Bedruthan Steps on Cornwall’s north coast may not be the most architecturally distinguished hotel in Britain – in fact it looks like a large Sixties motel in need of a lick of paint - but when you’ve schlepped down from London on the train with two small children and an unfeasible amount of luggage, you just don’t care - it’s what’s inside that counts.

The hotel is set into a steep cliff face and its layout is slightly confusing. But we found reception without too much trouble and after a swift and cheery check-in were directed to our “apartment”, Bedruthan’s top of the range accommodation: two bedrooms, bathroom and a sitting room in a separate block next door with spectacular sea views.

Well designed, spacious and spotlessly clean, it was also smart without being overdone - velvet and silk soft furnishings in bronze and purple lifted the neutral colour scheme. The beds – one double plus bunk beds - were supremely comfortable and fresh milk in the mini-fridge showed a rare appreciation of what guests actually want in their room.

For families, the villa suites, on the ground floor of the main building near the indoor pool, are also ideal. They have a separate partitioned off sleeping area for kids and patio doors which open onto the playground. But pleasant though they are, the rooms are not really the point of Bedruthan for many of its guests – they’ve come for the non-stop children’s entertainment.

I’ve stayed in a lot of “family-friendly” hotels but never found anywhere quite as dedicated to keeping kids amused as Bedruthan. There are indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, Jungle Tumble soft play area, play room with games and painting; outdoor play area including trampoline, swings, mini assault course and pirate ship, plus Ofsted registered children’s clubs in the mornings (which cost extra) and a daily programme of activities.

In the school holidays the children’s clubs run in the evenings as well, leaving parents to dine in peace (nannies and babysitters can also be arranged). And of course there’s Mawgan Porth beach, a shortish walk away down the hill, where the hotel organizes activities such as sandcastle building competitions.

It all seemed very well run, and the children’s clubs in particular were a cut above – my two, who usually hate them, couldn’t wait for another session.

Meals, too, served in the light and bright Indigo Bay restaurant, got top marks. There’s a generous buffet breakfast, a wholesome children’s menu for lunch and free afternoon tea (a bit of a scrum because the scones and cakes were delicious). In the evenings children can eat in their own tea room or dine with parents in Indigo at 7pm.

Food is locally sourced where possible and while mine were enjoying homemade fish fingers, I could tuck into imaginative dishes such as Mennallack farm vintage cheese soufflé with rich tomato sauce, marinated artichokes and rosemary followed by roast breast of duck with a salad of cherries, lovage and elderflower. The waiting staff were excellent, replacing meals rejected by fussy eaters without a murmur.

What I really liked about the hotel, however, was that it pulled off the tricky feat of keeping both child-free adults and families happy. There are separate dining areas for the two tribes at breakfast and lunch as well as dinner, an adults-only lounge with free internet access, and the Ocean Spa, which has a thermal suite including a fair sized spa pool, sauna, steam, caldarium and relaxation area, is a blissful escape from the hubbub.

All manner of treatments are available including wraps, scrubs and massages using sustainably harvested organic seaweed products from Irish brand VOYA. I opted for a nicely pampering Five Phase REN facial that costs £49 for one hour.

Bedruthan also impresses with its commitment to sustainability – it’s thorough without being heavy-handed and includes guests in some of it activities such as cleaning up the beach four times a year.

A sister hotel, the 37-room adults-only Scarlet, has just opened nearer the beach, billing itself as Cornwall’s luxury eco hotel. If it manages to capture Bedruthan’s happy blend of unpretentious comfort, good food and friendly service, it will be on to a winner.

Tripadvisor users give Bedruthan a four out of five average rating. Most users can’t wait to return to such a brilliant, child-friendly hotel but some found the service surly, the rooms very average and the food and drink over-priced.

Bottom line: prices from £85 per person per night based on two sharing a double sea view room on half board basis. Children’s rates are reduced according to age.

Best thing: facilities for children

Worst thing: bad mobile phone coverage

Access all areas: ground floor disabled suite and lift serves the main hotel bedrooms.

Need to know: Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, TR8 4BU, 01637 860860, www.bedruthan.com. Travel with First Great Western to Bodmin Parkway and the hotel will arrange a taxi transfer at a discounted rate.

Food: 8/10

Service: 9

Room: 8

Value: 8

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