Budock Vean 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.

We have visited this hotel many times and have always considered it our go to place. No more there has been a change of ownership recently. We knew this and were expecting change. What a disappointment. We have a lovely room and the staff are wonderful but our evening meals have not been good. This three course meal (they say four but the fourth is coffee and mints!) costs £49.00. In no was is this worth even half if that amount. Most of the guests here seem to be returners but I wonder how many will return again. Budock you really need to listen to your guests, many who have been loyal for years. So very disappointed “

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.

Beautiful grounds

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.

Booked for a single night, Budock Vean is an excellent place to stay. The grounds were delightful to walk around. Also there's the option of venturing further down to the Helford and past the Ferry Boat Inn. We didn't have time to use the spa or golf course, but the lounge areas, terrace and dinning room were very comfortable. Lots to do and explore. But best of all was the quality of the Dinner (and Breakfast). Superb food served nice and hot, with excellent service. Very high quality food at a reasonable price. Highly recommended and now looking for an excuse to return.