Latest news with #boutiqueHotels
Khaleej Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Boutique hotels could redefine Dubai's tourism experience
Dubai, a global tourism powerhouse known for its futuristic skyline and grand resorts, is entering a new phase in hospitality — one that could be defined not by scale, but by intimacy. As the city continues to expand its hotel inventory, industry experts are calling for a greater emphasis on boutique hotels to complement its luxury infrastructure and meet shifting traveller preferences for more personal, experience-driven stays. While Dubai currently boasts over 154,000 hotel rooms, with an additional 3,000 set to be added by the end of 2025, the majority of development continues to focus on large-scale luxury properties and serviced apartments. However, a growing segment of international travelers — particularly millennials, creatives, remote professionals, and high-net-worth individuals — are now seeking properties that offer character, connection, and authenticity over conventional opulence. Boutique hotels, defined by their smaller scale, distinctive design, and high-touch service, are gaining global traction as travellers look for more than just a place to sleep. They seek spaces that reflect the local culture, create emotional engagement, and offer a curated lifestyle experience. This shift has accelerated in the post-pandemic world, where low-contact environments and personalised services have become essential. Hospitality industry experts argue that boutique hotels may not match the skyline dominance of Dubai's mega-resorts, but their real impact ultimately lies elsewhere — in intimacy, culture, and storytelling. As global travelers seek deeper engagement, Dubai has a chance to lead not just in size, but in soul. Globally, the boutique hotel segment was valued at $25 billion in 2023 and is projected to exceed $40.3 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.1 per cent, according to Grand View Research. Leisure travelers accounted for over 70 per cent of boutique hotel guests in 2023, signaling an enduring demand for unique stays over standardised lodging. In Dubai, where the tourism sector accounted for about 12 per cent of the emirate's GDP and continues to attract record-breaking visitor numbers, the potential for boutique hotels is significant. The city welcomed over 17 million international visitors in 2023, and with the government targeting 25 million by 2025, a broader mix of accommodation styles could help sustain its momentum. Saad Audeh, chairman of Campbell Gray Hotels, believes the time is ripe for boutique properties to gain ground in Dubai. 'A boutique hotel may have fewer rooms, but it can still provide all the expected services — from room service and wellness spaces to concierge care and refined dining,' he said. 'The difference lies in the scale and intention behind the experience. The smaller the setting, the more personalised and emotionally resonant the service becomes.' Campbell Gray, an international boutique hotel group, is among the hospitality players advocating for more human-scale developments in the Gulf. The company sees boutique hotels not only as a strategic response to evolving traveler expectations but also as a practical investment model for regional property owners. Existing villas, midscale buildings, or underutilised plots can be repurposed into high-value boutique assets at a lower cost than high-rise luxury towers. Unlike large resorts, boutique hotels can be developed and launched faster, often from existing structures, and allow for greater operational flexibility and creative branding. They are particularly well-suited for emerging districts where space is limited or large-scale development is not feasible. In such areas, boutique hotels tend to achieve higher average daily rates (ADR) due to their uniqueness, personalised appeal, and experiential focus. Simon Venison, director of development and operations at Campbell Gray, added that boutique properties are consistently outperforming traditional hotels in guest satisfaction and revenue generation. 'The industry is steadily shifting towards experience-first, emotionally intelligent travel,' he said. 'Guests no longer just want amenities — they want stories, memories, and authenticity. That's what boutique hospitality delivers.' Dubai has already made strides in integrating boutique hospitality concepts in niche locations such as Hatta and Al Fahidi, but the presence of city-based boutique hotels remains limited. This gap represents a compelling opportunity. With Dubai's diversified tourism strategy, including its Virtual Working Programme to attract global talent and digital nomads, boutique hotels can serve as lifestyle hubs for long-stay guests who value individuality, wellness, and community engagement. According to the Department of Economy and Tourism, around 70 per cent of new hotel supply in Dubai is aimed at the upscale and luxury segments. Adding boutique properties to the mix could diversify the city's offerings without cannibalising demand for established players. Instead, it would help position Dubai as a holistic destination catering to both conventional luxury and modern experiential travel. For the wider GCC, where tourism is fast becoming a key pillar of economic diversification, the boutique model holds similar promise. In Saudi Arabia's Al Ula or Oman's mountainous retreats, smaller-scale luxury properties already attract attention from international travelers seeking immersion and authenticity. With the region expected to attract over $179 billion in international visitor spending and support more than 7.7 million tourism jobs, boutique hotels can play a catalytic role in deepening the region's appeal.
Times
06-07-2025
- Times
11 of the best hotels in Lagos
You come to Lagos for the beaches. To the east of town you'll find the 2.5-mile sweep of Meia Praia, beginning at the town's yacht-lined marina and bowling along the ocean towards the waters of Ribeira de Odiaxere, backed all the way by rolling sandbanks tufted with grass. Here, and in Alvor just beyond, you'll find large, beachy hotels with easy access to the sands — ideal for active coastal breaks. To the west there's an altogether different feel, with a series of small coves backed by the cocoa and caramel-coloured cliffs for which the Algarve is famed. Porto de Mos offers chic clifftop hotels and there are also water sports aplenty and numerous excuses for a boat trip (dolphins offshore, the striking Benagil caves). Prefer smaller and more boutiquey? Head for Lagos old town instead. The city has a long history as one of southern Portugal's most important ports — and former capital of the Algarve — and its cobblestone lanes and picturesque churches are enclosed by chunky walls dating back to the 16th century. It's a glorious place for a stroll and you'll find some wonderful little hotels tucked away. Here are some of the best places to stay during your next visit to Lagos. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for a chic stay in the city This beautifully renovated 19th-century estate house is tucked away beneath Lagos's city walls and has light-filled suites with smooth wooden floors and a soothing almost all-white colour scheme. You'll find freestanding bath tubs and vintage furniture throughout, while the ground-floor farm-to-table restaurant makes the most of the garden's produce, including eggs from a happy, clucky brood of hens. Deckchairs surround the courtyard pool and treatments can be booked in a small rooftop spa, complete with its own saltwater pool, sauna and steam room. • Discover our full guide to the Algarve £ | SPA | POOL | Best for a laidback beachside stay Just back from the sands of Praia de Porto Mos, a few minutes' drive from Lagos itself, this sea-facing hotel has an alfresco pool for whiling away sunny days and simple, elegant studios and apartments. The latter can sleep as many as six and come with lovely balconies overlooking the gardens and pool or facing out to sea. The on-site Levante restaurant serves up local seafood lunches and delivers drinks and snacks to you poolside, while the hydrotherapy circuit and indoor pool are a welcoming retreat on cooler days. • Best affordable hotels in the Algarve under £200 ££ | POOL | Best for city centre location This stylish, adults-only hotel in the centre of Lagos has unrivalled views of the marina from its glass-edged rooftop pool, designed to feel like it's suspended above the sea. Many of the bedrooms gaze out this way too, so you can watch the yachts coming and going from your balcony, and there's an easy-breezy vibe throughout, with wood and wicker furniture, flowing white drapes and beachy wall art. Breakfast is served in the ground-floor restaurant, where the best tables have marina views, and it's a ten-minute drive to the sands of Meia Praia. • Best family hotels in the Algarve £ | SPA | POOL | Best for keeping the whole tribe happy This five-star is perched on top of a cliff above the secluded scoop of sands at Praia do Canavial and is easily one of the Algarve's most luxurious stays. There's a huge range of facilities and guests can choose between everything from lazing in its lagoon-like pool to playing tennis or floating around the thermal circuit in the Cascade Spa. When it comes to dinner there are plenty of options too, be it fine dining at Senses or the more casual Gastropub, which serves local seafood and steaks. Rooms run the gamut from chic doubles with contemporary four-posters to private villas that sleep up to ten and come with their own private pools. • Read our full guide to Portugal £ | SPA | POOL | Best for couples Surrounded by lush gardens atop the cliffs overlooking Praia de Porto Mos, this small hotel feels more like a private home — and when it was built in the 17th century, that's exactly what it was. You'll find your eyes constantly drawn towards the sea — from your Adirondack chair amid the trees, perhaps, or from the lounger on your room's private balcony, as well as from the piano-shaped alfresco pool. Rooms are truly individual, with decor that includes bold striped walls and hot-purple window-top lighting. For dinner, it's Mediterranean cuisine on the terrace of the Mirandus restaurant. £ | POOL | Best for golfers You'll find three nine-hole golf courses sweeping down to the ocean here, all with glorious views of the sea and the Alvor estuary. Those same views are enjoyed by the (adults-only) hotel, where the 20 rooms all feature generous seaward-facing balconies and the inviting pool is perched overlooking the links. The beach is an easy stroll through the grounds, while the Clubhouse is home to an all-day restaurant and the Michelin-starred Al Sud. Families can stay in the neighbouring apartments that sleep up to six. ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for beach breaks People drive for miles to visit Praia dos Tres Irmaos, famous for its hidden caves and trio of sea stacks, but stay at this clifftop hotel and you'll find its sands on your doorstep, easily accessed via a direct lift. All rooms have balconies here, and most have sea views, while the buffet restaurant will please the whole family and there are both indoor and outdoor pools plus tennis courts and a (summer only) kids' club. The spa offers treatments as well as a sauna, steam room and hot tub. £ | SPA | POOL | Best for families With wide, open gardens leading down to the sands of Meia Praia, this beachfront hotel is ideal for families, and it has a kids' club, playground and children's splash pool complete with mini waterslides to boot. That beach is one of the Algarve's best too with miles of golden sands making it easy to find a quiet sunbathing spot, even in high season. Even the smallest rooms can sleep three, while family rooms and junior suites have sofa beds for kids. Of the three restaurants, Massa Fina is the top pick, with tasty pizzas and crowd-pleasing pastas. £ | SPA | POOL | Best for wellness Clean, soothing design and a laser-sharp focus on wellness make this hotel unique on the Algarve. This is a place for rejuvenation and many of the guests are following programmes tailored to detoxification, weight loss or mindfulness with the on-site clinic. Book any of its minimalist rooms though and you'll get inclusive spa access, for two warm pools (one for detox, one for relaxation), sauna, hammam and pebble-clad reflexology path, plus a healthy breakfast at vegetarian Pure Café. Note that the en suite bathrooms are separated from the bedroom by only a glass wall. £ | POOL | Best for value It's all about the beach at this Lagos hotel, where the bedrooms feature walls filled with sea-themed artworks (think pictures of sandy swirls, starfish and the Algarve's famously caramel-coloured cliffs). The sands of both Porto de Mos and Dona Ana are within walking distance and the hotel can organise water sports, from kayaking to paddleboarding, as well as boat trips along the coast. It's just over a mile into Lagos old town but you might prefer to stay by the pool deck, where you'll find a lively atmosphere with upbeat music and cocktails mixed to order. £ | POOL | Best for oenophiles Prefer a more rural feel? Just half an hour's drive outside Lagos is this picturesque winery dotted with whitewashed modern villas. Your stylish home-from-home sleeps up to 14 people and the largest properties come with private pools. There's a gorgeous communal swimming spot though, beside the sculpture garden and overlooking the vineyard, and activities range from wine tasting (naturally) to tennis, padel, boules and mini-golf. Children will also be happy to find a small playground. • More of the best hotels in the Algarve• Best beaches in the Algarve What's your favourite hotel in Lagos? Let us know in the comments below
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The Independent
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The best boutique hotels in Liverpool, reviewed
Red or blue, John or Paul: that Liverpool is a city packed with personality is something everyone can agree upon. Besides the fact that the Scouse accent, humour and dialect is probably the best in the world, a fact supported by being named European Capital of Culture in 2008, it's also a hub of creativity. There's a thriving food culture featuring everything from pimped-out cheesy chips and gravy, to Michelin-mentioned small plates, a theatre sphere which is as big on supporting grassroots initiatives as it is attracting established names and a music scene which inevitably features the fab four, but is so vast beyond that. So much about the former maritime city feels special, so finding a hotel that lives up to its reputation is no small thing. Thankfully, you won't be short of options, as there are boutique hotels across the city that are suited to a range of tastes, while still retaining that unique Scouse charm. Here are the ones we'd recommend. Best boutique hotels in Liverpool 2025 At a glance 1. Lock & Key hotel This converted Georgian Townhouse will appeal to those who like their interiors bold and colourful, with each of the 26 rooms featuring maximalist wallpaper by Mind The Gap and House Of Hackney, velvet headboards and vintage telephones. The staff are warm and friendly, and the 24-hour concierge comes in handy if you're prone to losing your room key on a night out. You couldn't do much better in terms of location – five minutes from the city centre, less than 10 from the Albert Dock and just down the road from Seel Street and Concert Square if you fancy a bar crawl. The downstairs bar is also the perfect spot to start or end your night, with dark, moody lighting that will put you in the mood for a flirt or a gossip. And don't worry if you get carried away – their brunch menu is hangover-curing good. 2. Baltic Hotel The Baltic Triangle is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Liverpool, if not the whole of the UK – and this hotel is situated right at its heart. A former industrial area, The Baltic Triangle is just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, but if you want to spend your weekend at some of the city's most exciting new restaurants and dance the night away at the best bars, the Baltic is the place to be. The Baltic Hotel's 52 rooms are just as cool as this corner of Liverpool, each of which is decorated with lots of colour and personality, including mini fridges that look like amp speakers. 3. Hope Street Hotel The Hope Street Hotel is an independent hotel based in the Georgian Quarter, one of the city's most charming areas. There's lots of traditional pubs on their doorstep, as well as the Liverpool Philharmonic and the Everyman Theatre, so it's the ideal spot for culture vultures. Plus, it's within walking distance of the city centre, although some of the best restaurants are a stone's throw away, including The London Carriage Works which is part of the hotel and has two (very well deserved) AA Rosettes. It's fairly large with 159 rooms, but your stay will feel personal thanks to the excellent staff. Plus, this is a hotel that knows itself stylistically, with simple, chic decor that doesn't try too hard – think hardwood floors and minimalist Scandi interiors. They also have one of the best spas in the city, which you can book into at a discounted rate as a hotel guest. 4. Ropewalks Hotel This newly opened hotel is the perfect option if you're after a simple, well-designed hotel that puts you within walking distance of almost everything you could want to do in Liverpool. It's based in an area called Ropewalks, which was once a hub for rope-making for the city's ships, hence the name, and is now home to some of Liverpool's best bars and clubs. This means it's a great option for anyone coming to Liverpool for the party. Plus, the light, airy, clean rooms are a tonic for sore heads and the entire building has been expertly soundproofed if you need a lie-in (or prefer an early night). 5. School Lane Hotel The little sister of The Hope Street Hotel, this is just as comfortable a spot to rest your head and even more centrally located. The decor is similar – light, bright rooms decorated with pale oak and crisp white bedding – but it feels fresher, as the hotel is still fairly new, having opened in 2023. You're likely to go home with a very full suitcase if you stay here, as you're surrounded by some of Liverpool's best shops, including The Bluecoat, which is a hub for independents, and five minutes away from busy Bold Street, the best place in town for vintage shopping. With just 55 rooms, the staff are extremely personable and there's free pastries and coffee on offer each morning, which is a nice touch. 6. The Resident Liverpool hotel Looking for somewhere simple and convenient to rest your head during a city break but don't want to skimp on niceties? The Resident has everything you need for a good night's sleep and midday stopovers while exploring Liverpool. You'll probably always be within a 15 minute walk of wherever you want to go and you're also right at the heart of the party as The Resident is nestled amongst some of the best bars in Liverpool. Each room features hand-made furniture and seriously comfy beds; they also come with a mini kitchen, which is ideal if you're planning on a budget weekend break. Have a few more pennies to spend on accommodation? Book their Secret Garden Suite, which sleeps four people and features a huge outdoor terrace. 7. Phoenix Hotel Planning a trip to Anfield? If your main prerogative for visiting Liverpool is watching the football, you're better off staying near the stadium in order to avoid large crowds on the way back to town. Fortunately, The Phoenix Hotel is a great option, with 19 rooms that feature velvet headboards, comfy beds and lots of natural light. You're a few miles away from the centre here, but if you book directly with Phoenix, they'll pay for one free Uber ride into the city. 8. Boutique 56 hotel One of Liverpool's newest hotels, Boutique 56 is designed with group trips in mind as some of the rooms sleep up to 11 people, with double beds lined up next to each other so you feel like you're having an adult sleepover. The hotel is inspired by music – specifically Ibiza and the 1970s – so you won't be surprised to hear that it attracts a party crowd. It's located just off Matthew Street, which is home to the Cavern Club and plenty of other Beatles attractions, as well as some of the city's most well-loved Irish bars, which are a must if you're planning a cheesy night out. It's probably not the best option for an early night and a good night's sleep, but if you're planning exactly the opposite of that, this hotel will inspire a fun-filled weekend. 9. The Dixie Dean Hotel This four-star hotel is housed in a Grade II listed building in the heart of Liverpool and just a five minute walk from Lime Street Station. Its namesake is Dixie Dean, the most famous Everton player of all time and you'll notice some homages to the football team throughout the hotel. This means that it might not be to everyone's taste – depending on who you support – and the decor is equally as divisive, as each room is decorated lavishly with plenty of velvet, gold and baroque. If you like living extravagantly amongst lots and lots of blue, this is the hotel for you. 10. 62 Castle Street Hotel There are no small rooms at this boutique hotel, located on one of Liverpool's busiest and most beautiful streets, minutes away from some of the best restaurants in the city and not far from the Albert Dock. Each hotel room is light and airy, decorated with various shades of velvet, with plenty of space, as well as big bathrooms. Plus, a lot of the original features have been retained from when the building was once a 19th century bank, including huge staircases and intricate cornices. Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writers, each with a deep knowledge of the destinations they cover. Our contributors either live in these locations or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, they consider their own experience staying in the hotels and evaluate location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs When is the best time to visit Liverpool? For the best weather, May-September is the best time to visit Liverpool if you're keen on outdoor activities and strolls around the city. It's also when International Beatleweek, Pride and Africa Oyé usually take place [the last two events are on hiatus in 2025]. Peak season also means inflated prices and more crowds, however, so if you're looking to save money, consider visiting during term-time or between January-March for savings on hotels. Where are the nicest areas to stay in Liverpool? Whatever your tastes, Liverpool has an area that's suitable for you, whether you're seeking buzzy nightlife or a more tranquil, historical environment. The city centre is a great choice for first-time visitors to the city, as many of the major sights are within walking distance and well-served for shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The Georgian Quarter is more peaceful with historical buildings and leafy townhouses, while the Baltic Triangle is a hit with creatives and younger people and home to street art, food markets and nightlife. Elsewhere, Albert Dock is well situated for museums and river views. Where to eat, drink and shop in Liverpool Liverpool is jam-packed with restaurants, bars and shops scattered across the city – the challenge is deciding where to go. Visitors seeking some retail therapy should head to Liverpool ONE for high street and designer brands, while Bold Street offers up a host of vintage and independent retailers. Seel Street is a great first port of call for people seeking a night on the tiles, while the Baltic Triangle is home to the Botanical Garden – an outdoor gin haven – and Love Lane Brewery. Ready to eat? Make a bee line for the Baltic Market, Liverpool's first street food market, The Art School Restaurant in the Georgian Quarter for fine dining with a local focus, and Mowgli for delectable Indian street food.
The Independent
11-06-2025
- The Independent
The best boutique hotels in Cornwall for a chic stay by the sea
Cornwall's self-catering offerings may stretch far and wide, but there's nothing quite like a hotel stay – especially if you're after something boutique. This southwesternmost corner of Great Britain is home to small, characterful hotels that are ideal for everything from a romantic escape for couples to somewhere to lay your head during a food-focused trip. You'll also easily find bijou pads that allow dogs, perfect if your pup is accompanying you on walks along wind-whipped cliffs and golden-sand beaches. Those seeking sea views will be in their element at the various hotels dotted along Cornwall 's 422-mile-long coast. Meanwhile, the Insta crew can snap away in design-led addresses that could be straight out of an interiors magazine, while sailing aficionados can get their fill in a quaint harbourside setting. As well as appealing to the outdoorsy types, Cornwall has a strong food scene that's about much more than fish and chips and the humble pasty, with food festivals, award-winning restaurants and hotel dining satiating even the most distinguished taste buds. With so much on offer, deciding where to kip is key. Here's our round-up of Cornwall's best boutique hotels for every occasion. Best boutique hotels in Cornwall 2025 At a glance One of my favourite places in Cornwall is my local beach, Porth – especially in spring when the headland turns pink with flowering sea thrifts. It's just on the edge of Newquay so is usually quieter than the town's more central beaches. At low tide you can find sheltered and uncrowded spots to sit – grab yourself a takeaway sourdough pizza from Ansum Food's newly-opened restaurant and watch the sunset. Bliss. Ellie Ross 1. Hotel Tresanton For a sailing vibe with a huge dose of luxury, you can't beat Hotel Tresanton. Located on the narrow road sloping down into the yachting haven of St Mawes, its modest facade belies the delightful collection of whitewashed houses and cottages that make up this exquisite seaside escape. All 31 bedrooms have captivating views across the estuary towards St Antony's Head and lighthouse, from which the hotel derives its name. The decor reflects the style of owner Olga Polizzi, with floor mosaics of Roman gods, elegant textiles, sunny courtyards and lush gardens that nod to her Italian heritage. Everything here feels like a spoil – Champagne is brought to your room on arrival, meals are top quality and there's even a classic Italian yacht you can charter (complete with a bottle of fizz and skipper, from £595 for up to six people). Address: 27 Lower Castle Rd, St Mawes, Truro TR2 5DR 2. The Pig at Harlyn Bay hotel Positioned high above the golden sands of Harlyn Bay, three miles from Padstow, this Grade II-listed mansion is a relaxed hideaway with all the impeccable style you'd expect from a Pig hotel. The house has 16th-century origins, with flagged floors, rugged wooden doors and stone friezes. The interiors are sultry and romantic – think walls in dark shades, velvet sofas, richly patterned fabrics and wood-burning stoves. The 30 rooms include four shepherd's huts – scattered throughout the garden, they are complete with roll-top baths, wood burners and fun outdoor showers. The lively restaurant has a seasonal menu with ingredients sourced within 25 miles, while the Potting Shed treatment rooms use products made from hand-harvested seaweed. 3. Talland Bay Hotel You'll feel like you followed the white rabbit to the most idyllic location at this sea-view hotel, which is sprinkled with Alice in Wonderland decor. Poised on the stretch of coast between Looe and Polperro, its manicured lawns stretch towards the sea, while the superb restaurant is a destination in its own right (don't miss the seafood medley, made with Polperro lobster, £35). Of the 20 rooms, no two are the same, though they share an eccentric vibe – one has a living wall, another features post-punk quirks. For added luxe, book The Mayfair room with its private balcony and hot tub. All rooms are dog-friendly – for £15 per night, your pup will receive a 'pooch pamper pack' with blankets, bowls and handmade treats. Happy hounds are also treated to sausage for breakfast while their owners tuck into their own Full English. 4. Padstow Townhouse hotel There's something yummy at every turn in this elegant bolthole, located on a quiet street in Padstow. And no wonder – it's owned by the chef Paul Ainsworth, whose cookery school Mahé and restaurants No. 6 and Rojano's are all within a five-minute stroll. Inside the 18th-century building, the six luxurious suites have delicious names like Marshmallow and Toffee Apple, and feature claw-foot baths, sumptuous fabrics and antique fireplaces. Guests are lavished with sticky fudge pudding and a dollop of Cornish clotted cream on arrival, while turndown includes a flask of decadent, boozy hot chocolate. The hotel's Pantry is well stocked with local cheese and Cornish fizz, which you can walk off on the nearby coast path. 5. Chapel House hotel Set inside a Georgian townhouse, this smart hotel in Penzance is ideal for art aficionados. Location-wise, you're a short walk from galleries, including The Exchange, Penlee House and Cornwall Contemporary. The house – which has six guest rooms – is adorned with work from the Newlyn School of Art and local artists. The style is classic with a modern twist – antique chairs and grandfather clocks sit beside futuristic egg-shaped baths, smart TVs and floorboards painted white. Bathrooms are large, with natural, locally-made soaps. Guests are also offered bespoke wellness breaks, which include activities such as guided sea swims – though you'll have to tear yourself away from the sauna and hot tub first. 6. Scarlet hotel This adults-only hotel is perfect for honeymooners, babymooners – and all couples in between. Set on a cliff above Mawgan Porth beach, its 37 spacious rooms all have sea views, as well as statement baths and either a garden terrace or balcony. There's a seriously swanky spa with clifftop hot tubs, an infinity pool and steam room. Treatments include an ayurvedic 'Couple's Journey' featuring a massage lesson for two, guided meditation and a candlelit copper-tub experience. Complimentary yoga classes take place in the sea-view studio, while the ocean-facing restaurant offers wine tasting daily (£30pp). The coast path is on your doorstep and Newquay Airport is less than a 10-minute drive away. 7. Tolcane Beach Village hotel For a bouji yet secluded escape, head to Tolcarne Beach Village in Newquay. It's tucked away from sight until you descend from the main seafront road to the family-run Tolcarne Beach, one of Newquay's twelve stretches of sand. The hotel blends luxury with a laid-back Caribbean vibe – think bamboo four-poster beds, parrot chandeliers, wood burners and ornate furnishings. Balconies have mosaic tiles and ocean views. Set right on the sand, some suites offer private hot tubs and direct beach access, while the 10 self-catering beach apartments are ideal for families. Next door, there's a relaxed beachfront restaurant, The Colonial, and surf hire – so you could happily spend your whole time down on this golden bay. 8. The Old Coastguard hotel This small seaside hotel is a home from home. Its saffron yellow walls, tongue-and-groove panelling and roaring fires are a welcome refuge from the sea winds. Inside the New England-style building, almost all of the 14 bedrooms have a sea view, plus Roberts radios, antique wood furniture, wool throws and Bramley toiletries. Instead of TVs, there are books to borrow – though you may be too busy devouring the uninterrupted views from The Sun Deck out to St Clements Isle. Locals, including families and dog walkers, come here simply to eat – the brasserie-style menu has a local slant, with plenty of fish from nearby Newlyn, as well as Cornish beef and poultry. During warmer months, The Crab Shack in the garden serves everything from cakes and chips to crab sarnies. Address: The Parade, Mousehole, Penzance TR19 6PR 9. Artist Residence Cornwall hotel Sandwiched between independent shops and heritage architecture on the cobbles of Penzance, the Cornish strand of the Artist Residence has all the quirky design hallmarks of this family-run hotel group. Set in a Georgian townhouse, there's funky decor galore, with 16 eclectically decorated bedrooms and three luxe suites – think copper bathtubs, shabby-chic floors, oriental textiles and vibrant palm prints. There's also a gorgeous three-bedroom cottage, complete with a wood burner and kitchen, ideal for a family or groups of friends. Downstairs, The Cornish Barn has an eccentric style and plenty of hand-picked art; it has its own smokehouse and serves top-notch food in a laid-back atmosphere. 10. Harbour Hotel Fowey With its estuary views, quirky cafes (try The Red Rocket or Brown Sugar), independent boutiques and coastal walks, Fowey is one of the south coast's loveliest harbour towns. This immaculately renovated Victorian hotel sits on the edge of the River Fowey, with great views from its bright, contemporary restaurant and two-tiered garden. There's an exotic feel as soon as you enter, from the monkey wallpaper in the lobby to the ceiling fans and rattan furniture in the restaurant and bar. Head up to your room in the vintage lift – one of the characterful traits to have been retained. The blue-grey palette adds to the maritime feel, and bathrooms have rainfall showers and Bramley products. The complimentary decanter of gin is a nice touch, and yoga classes run twice a week in an elegant, waterside room (book at reception). Address: Esplanade, Fowey PL23 1HX Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writer, with a deep knowledge of Cornwall. Ellie has lived in Newquay, Cornwall, since 2017 when weekends away turned into a permanent stay, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. For almost a decade, she has been a hotel reviewer covering Cornwall, making it her mission to visit the best hotels the county has to offer. When picking which hotels to include, our expert considered their own experience staying in the hotels and evaluated location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller.
Hospitality Net
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Small Danish Hotels forms strategic partnership with Mews to accelerate digital transformation
Copenhagen – Mews, the industry-leading hospitality cloud, has been selected as a strategic partner by Small Danish Hotels, the largest independent hotel chain in Denmark, to support the digital transformation of its portfolio of 64 independently owned properties across the country. The agreement enables hotels within the Small Danish Hotels chain to adopt Mews' innovative property management system, with the goal of improving operational efficiency and guest experience. With a legacy spanning over 40 years, Small Danish Hotels connects a diverse portfolio of boutique hotels, inns, castles and seaside retreats, offering business stays as well as tailor-made holiday and weekend packages. This partnership gives its member hotels the opportunity to retain their individuality while gaining access to Mews' innovative property management system, enabling faster operations, deeper automation, and increased revenue opportunities. This partnership is a perfect match, said Matt Welle, CEO of Mews. Small Danish Hotels represent some of Denmark's most unique and independent properties. Through this collaboration, Mews can empower them to thrive individually while benefiting from the strength of a connected, forward-thinking brand. Member hotels that choose to implement Mews will benefit from award-winning cloud-based solutions, including digital check-in terminals and integrated payments, helping to reduce manual processes and elevate guest service. Partnering with Mews is a pivotal step in our digital evolution, said Finn Kræfting, CEO of Small Danish Hotels. Mews' modern, user-friendly platform will help our member hotels operate more efficiently, deliver even better guest experiences, and future-proof their businesses. It's a solution that respects the individuality of each hotel while uniting us under one powerful system. To learn more about how Mews is transforming hospitality for independent hotel brands like Small Danish Hotels, visit About Mews Mews is the leading platform for the new era of hospitality. Powering over 12,500 customers across more than 85 countries, Mews Hospitality Cloud is designed to streamline operations for modern hoteliers, transform the guest experience and create more profitable businesses. Customers include BWH Hotels, Strawberry, The Social Hub and Airelles Collection. Mews was named Best PMS (2024, 2025) and listed among the Best Places to Work in Hotel Tech (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) by Hotel Tech Report. Mews has raised $410 million from investors including Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Kinnevik and Tiger Global to transform hospitality. Katie Halfhead Senior Communications Manager
