Budock Vean Hotel

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.

Stayed for 4 nights. Lovely rooms, atmosphere, grounds, spa, golf course and staff. Big shout out to Mark (in training in the lounge bar). He knew our drink order and was very polite. Food was fantastic. Golf course and spa very good however Sauna out of action. Down point, shower in bathroom. Poor pressure, and cloth screen - very 70s. Maybe install new showers in en-suite. Another down point, the bedroom key. Too heavy and surprised that hotel and room number on tag, so if lost, anyone inside hotel or outside could access the bed room. Minor points but overall very good hotel.

Short notice booking (having been let down by The Lerryn in Falmouth). Welcoming staff, gorgeous room and nice, relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast was great - enhanced by the wonderful view of the garden. Will definitely stay again (and make use of the spa facilities). Would recommend.

I’ve been a regular visitor to the swimming pool for a long time now and always appreciated it as a peaceful, affordable place to unwind — somewhere I could recommend wholeheartedly to friends and family. It was £10 on weekdays, which felt fair and accessible for many locals. Since the refurbishment, I was hopeful for improvements, but unfortunately, the new £17.50 entry fee has come as quite a shock. A £7.50 increase is significant, especially at a time when there are already very few affordable leisure options left for local residents in Cornwall. I completely understand that prices sometimes need to rise, particularly after investments into facilities — and a modest increase would have been reasonable. But this jump feels excessive and sadly makes what used to be a regular treat now out of reach. It’s frustrating to feel priced out of a place I once genuinely loved and supported. It’s a real shame to lose that local, welcoming feel and the ability to pop in just to relax. I hope the management will consider re-evaluating the pricing or introducing some local or loyalty rates to help make it accessible again to the community that helped support it over the years.

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.

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.