Porthkidney Suite, Carbis Bay, St Ives, free parking, near beach

Porthkidney Suite is a self-contained double room built into a side extension of a private house on Menhyr Drive in Carbis Bay, close to St Ives. The suite has its own entrance; guests share only the garden, parking and path with the main house. Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.

The room holds a double bed with bedside lamps, a wardrobe with shelving, and French windows fitted with blackout and voile curtains. Tea and coffee making facilities come with wine glasses and a mini-fridge. The ensuite has a sink, heated towel rail and shower, and a wall-mounted smart TV gives access to Netflix. Access is via a side gate with a key safe by the French windows, and hosts Vicky and Robin Johnson keep free on-site parking for guests.

Carbis Bay Beach is roughly a nine-minute walk downhill, longer coming back up. St Ives itself is a 25-minute walk along the coast path. Yvette's Pantry bakery sits a couple of minutes away on St Ives Road, with a Tesco supermarket a short walk further on.

Best for couples wanting a private, self-contained room close to the beach without hotel prices. Less good for anyone who can't manage the uphill walk back from the sand.