Where is it?

On the St Ives to St Erth road, 10 minutes' walk from the centre of town and set in its own grounds high above Porthminster Point. The Cornish coastal path runs by the bottom of the garden.

Describe the setting

Idyllic. The views from this small hotel, formerly a private house, sweep across the vast bay, with the town of Hayle to the right, Godrevy lighthouse ahead and the neat and tidy harbour of St Ives down to your left. In the distance, 33 miles away, is Trevose Head, north of Padstow. The gardens are beautifully tailored, with palms and a small but pretty pond. The hotel recently reopened after a two-year facelift overseen by the live-in owner, now retired, who spent his childhood holidays in Cornwall.

Does it have a USP?

Breakfast or evening drinks on the wonderful terrace, served on ornate granite tables and overlooking the magnificent bay. For all the world you could be in Capri - weather permitting.

Comfort factor?

Luxurious in every respect. It represents a welcome addition to the hotel scene in St Ives and suggests that accommodation is finally catching up with the fancy restaurants around the harbour. The recent facelift appears to have exterminated every bit of chintz; instead expect smooth, sleek, Scandinavian cream lines, soft cotton and fresh lilies. There are five rooms; the master suite, with a four-poster bed, balcony and view over the water, is the pick of the bunch.

What's in the bathroom?

A lovely, oversized bath, plenty of gleaming tiles and state-of-the-art shower with body jets. The soaps are by Molton Brown.

I'm hungry?

Recognising that most guests will head for town, the hotel offers a short but varied choice of light dinners. These include Greek salads and fish platters of lemon sole, monkfish and haddock with prices typically in the £7 to £10 range. Breakfast is worth allowing plenty of time for, with delicious fruit compote served with Greek yoghurt and honey presented in individual Villeroy & Boch dishes. Smoked haddock or mackerel fillets or full English follows.

What are the people like?

The hotel has in its latest incarnation only for three months, so is still to settle on a profile. Guests include young couples, well-to-do corporate heads and retirees. You will most likely be served your drinks and breakfast by Elizabeth, Cornish born and bred, who will greet you with "hello my 'andsome" and a warm kiss.

Local interest

The Tate has transformed St Ives into a year-round destination, but there are dozens of galleries and craft shops to investigate. And the beaches of Porthminster and Porthmeor are among the finest in the country.

Access for all?

Built on a hillside, the hotel is set on five levels, with steps and ridges that have defied all attempts to install ramps and so make it unsuitable for wheelchair users. Children are welcome above the age of 10 and are charged 75 per cent of the tariff.

What's the damage?

Rates start at £45 per person, including breakfast and welcome drink, though the master suite in high season will cost £75 per person. There are special deals and promotions available.

Address
Blue Hayes Private Hotel, Trelyon Avenue, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2AD (01736 797129; www.bluehayes.co.uk).

Mark Rowe

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