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“Full of character, this seaside art deco hotel on a tidal island is a true 'experience' hotel, where time has stood still in the 1930s. Comfortable period-style rooms. Locally sourced food and classic pre-war cocktails are on the menu. Half board only, because the tide locks you in at night.”

Hotel review

Built in the 1930s on a 26-acre tidal island, Burgh Island has been cleverly styled as an Art Deco nostalgia trip – and fair enough: it was patronized by stars of the day, including Noel Coward and Agatha Christie. Staying there is rather like being in a Bertie Wooster novel or a Poirot mystery. You will find GPO Bakelite telephones (no mobile signal here) and classic pre-war cocktails, and be encouraged to dress up, with men donning black tie on two nights a week. Dancing is to live bands. Rooms are comfortable, even luxurious, and have fine sea views. The furniture is very well chosen and the period is mirrored accurately. Vigorous guests can bathe in the Mermaid Pool, a natural rock pool (where the hotel keeps fresh lobsters) or enjoy the tennis court and croquet lawn. Spa treatments are available and the food, locally sourced, is excellent. An experience that everyone should try.

Fiona Duncan
Fiona Duncan Review published: 26/02/2024

Recommended for

  • Beach Life

    • Located along a rugged stretch of British coastline
  • Retro/Vintage

    • Decorated in an authentic 1930s style
  • Sights nearby

    • There are a number of day excursions from Burgh Island, to historical houses and castles.
  • Hotel boats for hire

    • Rowing boats can be hired from the hotel.
  • Tennis

  • Literary

    • Agatha Christie, Noel Coward and others were original guests at the hotel.
  • Restaurant

    • Seasonal menu with classic dishes, locally sourced.
  • Restrictions on children

    • No under 5s, no under 12s at dinner
  • Quirky

    • Intriguing '30s setting.
  • Secluded setting

    • Cut off at high tide
  • Theme hotel

    • 1920s and 30s
  • Wedding license

  • Full of character

  • Owner managed

  • Views

  • On an island

  • Gym

  • Sea Views

  • On the beach

  • Spa

Facilities

  • Massage

    Treatments available either in your room (depending on the size) or in the hotel treatment room.
  • Restaurant

    Seasonal menu with classic dishes, locally sourced.
  • Restrictions on children

    No under 5s, no under 12s at dinner
  • Garden

    12 acre grounds, 27 acre island
  • Billiard/pool table

    A classic 1930s billiard room
  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon

    Including 'injectables.'
  • Sauna/Steam

  • Views

  • Wedding license

  • No pets

  • Bar

  • Games room

  • Sitting Room

  • Gym

  • Spa

Activities

  • Sights nearby

    • There are a number of day excursions from Burgh Island, to historical houses and castles.
  • Hotel boats for hire

    • Rowing boats can be hired from the hotel.
  • Tennis

Map & Location

Other reviews

Sunday Times Ultimate 100 British Hotels 2014

You can’t get more seaside than a hotel that’s cut off by the tide twice a day....

Originally published by Sunday Times

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