If the early predictions are correct and the UK is indeed destined to have a mercury-busting summer, then the beach is the place to be. And the only way you could be closer to Blue Flag-rated Porthminster Beach in St Ives than a room at Primrose Valley is by putting up a tent on the sand.

Primrose is a classy continental-style place in the sun, the very antithesis of grim seafront boarding houses with scuffed carpets — thank goodness. In keeping with the St Ives ethos, the hotel owners, Andrew and Sue Biss, have adapted their establishment in a clean, contemporary style.

Since taking over this nine-bedroom Edwardian villa-style house by the ocean four years ago, they have set about steadily modernising it, earning a place in this year’s Which? Good Hotel Guide and the AA Best of Britain Guide.

In the lounge, polished floors gleam in the brilliant morning light. Upstairs, two rooms have balconies with views across the Atlantic, a new twin room offers Charles Rennie Mackintosh-style designs, and ongoing upgrades elsewhere include the addition of oak and walnut furniture and mood lighting. Very comfortable beds.

Dinner can be arranged in high season, but lavish breakfasts are the speciality, including a full English featuring organic Cornish-reared pork chipolatas, or smoked goat’s cheese on toast. The café bar is open all day: and as the sun goes over the yard arm, a Cornish Orchards cider goes down nicely.

The renowned Porthminster Café is a mere two-minute walk away — just be sure to make a reservation. Otherwise there are plenty of decent eating spots in the town. If you’re inclined, there’s a hard tennis court right outside.

There’s a touch of the Titchfield Thunderbolt about the train station. It’s worth hopping on board to marvel at one of the most picturesque rail journeys in the UK, taking in views of the vast beaches at Carbis Bay and Lelant.

During our visit there was hardly a soul on them — but if those forecasts are right they could soon be rather busier.



Bottom line: B&B high season doubles from £86 a night. Reductions for children staying in parents’ room.

Need to know: Primrose Valley Hotel, St Ives, Cornwall (01736 794939, www.primroseonline.co.uk).

Access all areas: No rooms designed for the disabled.

Room: 7 out of 10.

Food: 7 out of 10.

Service: 7 out of 10.

Times recommends

• Win a Zeppelin flight over London
• A first timer's guide to... Morocco
• The budget guide to the French Riviera