Barrowfield Hotel, Newquay – Daish Holidays

Barrowfield Hotel is situated  minutes away from Tolcarne Beach in Newquay so perfect for a a seaside bucket and spade holiday or surfing and rock pool investigations for older children.

At the Barrowfield Hotel we were given a two roomed suite which had a double, bunks and a single bed plus we had a travel cot for Harriet which could easily fit into either room. The problem with the "children's room" was a skylight that had no blind. We did mention this at reception and the person on duty suggested they could cover the opening but this never happened so it was quite difficult to get Harriet to sleep in bright light.

Apart from that the rooms were fine, with a large bathroom with two hand basins, plus tea and coffee making facilities. There was no fridge (for Harriet's milk) in the suite, but we were able to avail ourselves of the one in the dining-room (and were told not to buy milk but to help ourselves!). This was typical of the friendliness of the hotel and it wasn't until our last day that I realised some staff did not know were were on a press facility visit and would be writing about them!

What was very attractive about the Barrowfield Hotel was the number of rooms for different activities including a quiet sitting-room for adults who like to read, the large reception area with a TV, another TV room (plus sets in the rooms), games room, bar and a small courtyard in which to soak up the sun near the "spa" facilities. These were a little disappointing as the jacuzzi never worked while we were there and the sauna never seemed to reach a temperature that would raise a sweat! However, Harriet loved the pool and I managed to get away for a swim on my own as well.

Daish Holidays are half-board. Breakfast was the usual with cereal and juice plus a full English or variations thereof or haddock. While at breakfast one chose what to have for dinner. The menus were on a six day rotation and offered three or more choices in each course plus a vegetarian meal or salad. The dishes were often of the meat and two veg variety. There was a children's menu of the usual fare but restaurant manager, Paul, said he tried to encourage youngsters to eat from the main meals – he only showed the other menu as a last resort!

Talking to other guests it was apparent that many were returning after more than one visit. Daish organises coach pick-ups to its hotels and there are daily excursions to nearby attractions like the Eden Project that were very cheap at £6 to £8 an adult. There was a kids' club running in the late afternoon and also evening entertainment although we didn't sample this as we couldn't leave Harriet.

Prices are competitive and children under 15 sharing aroom with parents receive a 50 per cent discount while those under six years stay free of charge.

PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Daish Holidays also has hotels in Torquay, Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight.

For more information and reservations call 0844 8464680 or visit www.daishs.com

The Coates family travelled first class to Newquay courtesy of First Great Western there is one train which goes all the way from Paddington without having to change (and vice versa). Even in first class it is advisable to book seats.