Driftwood

Driftwood, a Michelin Key Selected property in Portscatho, United Kingdom, offers a tranquil coastal escape on Cornwall's picturesque Roseland Peninsula. Guests generally praise its stunning location and serene atmosphere, though recent feedback highlights some areas for improvement.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Driftwood typically garners a "Very Good" overall rating, with an average score of 8.1 out of 10 from over 240 reviews. The general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently enchanted by the idyllic setting and peaceful ambiance. Many describe it as a truly relaxing retreat, feeling "calm & relaxing" and "miles away from it all."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Location & Views: The cliff-top position provides "stunning location - views of the sea were unrivalled" and "breathtaking coastal vistas."
• Private Beach Access: The hotel boasts its own private beach and cove, offering a unique opportunity for seaside bliss.
• Direct Coastal Path Access: Situated directly on the South West Coast Path, it's a "great spot" for walkers and nature lovers to explore rugged cliffs and hidden coves.
• Stylish Design: The decor is often described as beautiful, elegant, and stylishly decorated in a "New England" or "coastal chic" style, using muted palettes of blues and creams.
• Peaceful Setting: The seven acres of gardens and tranquil environment contribute to a sense of "rest and rejuvenation."

3. Room Quality

The 14 rooms at Driftwood are designed as sanctuaries for relaxation. They are generally considered "comfortable" and "very clean," featuring "ocean-inspired and coastal chic" decor with a light nautical touch. Expect plumped pillows, luxury mattresses, and crisp linen on king-size beds. Most rooms offer magnificent sea views, some even with private decking. Each room includes an en-suite bathroom with either a bath or shower, hairdryer, flat-screen TV, electric kettle, and free WiFi. However, some guests have noted minor issues with bathroom practicality, such as the absence of a stand-up shower in some rooms, inconvenient mirror height for shorter individuals, or a lack of bathroom shelves.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Driftwood is a significant draw, particularly its breakfast and acclaimed restaurant.

• Breakfast: Daily breakfast is included and highly praised by guests as "delicious" and "great." A cooked breakfast is available five days a week, complemented by a continental spread on the other two. Vegan options have also been specifically mentioned as delicious. Some recent feedback, however, suggests portions for cooked breakfast can be small, and the continental buffet may lack diversity.
• Restaurant Quality: The restaurant, once holding a Michelin star in 2011, is renowned for its "imaginative and divine food" with a steadfast commitment to locally sourced, seasonal produce. It offers lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, and a seven-course tasting menu, all enjoyed with stunning ocean views from the dining room. However, some guests note the property now operates more as a B&B, and full restaurant/bar facilities might not always be available outside of scheduled meal times.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Driftwood are generally described as "friendly," "helpful," and "incredibly kind without being obsequious." Guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the quality of interaction during breakfast. Nevertheless, a recurring point of criticism is the perceived lack of visible on-site staff outside of breakfast hours. This has led to some guests feeling a "Marie Celeste" atmosphere upon late arrival or facing difficulties in getting "top ups of coffee milk toilet paper etc." or other room service requests addressed. The property's check-in process, which can involve key collection via a door code, is clearly explained but has left some feeling "slightly weird letting ourselves into the premises not having seen anyone."

6. Location & Accessibility

Driftwood boasts an "excellent location" on the Roseland Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It sits in a cliff-top position "overlooking the sea," offering easy access to the South West Coast Path, which is a "walker's paradise." The hotel is within walking distance to Porthcurnick Beach and the village of Portscatho (approximately a 30-minute walk along the coast path). While secluded, which guests love for its "away from the crowds of Cornwall" feel, ample free parking is available on-site. Newquay Cornwall International Airport is approximately a 48-minute drive away.

7. Value & Pricing

While many guests find the experience at Driftwood to be exceptional, some recent reviews have questioned its "Value for money," rating it at 7.4 out of 10. Older pricing information (2019) indicated rooms ranged from £190 to £295 per night, including cooked breakfast. During the low season, dinner was sometimes included in the room price, with a dinner, bed & breakfast package for two starting at around £260. A three-course dinner alone was priced at £70 per person. Some feel that for a "premium B&B" experience, certain aspects like housekeeping diligence, bed comfort, or bathroom facilities did not fully justify the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, recurrent criticisms include:

• Limited Staff Presence: Guests often highlight the lack of on-site staff outside of breakfast hours, leading to feelings of isolation and challenges with ad-hoc requests.
• Inconsistent Breakfast: While the cooked breakfast is praised, the continental option has been described as having "very poor display" and "very little diversity."
• Room Maintenance & Facilities: Some reviews have mentioned communal areas with "cobwebs everywhere" and "tired and worn out" decor, and "uncomfortable beds" or outdated mattresses. Bathroom issues, such as the absence of a proper stand-up shower or lack of shelves, are also noted.
• Private Beach Conditions: The private beach can sometimes suffer from a "horrible stench" due to washed-up seaweed, making it unpleasant to use.
• Lack of Amenities: The absence of a dedicated bar or readily available tea/coffee facilities outside of breakfast hours is a point of contention for some guests.
• Path Lighting: Poorly lit or unlit paths around the site have been noted as a potential hazard.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. driftwoodhotel.co.uk
3. booking.com
4. tripsmiths.com
5. standard.co.uk
6. squaremeal.co.uk
7. coastmagazine.co.uk
8. hotelsincornwall.net