The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate

We recently stayed for two nights over New Year at The Cornwall.

The hotel itself is attractive, with lovely grounds, spacious rooms and a nice pool - on the surface, it feels like a 4-star hotel. Unfortunately, the lack of attention to detail and the standard of service from some staff bring it closer to a 2–3 star experience. I also wouldn’t describe it as child-friendly.

Before arriving, I phoned to ask whether we could book breakfast on New Year’s Day and was told yes, with a small surcharge on the day. However, when we arrived for breakfast, we were abruptly told “no” and refused entry as we hadn’t pre-booked. Our 5-year-old was very hungry, yet the staff member (the operations manager - Hannah I think was her name?) was defensive, grumpy and completely unwilling to help. I even asked if I could simply make a piece of toast for my child - this was refused several times before she reluctantly allowed it, clearly unhappy to do so.

When I later tried to discuss the issue, there was no apology or acknowledgement that incorrect information had been given over the phone. Instead, I was told they were being “very accommodating” because they had already served 140 guests - which is hardly comforting when you’re standing there with a hungry child. Ironically, our 5-year-old later asked why we couldn’t just take breakfast to our room, highlighting a lack of basic initiative from staff.

I also raised this with reception, hoping for a solution, but was simply asked for our room number and nothing further was done. If tables were genuinely full (I did notice at least one empty), allowing food to be taken to the room would have been an obvious and simple fix.

Other negatives:

- Single beds are very small and uncomfortable
- Lunch menu sounded good but food was mediocre
- Long wait times to order at the bar
- Security concern: returning to our ground-floor room on the second night, we found the patio door open, despite not having used it - unsettling with a young child

There may be positives, but this experience left such a sour taste that they’re hard to appreciate. If you’re happy to keep your head down and accept minimal service, this hotel may suit you. If you expect good service, flexibility, or staff willing to go the extra mile, there are far better options nearby.

The roast dinner was very tasty, but there simply wasn't enough of it. I am female, size 8, and I left the venue hungry; that's not good. One slice of beef, one potato, quartered, half a roasted carrot, half a roasted parsnip, a scoop of red cabbage, a scoop of shredded green cabbage, and four barely cooked sprouts (which you needed to anchor, else they would fly away on cutting), and no cauliflower cheese (as advertised).
Proper disappointed to be honest, I won't be visiting again. On the upside, it tasted nice; not the best, but tasty enough. I've had far worse, but nobody has left me hungry before.
Not enough choice on sweet, either. I don't like Christmas Pudding, or cheesecake, so had default ice cream trio
Don't leave your guests hungry!

Welcome was lovey by the bar staff, reception, no so much.
Lovey fire and drinks while we looked at the menu.
Menu was at price point for this establishment/star rating.
Choice was varied.
Tribute was 10/10 a credit to the cellar staff.
The procecco a mild 6/10.
Restaurant staff again faultless.
The food however wasn't, disappointing to say the very least.
Albeit the soup was good, but thats where it ended.
The crab beignets were as far from the sea as Birmingham. Tasteless and doughy.
Both mains came out luke warm and had to be sent back.
They both came out again hot, but the content of the lamb rump and celeriac steak was poor.
I'd hazard a guess at 50g of lamb.
£5.50 for fries.
We had the service charge revoked for good reason.
Such a shame

A great leisure and afternoon experience.The reception staff very friendly and helpful.The facilitates pool,sauna and pool just awesome.The afternoon tea served by the very charming warm Dee made the afternoon experience really worth remembering.looking forward to a return visit.

I booked 36 of us into the Hotel for our work Christmas party - Hannah and her fantastic team were not only helpful, friendly, and accommodating the entire night, but also fun and engaging. The hotel is beautiful, and the rooms are all spacious and comfortable. The evening meal and breakfast were both excellent, and the overall experience was really enjoyable - exactly what we wanted as a company event.

I usually stay at another nearby hotel, but a friend recommended The Cornwall Hotel — and I’m glad they did!

All the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, the food was delicious, and the gym and spa were both clean and spacious. Most importantly, the room was well presented and very comfortable.

I had a fantastic stay and will definitely be returning soon.

Thank you!

Our fourth or possibly even fifth visit to this beautiful hotel. We really enjoyed our trip the first time with our young family and dog. Everyone very friendly and helpful, the room was beautifully clean, tidy and spacious.
The location is great for exploring local attractions but also a peaceful haven to get away from the hustle and bustle when needed.
We particularly enjoyed the spa pool and visited each day with our daughters. The massages were also very good we both thoroughly enjoyed. We only have good things to say about the hotel, staff and our stay.

We went to the Cornwall Hotel and Spa for a locals afternoon tea.
We had a few complex allergy requirements which the chef and especially our server Craig, dealt with, with kindness, respect and care. We were all delighted with our experience and the food was delicious. We would especially like to say a big thank you to Craig, who was so helpful and considerate to our needs. His humour made us feel like our requirements were no problem for him or the hotel at all. Thank you Craig and all the staff at the hotel. We will be recommending the Hotel to everyone we know.

We did our Christmas Party last night absolutely fabulous, staff very friendly, food excellent disco great could not have been better thank you all

If you want a stay where everyone cares, then the Cornwall would be a great place to stay. There were items that we asked for and preferences to be accommodated, and every single member of staff made it possible with grace and a smile.
The food was excellent and ambience active yet relaxing.
As you look out over the parkland be prepared for a slight hum from the main hotel extractor fans but these switch off a night for a peaceful rest.

Excellent location, very comfortable room, spa was good and friendly staff. Good value for money. The only downside was the price of food and drinks! Will definitely return.

Recently came to The Cornwall for a small function. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Room was clean and area grounds kept tidy. Afternoon tea was very poor for the price. Cakes tasted of pure sugar and were not enjoyable. For the price paid our group felt it was not up to The Cornwall’s usual standard:

Warmly greeted when we arrived . The staff are happy and attentive. The Spa was wonderful and the treatment I had was fantastic. Thank you Rachel. Afternoon tea was well presented and a real treat. The food is high quality and very tasty, rooms are large and clean. Overall, very enjoyable and highly recommended.

Omg what a fantastic place we went for spa day while here on holiday in St Ives I cannot rate this enough the most friendly staff ever
The spa was truly lovely the massage was outstanding those girls I would highly recommend

A lovely hotel stayed 4 nights. The room was big and kept beautifully clean throughout the whole stay. All the staff were very friendly and helpful nothing was too much trouble. Breakfast was everything you could want. Continental and full cooked. We didn’t have any other meals but it always seemed to be busy. The barman on the evening was very friendly and extremely helpful. We used the spa once which was nice but a little bit too cold and the sauna wasn’t working. Which was a shame. But all in all a wonderful stay and would definitely return.

A wonderful welcome hearlded the beginning of a very memorable stay at the Cornwall Hotel and Spa. From the moment we booked, to our reluctant departure, everyone was friendly, professional and courteous. The two Sarahs, Alfie and the other staff members couldn't do enough for us and our party. A diamond find in an idlyllic setting. We look forward to going back sometime soon.

Thank you to all the team for the wonderful time we had at the hotel for the 90th family celebrations. It was an absolutely outstanding experience from start to finish! The hotel was spotless, beautifully designed, and offered every comfort imaginable for our elderly relations. The staff went above and beyond to make our stay memorable- warm, professional, fun and genuinely welcoming. The food was delicious, and the location beautiful.

Without a doubt, a family gathering we’ll never forget! We hope to return again soon

Sending warm wishes from across the water!

We visited Cornwall Hotel and Spa for the first time. I have planned with my husband to visit Cornwall for a long time. When we looked at the hotels, Cornwall Hotel and Spa was attractive due to the beautiful position surrounded by nature. I would give 4 stars for the hotel but for the foods definitely 5 stars and with this I would like to say my compliments to the chefs! Catch of the day was delicious! And all the other foods we had. The hotel is cosy, lovely staffs. The room was quite spacious with beautiful view. The ladies from reception very welcoming and friendly. They supported us during our stay with any information we needed. The Hotel has a gym, swimming pool and spa. Very good to relax after a day of exploring the city.

The hotel is lovely, and the staff are brilliant—especially Alfie at the bar, who made our evening with his excellent customer service and witty banter.

The grounds around the pool and spa were beautiful and perfect for a relaxing stroll.

The food was well presented, although it could have been a little warmer.

Parking was good. Clean room and good kitchen. Really facilities overall and well thought-out in terms of utensils etc in the kitchen