These are now rooms with a view! In the ‘Surprisingly Exotic’ hotel in Cornwall, right opposite magical St Michael’s Mount

Is there a more romantic view in England than over the waves to St Michael’s Mount?

The rocky island in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall, has a magical appeal, crowned by a majestic building that began as a Benedictine priory, then became a castle and since the mid-17th century the home of the St Aubyn – family was

It takes my breath away to see on a foggy morning in Penzance or from the night train from London.

Across the mountain, on a two-mile stretch of beach in the ancient market town of Marazion, is the stuccoed Godolphin Hotel, which has a plum location.

Windy and sandy, after a walk we reach the island, which can be reached on foot via a main road below the hotel or by boat at low tide. The National Trust manages the site with the St Aubyns and even in winter – when the beautiful gardens close and boats are few – it is well worth a visit.

The hotel – located in the old market town of Marazion – has ten rooms, eight of which are dog-friendly

The Steward’s House Gallery is new. Although small, it displays beautiful works by Newlyn School artists, including the famous English Impressionist Dame Laura Knight.

Godolphin’s welcome is surprisingly exotic: a sculptural tiger peers as jaguars and monkeys climb the wallpaper among leather and rattan chairs, green plants, books and pretty prints.

A cheerful check-in where informality meets efficiency sets the tone for our stay. There are ten guest rooms – eight upstairs and two downstairs. Some have ocean views, others city views, some have balconies, and eight are dog-friendly.

Above is the ocean-themed hotel restaurant, where Vicki enjoys a “nice” dinner

Vicki lives in the hotel’s new Penzer Point Suite (pictured). “We were enchanted by the scene through the large round window opposite the bed,” she admits

We are the first to stay in the newly renovated Penzer Point Suite (named after an old Coast Guard Lookout) which houses a double bedroom with ensuite shower, a separate bedroom and family bathroom. We are mesmerized by the scenery through the large round window opposite the bed, across the water to the mountain half a mile away. Why would you draw the curtains?

Painted in a calm gray-yellow color that changes with the light, the suite has character: sloped ceilings, an ocean view toilet, bamboo and rattan furniture, a Roberts radio, plush pillows, TVs in both bedrooms, bed , bowls and cookies for the puppy Tea, coffee and a bar full of brownies, wine and Little Bird Gin.

The gin is a highly drinkable London dry brand owned by Taskin Muzaffer and Tim Moore, who took over the Godolphin in 2020 and run The Unicorn On The Beach restaurant in Porthtowan.

Fascinating: the view over the Michaelsberg from the hotel terrace

At Shutters – the hotel’s large, airy coastal-style restaurant and bar – we enjoy uncomplicated service and a delicious dinner: parsnip soup with spicy depth; Beetroot, goat cheese, sea fennel and orange; Cornish hake, balsamic sprouts and celeriac; Spicy Thai Green Curry and Lemon Meringue Pie.

The relaxed atmosphere wins, enhanced by the courteous handling of dogs – our Lurcher lies next to us, spoiled with treats by the chef. It’s the same with breakfast, which offers all the classics and is delicious.

Roller shutters are also refreshed, the enchanting view remains natural.