Review of The Relais Cooden Beach 4*

On first seeing this hotel don't be fooled by its slightly disheveled exterior. The interior is nicely fitted out and quite modern. Booked for two nights in a sea view room. Our sea view room was cosy yet spacious, there are 8 rooms in a separate block which is nice and quiet but does mean a short walk outside to the block. The room was adequately kitted out although only a limited selection of tea is provided, no bottled water etc. There was only a double bed in the room, no king size bed, which for the price I would expect. The restaurant is the real star of this hotel and really brings up the standard of the hotel. The food is quick, well presented and very tasty. The restaurant has a nice ambience with its glass front looking out over the sea. Breakfast (included with the room) was delicious and all hot food made to order. There was also a good selection of fresh fruit, cereals, juices and pastries available. The bar offers good food also and has a good array of gins, although the selection of lagers and beers is lacking. The leisure club (towels provided on reception) was good for the hotel size, with a small gym area with treadmill, weights etc, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and small pool. The staff around the hotel were friendly and always accommodated any unusual requests we had. This hotel also has a more informal pub-like area with a bar and a small beauty parlour for treatments (although we didn't try these) The price is probably slightly too high for what it actually is but is driven by the prime seaside location and the above average restaurant. There would only need to be a few small improvements to bring this up to a good 4* hotel. All in all a very nice 3* hotel and well worth the visit.