A short walk to Par Beach & coastal paths, On-site facilities. Pets welcome

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what caught me off guard about Par Sands? It’s not your typical hotel at all – it’s actually more like a coastal holiday park that’s been thoughtfully put together, and honestly, that works in its favor. The moment you pull up (parking’s easy, by the way), you realize this place has something most hotels don’t: direct access to Par Beach without having to navigate through town or deal with the usual beachfront crowds.

The location is pretty brilliant if you think about it. Par itself isn’t the flashiest spot on the Cornwall coast – I mean, it’s not St. Ives or Padstow – but that’s exactly why it works. You’re literally a few minutes’ walk from the beach, and the South West Coast Path runs right past the property, which is gold if you’re into hiking. I spent a morning following the path toward Charlestown (you know, the place where they film all those period dramas), and barely saw another soul until I got closer to the harbor. The coastal views along that stretch are honestly spectacular, especially early morning when the light hits the water just right.

What I really appreciate about staying here is how they’ve embraced the whole “holiday park” vibe without making it feel cheap or chaotic. The facilities are actually quite decent – there’s enough to keep you busy if the weather turns (and let’s be honest, this is Cornwall, so it might), but it’s not so organized that you feel like you’re at a resort. They’re pet-friendly too, which is huge if you’re traveling with dogs – I saw plenty of happy pups on the beach, and the coastal path is perfect for longer walks. The staff genuinely seem to get that people come here to unwind, not to be entertained every minute. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward, none of that over-the-top welcome drink nonsense.

The accommodations themselves are comfortable without being fancy – think clean, practical, with everything you actually need rather than stuff that looks good in photos. You can hear the sea from most spots on the property, which is either soothing or might keep light sleepers up (depends on your perspective, really). The whole place feels more authentic than those big chain hotels you find in busier coastal towns, and the pricing reflects that – you’re paying for location and access, not marble lobbies. If you’re looking for spa treatments and room service, this probably isn’t your spot. But if you want somewhere that feels like a proper base for exploring this part of Cornwall, where you can actually relax without feeling like you need to dress up for dinner, Par Sands delivers. Just don’t expect it to be anything other than what it is – a really solid, unpretentious place to stay while you explore some of the best coastal scenery in the southwest.