Nici Hotels, a growing brand founded by Nicolas Roach, is expanding its presence in the coastal town of Newquay, Cornwall, with the recent soft opening of Nici Newquay. This follows the successful 2022 launch of Nici Bournemouth, which was inspired by Miami Beach’s vibrant style. The latest additions to the portfolio also include the Nici New Forest, characterized by New England influences, broadening the brand’s distinctive approach to hospitality.
Situated in the heart of Newquay, Nici Newquay offers 76 rooms alongside a range of amenities including a spa, indoor pool, bar, restaurant, and a large sea-view terrace. The hotel occupies a Victorian building, featuring a dramatic grand staircase and chandeliers, though completion of further facilities is expected by 2027. These future enhancements include a lift connecting the hotel to the beach through approximately 40 meters of rock, an outdoor pool, and a clifftop café. For now, guests must navigate the staircase, as the lift is not yet operational.
Roach describes Newquay as a unique fusion of diverse visitors—from wealthy surfers to younger, more casual beachgoers—making it a fitting location for the brand’s blend of edgy seaside culture and refined hospitality. Despite ongoing construction and some operational limitations, Nici Newquay is reportedly drawing a steady stream of visitors, particularly during the current summer heatwave. Rooms are priced from under £200 per night, with air conditioning and premium amenities provided.
The hotel’s arrival coincides with a broader revitalization of Newquay’s hospitality and cultural offerings. The nearby St Austell Brewery has been refurbishing the Great Western Hotel, an historic site known as the town’s first hotel, incorporating art deco design and plans for affordable accommodations. Other developments include new luxury apartments such as Salt and Soul, alongside a proliferation of cafés, shops, and eateries that cater to evolving tastes and aim to diversify the town’s traditional seaside reputation.
Notable food and beverage venues gaining attention include Saltd, a casual café near the railway station; Vinyl Imports, a new music store; Box & Barber, a popular brunch spot; and Counter Culture, a Basque-inspired pintxos bar and restaurant. Counter Culture recently earned a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide for its quality and affordable dining, with chef-patron Ben Harrison and mixologist Alex Gomes providing inventive sharing plates and cocktails.
While Newquay’s weather remains variable, the town maintains strong appeal for outdoor activities when conditions are favorable. The Nici offers a complimentary daily beach activities program for guests, including surfing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling lessons led by experienced instructors. These offerings align with the town’s identity as a vibrant surfing destination, enhancing its draw for visitors seeking both leisure and adventure.
The reopening of Nici Newquay and the surrounding improvements signal a shift in the town’s hospitality landscape, balancing commercial ambition with the local culture and natural beauty that have long defined Newquay.