The best cheap hotels in Cornwall

Despite its four-star, Grade II-listed status, this central Truro hotel oftens has some astonishingly good deals. Its 50 bedrooms – which include nine suites – mix old and new. Classy wallpapers and fabrics sit alongside period fixtures and furnitures, all to the amenities of free wi-fi, TV and digital radio. Rooms are split between the original hotel and a courtyard annexe. In addition, the Alverton has a smart brasserie and bar, a terrace and gardens. A real treat on the cheap.

A reliable three-star establishment in a countryside in Lostwithiel, and one that’s handy for the Eden project, just six miles away. The rooms won’t win any fashion awards, but the rates are competitive and they all come with TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities and free wi-fi. Some also have iPod docks, bathrobes and slippers. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar, as well as heated outdoor pool from April to October. Plus, dogs are welcome at a smallish extra charge.

The modern pub on the outskirts of Truro is run by the local ST Austell Brewery, and has 33 rooms to its name. They all have light woof furniture, a sedate colour palette, and come with TVs, free wi-fi and desk. (See if you can book one with a balcony with a countryside view.) The pub, decorated in a contemporary rustic style, does food from breakfast through to dinner and has plenty of outdoor space to use when the sun’s out.

This small hotel sits on the cliffs near Bude, which makes it a good choice for anyone who has surfing and other outdoorsy stuff in mind. There’s even a drying room for walking boots and wetsuits. Decor is chiefly white, with the odd splash of colours. The eleven en-suite rooms come in various sizes, and all have free wi-fi, TVs and tea- and coffee-making facilities. There’s an all-day restaurant-bar, and plenty of spaces in which to soak up the sun – the views are an absolute gem. There’s also a gym and a sauna.

The Garrack is great for spectacular views and straightforward access to nearby St Ives – the beach is all but a few minutes’ walk away. THe en-suite rooms here have TVs and free wi-fi, as well as complimentary Cornish mead and in-house biscuits – they’re all individually decorated in a simple, clean style. There’s also an indoor pool and saunam as well as a café and restaurant that like to showcase Cornish produce. Two acres of pretty garden surround the hotel.

This three-star hotel is slap-bang in the buzzing centre of Newquay. Rooms here are decorated in pleasing shades of blue and taupe; they have TVs, toiletries and tea and coffee-making facilities. Lots of the 60 rooms have sea views – no great surprise, as the beach is a minute’s walk away on foot. The restaurant specialises in local seafood and has a terrace. Kids are very welcome; there’s a children’s menu and activities to keep them amused.

Rooms at this jolly pub can turn out to be a real bargain – especially if you don’t mind sharing a bathroom. They have TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities and free wi-fi, and they all have a bright decor style of their own. You’ll find Jacob’s Ladder in central Falmouth – the boozer itself has darts, billiards and regular folk and acoustic music sessions. Guests are welcome to use the communal kitchen, too, which can come in handy if you’re really doing Cornwall on a shoestring.

What was once Camborne’s town hall and assembly rooms is now, as with many British civic buildings, a JD Wetherspoon pub/hotel. The John Francis Basset has 37 rooms in a style somewhere between a chain and a boutique hotel – but as you’d expect, the rates are ultra-competitive. All rooms have TVs, toiletries and free wifi, and the en-suite bathrooms come with baths or showers. The pub serves food from 7am until closing time; breakfast is served until noon.

A hostel in Newquay that’s handy for both the beach and the train station. It also manages surfing sessions and other outdoorsy activities. Accomodation includes both dorms and private rooms, and there are as-suite twin rooms with continental breakfast too. Rooms are made cheery with colourful curtains and carpets; all have free wi-fi and some have sea views. There’s a bar and a games room with darts, table football, a pool table and TV, plus a sun terrace.

It’s all about at the location at this hostel, which is to be found out on the tip of the Lizard peninsula – so pretty much the most southerly point of the UK mainland. In a building that was once a Victorian hotel, the YHA is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and panoramic views. The beautiful Kynance Cove is within walking distance, and only half a mile away is a village with a pub, a restaurant and a chippie. There are dorms in beds as well as doubles and family rooms; all bathrooms are shared. Amenities include a lounge, a self-catering kitchen and laundry facilities. Note that there’s no internet access at the property.