Budock Vean Hotel

We got a great deal via a website, and stayed this month for 4 days at this hotel on B&B basis. We thoroughly enjoyed our four days there - thought the hotel and staff were delightful. We had a “standard” room, which had older decor, but the room was comfortable and huge with a big bathroom, and more than enough space for a table and two chairs at which to have snack meals if not using the hotel restaurant. The facilities are brilliant: 9 hole golf course; tennis courts; stunning gardens going down to the river; indoor swimming pool and hot tub just outside; spa facilities if paid for; and wonderful freshly prepared hot breakfast served at your table. Great base to explore, Lizard and area; Truro and Falmouth; St Mawes via King Harry ferry; and two NT gardens right on doorstep. Would highly recommend this hotel.

I was quite disappointed by my stay here. I visited on the 7th night of an 8-day, 100-mile walk on the South Coast Path. On previous nights, I stayed at small, moderately priced guest houses and was looking forward to a bit of luxury at Budock Vean. In contrast to all the other places I stayed in Cornwall, where I got a very warm welcome each evening, I was barely acknowledged by the front desk staff at check-in. He did not greet me, but asked curtly for my surname and credit card, took an imprint of my card, handed it back, then said he had assigned it to the wrong room and had to take it again, without apology. When he asked me what time I wanted breakfast, I said 8:15, and he said there were no slots then, so I could have 8:30. I said OK to 8:30, and he said, No, 9:00. My "signature" room was spacious, and the bathroom was clean and bright. However, the carpets, walls, and upholstery were quite worn and stained (see photo of the chair below). This was an unpleasant surprise. I made a dinner reservation for the terrace, but when I showed up at the time I had reserved, the staff again refused to acknowledge me. I stood at the entrance, by the bar, and when I asked to be seated, the staff told me rudely that I would just have to wait, which I did for more than 10 minutes. The food took a long time to arrive after I ordered. I had crab salad, which was mushy and bland, and was drowning in mayonnaise. At breakfast the next day, again, it took more than 15 minutes for anyone to take my order after I was seated. I was given a dirty teacup and a tarnished fork. Because I had experienced warm Cornish hospitality at all the other places I stayed, I was especially disappointed. The grounds are beautiful and well-maintained. However, I had the distinct impression that as a female hiker travelling alone, albeit with resources to pay for a signature room at Buduck Vean, I was unwelcome there. I would not return, or recommend it to any of my friends or family, all of whom would apparently lack the pedigree to stay here.

The lady on reception called Wendy is just so wonderful, she spoilt our dogs! She was so kind and her service brilliant. We stayed with our dogs. It’s a £20 surcharge per night for dogs. Grounds are lovely. Lovely walk to the river from the hotel. Breakfast was great. Two pubs nearby to eat at, the red lion (great old pub food) or the waterfront Inn by the river which has gorgeous views. You need to park up the road and walk down. The bedrooms and bathroom are a bit dated , but the restaurant and bar area modern. Grounds are beautiful. Staff lovely ! Indoor pool and outdoor hot tub. Dogs loved it !

We had a lovely overnight stay, used the pool, spa which was great & relaxing. Our room had a beautiful view, was large and comfy, although we heard a little noise from fellow guests it didn't impact our stay, the tea/coffee selection was bountiful too.

Our first visit in February was a bit of a disaster. We were told we could arrive from midday onwards to use the facilities so arrived at 2pm planning to have a swim and use the hot tub. However on arrival we found all this to be closed, had we known that we would have rescheduled the date. The pre booked meal wasn't great and the dining experience was very underwhelming. After a disappointing visit we emailed the team to say we were less than impressed and they offered us a complimentary stay which we booked for April. What can I say?! It was a much more successful visit. We had a lovely swim, used the hot tub and the sauna. We chose not to eat in the hotel but took a walk through the beautiful gardens and on to the pub. The rooms here are lovely, the staff are mostly friendly and helpful with the exception of a couple of young ones in the dining room. We enjoyed sitting in the lounge playing cards. The pool was a tad chilly. We did use the spa treatments on our first visit and they were all amazing.

Fabulous decoration and position. Lovely gardens and our room was very special. Staff were friendly if a little inexperienced and over worked, due to staff shortages. The food when we got it was good but some of the processes and policies in place make it a challenge to find something to eat. There is also a hierarchy in place and priority is given to those who dine in the dining room and other guests are penalised for not doing so.. However the menu is very limited for those who don't eat beef or are vegetarian. Its a set 4 course meal so not suitable for those with a small appetite and I think £49 per head for food you cant eat is not cost effective. We ate in the bar and again found it difficult to find something. I wanted a crab sandwich wasn't available after 6pm. However at 7pm they did provide me with one, which was delicious and the envy of other guests who would have liked one as well. The service was good despite obviously being overwhelmed. Food arrived at the bar and were not paired up with the guests they were meant for. They were left to get cold after trying every table to see who ordered them. The conservatory was cold and cheerless so we sat in the lounge again lighting is very stark. The worst thing was being told at breakfast that tables by the wonderful view which were empty were allocated for dinner guests, so we were sat by the door. The restaurant manager made a bit of a thing about us paying which want an issue and we knew that but she made it one. All in all the hotel is great, the food menu limited and the attitude and service not good. I wouldn't recommend or go back until they sort this. I would have eaten in the restaurant if the menu had been different and more appealing.