or tennis, plus a spa and a playground
  
• Just below the hotel is the cliff-ringed cove of Polurrian, with rock pools, gleaming sands at low tide, and surf-friendly waves at any time; this is a great spot for splashing, swimming, horse riding, frisbee, running with the dog
  
• The South West Coast path runs right past here. Follow it south towards the Lizard, passing glorious beaches (Kynance Cove is a favourite) and dark serpentine sea cliffs; or go north past Poldhu Cove (where Marconi sent his first transatlantic signal from) to the sandstrip of Loe Bar and the pretty harbour of Porthleven
  
• Explore the disused tin mines of Poldark, made famous in a BBC series, which has exhibits, family-friendly activities including gold-panning and a ghost tour
  
• A mile away is Mullion Golf Club, the most southerly golf club in Britain, with 18 often windswept holes and long sea views
  
• Further afield near Land's End, Porthcurno boasts a glorious, sheltered cove and the open-air Minack Theatre
  
• Staff can arrange crab and lobster chasing trips with local fishermen; kayaking or motor cruising up the Helford river; surfing tuition and board hire with a friendly instructor; or a day out on a skippered 33-foot yacht
  
• And there's lots more too, from a chocolate factory (in Trenance) to a seal sanctuary (at Gweek), not to mention gorgeous gardens at Bonython (a short hop away) and Trevarno (near Helston)

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Cycling
• Fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Kayaking
• Kitesurfing
• Playground
• Pool table
• Private guided tours
• Rock pooling
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Well being
• Windsurfing

Kids

Children are welcomed with open arms at Polurrian on the Lizard, and there is lots to keep them entertained - pools, games, gardens, beach. There are various accommodation options, kid-friendly meals, and lots of kids facilities.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

The villas are great for families after added privacy. They each have 3 bedrooms on the ground floor - one of which can be set up as a twin - and full kitchens upstairs for self-catering. Another 3-bed option is the Island View Suite, which comes with a kitchentte and private balcony. The family rooms have 2 bedrooms (1 double, 1 twin) and a shared bathroom (tub and shower); you can also put a cot in most. For older kids, there are pairs of communicating rooms connected via a small hallway - though these are more expensive. For a couple with 1 baby, most normal double rooms have space for a cot.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms

Distances:

• Airport: 1 hour
• Beach: 10 mins' walk
• Shop: 5 mins' drive

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Polurrian on the Lizard is in southern Cornwall, by the village of Mullion on the west coast of the Lizard peninsula, which is about 30km (20 miles) east of Penzance.

By Car
The easiest way to reach the hotel is by car, and of course this will also allow you to explore the area more easily. It's about 4 hours' drive from Bristol, and 6 hours from London. You'll need to bring your own leads and adaptors for charging your car on a cable via the reception window. If you do need to hire a car, see our car rental recommendations.

By Train
Regular daily trains leave London Paddington for Truro, Redruth and Penzance stations, all three of which are about 20 miles from the hotel. One of the most romantic ways to travel is on the sleeper train from London. On arrival, taxis should be available outside the station, or the hotel can book one in advance. Otherwise, from Truro, buses leave from just outside the station for Helston, where you can change and catch another bus to Mullion.

By Air
There are regular flights from London Gatwick and Stansted to Newquay Airport, which is 45km (30 miles) away. The easiest way to get to the hotel from the airport is by car, but the hotel can arrange a taxi for you if you want.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.