Saundersfoot Escape: Stunning Kittiwake Cottage, Beach & Village Steps Away!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this review of Saundersfoot Escape: Stunning Kittiwake Cottage, Beach & Village Steps Away! is gonna be less Michelin star and more… well, me. Think less pristine brochure, more slightly-crazed aunt dropping in for a weekend and spilling tea (literally and figuratively).
First Impressions: The "Oh My God, I Need This" Factor
Let’s be honest, the name alone – "Saundersfoot Escape: Stunning Kittiwake Cottage, Beach & Village Steps Away!" – practically whispers, "Leave your life at the door." And honestly? It delivers. Stepping in felt like a giant exhale. We arrived in a downpour, and the cottage glowed from within. (Probably because the heating was on full blast, but hey, I wasn't complaining.) The promise is simple: beach and village close and it's not just some marketing ploy. You are steps away!
The nitty-gritty (and let's be honest, the stuff that actually matters):
Cleanliness & Safety (or, "Can I Even Breathe Here?") Okay, I’m a bit of a germaphobe, sue me. But I need to feel safe. And this place got it. The “Anti-viral cleaning products” and “room sanitization between stays” wasn’t just lip service. The place smelled clean. Like, fresh-linen-and-sunshine clean. They even had “hand sanitizer” everywhere. Felt kinda silly, but hey, better safe than sorry! They also boasted "Staff trained in safety protocol". I saw them cleaning and they looked like they knew what they were doing. They even have a "daily disinfection in common areas."
Accessibility: This is where I have to be real. I did NOT personally check accessibility. However, the listing does mention “Facilities for disabled guests.” I’d strongly recommend contacting them directly to confirm specifics. Don't just take my word or these bullet points. Do your own research!
Internet: The Modern-Day Necessity "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Hallelujah! Because a girl's gotta Instagram the sunset, right? The internet was…mostly…reliable. (Remember, this is real life, not a perfectly curated Insta feed. No one is perfect! Sometimes the WiFi dropped for like 5 minutes at the most, but usually it was fine.)
What a View, That's the Best I can say!
- "Pool with view" It looked pretty cool in the photos, but it was not available. I didn't see "Swimming pool [outdoor]", and "Spa/sauna" or "gym."
For the love of… Food! This is where things get interesting. "Breakfast in room" is a major win for my inner sloth. Imagine this: You saunter out of bed (okay, maybe you stumble), pull on that plush bathrobe (yes, they have them!), and boom – breakfast delivered. I did not have a "breakfast takeaway service", but you know, I wasn't complaining.
- Dining and Drinking: There are "Restaurants" in the village, but the cottage itself doesn't have a bar/restaurant.
- The village: the most important thing. There are a lot of things to do.
The Cottage Itself: Home Sweet (Temporary) Home
- “Available in all rooms”: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- Okay, not a bad list. I loved the free bottled water. I loved the sofa. The bed? HUGE! The "blackout curtains"? Saved my bacon (or my beauty sleep) every morning. The "bathrobes"? Pure luxury.
Things to do (Because, You Know, You Can't Just Sit Around All Day)
The Beach is right there: I mean, steps away. Like, you could practically roll out of bed and onto the sand. We built castles. We chased waves. We collected seashells. It was pure, unadulterated joy. The village itself is charming, with cute shops and restaurants. I did not get to enjoy "Body scrub", "Body wrap", "Foot bath", "Massages" but, heck, the beach is the real deal.
Ways to Relax: You can do it.
- "Pool with view" It looked pretty cool in the photos, but it was not available. I didn't see "Swimming pool [outdoor]", and "Spa/sauna" or "gym."
Services and Conveniences: This is where I give them a huge shout-out:
- "Concierge": helpful
- "Daily housekeeping": The rooms are well done.
- "Dry cleaning," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Cash withdrawal," "Currency exchange."
- "Parking": Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site].
- "Taxi service"
The "Meh" Moments (Because No Place Is Perfect)
The Occasional WiFi Hiccup: As mentioned. Life is imperfect. Sometimes the WiFi would hiccup.
Missing features: "Pool with view" and all of the "Relaxation" amenities, were non-existent.
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Saundersfoot Escape: Stunning Kittiwake Cottage feels like a secret escape. It's not just a place to stay; it's a place to breathe. The location is perfect. The cottage itself is cozy and well-equipped. And the fact that you're steps from the beach? That's just the icing on the (deliciously-prepared) cake.
Here's the deal: This place isn't just good. It's GOOD for you. It's a place to reconnect with yourself, with nature, and, if you're lucky, with that inner child who still loves building sandcastles.
A Compelling Offer (Because, You Know, I Want You to Book This Now):
Tired of the everyday grind? Escape to Saundersfoot and rediscover your joy!
My recommendation: Book a stay at Saundersfoot Escape: Stunning Kittiwake Cottage today. When you book directly through their website (check the link), you'll get a complimentary bottle of local wine and a discount on your first dinner at a nearby restaurant. Don't wait – these deals won't last.
Uncover Phayao's Hidden Gem: Phuthong Place Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average glossy brochure itinerary. This is real life, in Saundersfoot, with a healthy dose of chaos and a side of questionable decisions. Welcome to my Kittiwake-adjacent adventure!
Saundersfoot Meander: A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Great Chip Fiasco
- 14:00 - Arrival at Kittiwake via Car (God, I hate car journeys…)
- Okay, first impressions? Kittiwake is… well, it's there. Not exactly a palatial estate, but the "short walk to the beach" claim? Lies! Okay, maybe a slightly longer walk than advertised. Still, the sea air is already hitting my face, and after the three-hour drive, anything remotely resembling the ocean feels like a religious experience.
- Unpacked. Found a rogue sock in the suitcase. Always a sign of a good trip, right?
- 15:00 - Reconnaissance Mission: The Village
- Saundersfoot village! Oh, the promise! First stop: the local pub, naturally. "The Harbwr Inn" seemed like a promising choice. Walked down, feeling all breezy and ready to embrace the seaside life. Took a picture of the harbour. It smells like the sea. Amusing.
- 15:30 - The Harbwr Inn… and the inevitable Chips.
- Walked into the Harbwr Inn. Ordered a pint of local ale (decent, but not mind-blowing) and, naturally, chips. Because, what is a seaside holiday without the holy trinity of Chips, Curry Sauce, and seaside air?
- 16:00 - The Chip Blunder!
- Got the chips. They were glorious. Like, golden, crispy, greasy perfection. Then, disaster. In my overzealous excitement, I knocked the entire plate of chips onto the floor. The sheer indignity! It wasn't the fault of the chips. It was my fault. I could feel my face redden with mortification. People stared. I mumbled an apology and escaped, tail between my legs.
- 17:00 - Recovering From the Chip Incident
- Retreated back to Kittiwake with my self-esteem at an all-time low. Made myself a cup of tea and stared out the window. Maybe I need to rethink my relationship with chips. Or at least, my ability to carry them.
- 19:00 - Dinner, Redemption (Maybe?)
- I'm supposed to be cooking. But the chip trauma is real. I've found a local takeaway and ordered a pizza. Simple, safe, and hopefully, drop-proof.
Day 2: Seaside Strolls, Coastal Clangers, and the Pursuit of Ice Cream Glory
- 09:00 - Beach Bound!
- Weather is nice for once! Sun in Saundersfoot. Beach! I, however, feel slightly more vulnerable.
- Walked down the beach, feeling optimistic… until I remembered the chip incident.
- 10:00 - The Sea and the Swirling
- Watching the waves is nice. Some kids playing with a ball, which hits me and I nearly drop my sunglasses into the sea.
- 11:00 - Ice Cream Intervention
- Ice cream. Needed. Desperately. Went for a big, double-scoop cone of something vaguely vanilla-esque. No dropping this time. Victory!
- 12:00 - Saundersfoot Shopping (or, the quest for a decent souvenir)
- Browsed the tourist shops. Found a fridge magnet that was so hideous, it was almost perfect. Bought it.
- 13:00 - Lunch and the seagulls
- Had lunch at a casual place named "The Beach Hut". Food was fine but some seagulls tried to steal it off the table.
- **14:00 - Saundersfoot Art Gallery
- There is an art gallery in Saundersfoot. Went in, looked at some prints, and was vaguely touched by the local talent.
- 15:00 - Evening at the beach, and some reflections
- Walked along the beach. Watching the waves and the sun. Reflecting…
- 19:00 - Cooking dinner. Pizza again. I can't cook
- Decided to cook again. Probably a terrible idea, but I have no other options. Ordered a pizza.
Day 3: Departure and Reflections (and the lingering aroma of chips)
- 09:00 - Packing and Preparation for Departure.
- Packing. It's worse than the long drive. Found the rogue sock again. Clearly, it's following me.
- 10:00 - Last Walk of the Beach and the Harbor
- One last look at the sea. One last breath of that glorious air.
- 11:00 - Checking Out and Goodbye.
- Time to leave. Leaving Kittiwake, with some mixed feelings.
- 13:00 - Drive Away, and Reflection
- On the road, I'm already thinking about the next trip. But right now, all I smell is chips!
- Bye Saundersfoot, bye Kittiwake!
- See you soon!
Saundersfoot Escape: Kittiwake Cottage – Okay, Let's Talk About This! (FAQ -ish)
Okay, spill the tea – is this "Kittiwake Cottage" actually as amazing as it sounds? Like, REALLY amazing?
Alright, alright, settle down. Amazing? Let's say... it *had* the potential. The photos? Glorious. That *promise* of being steps from the beach? A siren song, I tell you. My first impression? Well, I walked in, and the smell of… well, I *hoped* it was the sea! It was a bit musty, to be honest. Like an old book that’s been left in a damp cellar (though thankfully not a full-blown dungeon stink). But then you open the windows, and BAM! That salty air hits ya, and all is forgiven. Mostly.
Look, it's not Buckingham Palace. And maybe the pictures were taken with some VERY flattering lighting. But the location? BANG ON. Seriously, you can practically feel the sand between your toes from the front door. That’s worth a LOT in my book.
The steps! They keep mentioning the steps. Are they… murderously steep? Because my knees ain't what they used to be.
Oh, those steps. The *dreaded* steps. Okay, look. They're… present. Let's put it that way. They're like a polite, but persistent, acquaintance you can't quite shake off. I'd say they're manageable. I mean, I'm a seasoned hiker of the "walk to the fridge for a snack" variety, and *I* survived. You'll probably need to pace yourself. Make sure you have a good view of the beach at the bottom of the stairs to give you motivation.
Here's the thing: the steps are the price you pay for that proximity to the beach. And honestly, after the first day, you get used to them. You develop a rhythm. You start to count them… and then you realize you've forgotten how many you're supposed to be counting halfway up. So… yeah, they’re a thing. Pack sensible shoes. And maybe a walking stick disguised as a stylish accessory. I speak from experience after a particularly enthusiastic ice cream purchase.
Okay, let's talk about the village. Is Saundersfoot actually… charming? Or is it just another seaside tourist trap?
Saundersfoot? Charming, absolutely. Tourist trap? Well, yes, *a little*. But in the best possible way! It's got that PERFECT balance. You have the ice cream shops, the little arcades, the gift shops selling things you absolutely *don't* need but somehow *must* have after a couple of G&Ts. But it also has genuine character. The harbour is lovely, people smile, and the pubs… oh, the pubs.
I remember one evening, we watched the sunset from the beach, with the scent of fish and chips wafting from the village. It was pure bliss. Then, about a week later, my husband "accidentally" dropped his phone in his pint. So, you know… a mixed bag of experiences. But, overall, it’s delightful. Don’t expect ultra-sophistication; expect a good time.
What will the cottage actually *provide*? I hate turning up to an empty shell!
Okay, this is where the details start to get a bit… muddled. They *say* it’s well-equipped. They show you all the lovely, bright images, but the reality? Hmmm. Let’s just say it's a good idea to pack some essentials. You know, the stuff you can't live without. Like coffee, tea, and sugar (if you're like me, and function on caffeine). Oh, and maybe a spare tea towel. I swear one of the supplied ones had seen better days. And maybe a good book, or a kindle, I always love to be prepared to get lost in a book.
I strongly suggest double checking the list they provide, just to be sure. Just so you can know if you need to bring your own toilet paper, or pots and pans. Which you probably don't need to do, but check anyway.
Parking! Tell me about the parking situation. Is it a nightmare?
Parking? Okay, let's be honest. It's… *challenging*. Saundersfoot, being adorable, is also popular. And popular places often have tight parking. Kittiwake Cottage *claims* to have parking. And, technically, it does. But it's like… a close encounter of the tiny, awkward kind. Think driving instructor test! Backing in on a hill? More like a game of skill.
Honestly, I spent more time trying to park than I did actually *in* the cottage the first day. I eventually got the hang of it, but it's a good idea to have a calming playlist ready. And maybe a very, very good relationship with your other half. Or, you know, just embrace the walk from a further away car park. The sea air is worth it!
Anything else I should be aware of? Little quirks? Anything that could ruin my holiday?
Quirks? Oh, honey, *every* rental has quirks! I remember one time, the shower decided it *hated* hot water on day two. Turns out, the boiler had a… personality of its own. But once we figured it out, it was fine. A bit of a minor hiccup, that's all.
The biggest thing? Prepare for weather. This is Britain! Be prepared for sunshine, rain, wind, AND the occasional unexpected hailstorm. Layers are your friend. Pack a waterproof jacket, some sturdy shoes, and a healthy dose of optimism. Oh, and pack some earplugs. The seagulls can be *loud*, especially at 5 AM. You've been warned!
Also, embrace the imperfections. It’s not going to be perfect. But will you enjoy it? Almost certainly. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I try to park the car more carefully next time? Definitely.
Are there any good restaurants to go to?
Oh, the restaurants! Okay, so, again, not a Michelin star mecca, but there are some gems. The Stone Crab is a must: fresh seafood, great views, and cocktails that will make you forget all about the parking situation. Or at least, laugh it off. There's also a nice Chinese restaurant in the back streets - it's a bit of a trek up the hill, but worth it for the food and the peace.
I had a rather disappointing experience at a fancy Italian restaurant, mind you. Overpriced, under-seasoned pasta, and a waiter who seemed to actively dislike his job. So, do yourHotel Safari
