Porth Avallen Hotel

Booked with Sybil, thrown out by Basil an hour after arrival. We arrived booked in. We went to our room about 5.20pm we threw our bags on the floor and made a cup of tea. We’d had a 6 hr drive. While drinking my tea I noticed stains on the carpet and then when we moved our bags the stains were in three splashes on the way to the bathroom. It looked to me, as if someone had been poorly and dashed to the bathroom. My husband said they might have opened a bottle of red wine and sloshed it over the carpet, so I got a wet tissue with the idea that if it didn’t wash out I would be less bothered, I’m afraid it did wash out. One saving grace from the bugs point of view, it looked like it had been there a while. When we went down for a pre dinner drink at about 6.15pm I stopped by the reception and told her my thoughts. I would expect that any hotel would get out their spot remover and go and clean it while we were at dinner. The room in general was nice and it had a lovely view. When in the bar we were going through to our table when the owner who was serving at the bar said very loudly “what’s this about the carpet in your room”. I told him trying to be discreet about the fact I thought someone had been ill. He said he would look. We ordered and a bit later he came into the restaurant. He said it was red wine and wouldn’t wash out, I told him it did wash out, so it wasn’t wine. He said I can’t get it cleaned tonight so if you don’t like it you can leave! I was shocked. He then asked how long had we booked for and it was 6 days. He back peddled and said he could get it clean in 2or 3 days, he didn’t have another room. I told him I was not happy with that, then the insults started, I had an agenda. Who washes a bit of carpet etc. My only agenda before he walked into the restaurant was fish and chips and a glass of wine. I asked him to calm down as he was shouting. He said that 6 people had stayed in that room and none had complained. As we were in the process of leaving he did say he might have another room, but I’m afraid that boat had sailed. We did what he said and left. Fortunately he gave a full refund. I booked into a hotel down the road. It cost more, but what a relief. Phew.

Absolutely awful ! Some have compared it to Fawlty Towers and still in the 70s but at least Fawlty Towers had staff and the owner and manager were not hiding away leaving one member of staff to run the place! We asked to see manager or owner whilst at the hotel but was told they are not available. Emailed them but as yet no reply after 5 days . Phoned ,was told they are off today and not available. First impressions of hotel on arrival. Very dated and needs refurbishment. First impression of the room we book (most expensive Avallen Suite) was wow but quickly found that this was it. Fancy looking shower but unable to control the temperature and stuck on very hot so unusable (despite following the very specific instructions on the wall). Heating not working and was chilly. Towel rail was not working so no way to dry towels. Interestingly, another review in February mentions they were told about the heating issue and given a reduced rate. We were told that it must just be a fault with out room. Very fancy deep oval bath but useless as the water pressure is so poor. Filthy mat by the balcony door. Balcony furniture dirty. Only good thing was the view! Only one member of staff for reception, bar and dinner service. Meal (Lasagne) very basic and not great for the price. We had far superior and delicious meal at the Pier pub for around the same price and that was clearly very popular because it was full. (unlike this hotel) Breakfast - awful coffee that appeared to be instant coffee but in the jug. Awful full english breakfast. Security- Room keys must be left at reception but they are left on the counter and with no reception staff there ( because they are doing other work) It is very clear from our experience and from talking with locals that this hotel is lacking any management or investment. It has a great location and with the right owners could be amazing but sadly in the wrong hands. We could not fault the staff that were on duty and clearly over worked. One on Friday , one on Saturday and one on Sunday. If the owner can be bothered to reply to my email I will happily arrange to talk directly but I will not hold my breath!

Having walked past this hotel on our outward walk we decided to support an independent hotel by perhaps having lunch and a drink there. We initially were going to have a latte and tea but when told the Latte was £5.50 and a cup of tea was £4 we decided not to stay. This is a 3 star hotel and to charge this price for a latte coffee, we feel, is taking advantage of customers. We expressed our concern and mentioned that the near by Carlyon Bay hotel didn't even charge this, only to be told that it must there be better coffee than theirs. Our advice us if you want a coffee or tea, go elsewhere.