Where's Manuel? We were due to stay here for 7 nights but decided to check out early. We'd had enough of the discomfort and chaos before we endured the final night. There are some nice features to this hotel: nice coastal location; great food; good restaurant service (probably too many staff if anything); some friendly and helpful staff - special mention to the housekeeping team and Richard on the service team who were very friendly and helpful. However, those good features are outweighed by the negatives: Beds are old, lumpy, small and uncomfortable. Location is next to a rail line and busy road. Not much the hotel can do about the road and rail noise but if you want a quiet break this is not the place for you. Walls are very thin and not sound proofed. Our neighbour had their TV on into the early hours and we could hear every syllable. Something the owners should consider for the planned refurbishment. The views are not great from the room, either road or car park with glimpses of the sea. Management of the hotel is chaotic. Six false fire alarms during our stay, one in the early hours of Saturday morning and another after 10pm one night. At least the other alarms were during the day. and did not disturb our sleep. One poor chap seemed to be alone in trying to manage the evacuation one night but seemed bewildered. Guests were left outside in the car park, unnotifed that the alarm was false and they could return to bed. Restaurant reservations were not recorded. The receptionist at check out became very confused about our room bill and could not explain the charges. Not that any item was wrong, the charges just didn't add up to the total bill. The promised beach service was rarely available, beach furniture remained locked up and staff prioritised the restaurants. We're usually sad to leave a holiday destination but in this case we were relieved. It could be a nice hotel but it has an air of Fawlty Towers about it at the moment.

Excellent We had a wonderful day yesterday at the Cooden Beach Hotel. It was a special birthday occasion for my Family and we were looked after superbly.We were a party of 12 people and everybody had a wonderful. Drinks before and after dinner on the superb terrace and the most delicious Sunday lunch.From the roast beef and Lamb to the sizzling steaks and chicken skewers, the food was divine.We received brilliant service from beginning of the day until when we left around 8 in the evening, the staff were polite, friendly and efficient and I must single out Grace who was an absolute diamond, brilliant at her job with a wonderful personality to match. Grace is such an asset to this establishment. Would certainly recommend the Cooden Beach, and we will definitely return again soon.

A nice family break! I took my family here for a two night break. We arrived to find our rooms which both over looked the car park we’re on separate sides of the hotel despite asking for them to be together. They were full so nothing could be done. We then waited a long time to be served and again before we received our drink. The manager Jenny quickly reassured us and gave us a bottle of champagne to apologise. From that moment on we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Yes the food is expensive however it is very good. The location is fantastic, literally on the beach! The views are amazing! The swimming pool is very nice. The hotel is having a refurb later this year and I will definitely be back to see it! Some of the staff are fabulous! They do so much for you. The manager Jenny is a very helpful lady.

Sunday Lunch A wonderful Sunday lunch here today! Food was lovely - we had the roast beef and lamb and the quality of the meat was beautiful. And the chocolate torte was the best dessert I have ever had! André our waiter was very attentive and friendly as were the rest of the staff. A lovely experience and we will be back again! Rachel & Tom x

Poor service Went for coffee and cake on the front terrace. There were not many people there as it was rather windy and the cake arrived quite quickly. We had almost finished the cake (very good chocolate variety) before the coffee arrived. There always seems to be a long wait for coffee to arrive. Decided to go indoors for a chat and a drink. I went to the bar as there was no sign of any waiters but was told it was table service only. After at least 30 minutes we were just about to leave when a waiter appeared. Having ordered we waited at least another 30 minutes before the drinks arrived. It is very clear there are insufficient staff for a good service especially regarding dealing with coffee orders. It appeared that just 1 person was handling the coffee and bar orders. Quite ridiculous and consequently a very poor service. People will not come back if this is the norm.