Best Western Duke of Cornwall Hotel

We felt like an inconvenience rather than guests. After our five-hour trip, we wanted a drink, but the barmaid gave other staff looks in front of us and complained loudly when more people joined our party and we ordered extra drinks. She kept saying she needed to get home at 21:50, yet was still there at 11pm. The next day the bar was unattended while staff chatted, and we had to fetch them. They said they’d be over in a second, perhaps they had to finish their conversation first. Staff moved us aside while we were eating breakfast. The tea bags ripped whenever we tried to make a cuppa, and sometimes there were none in the room, so we had to go downstairs at 7am for more. We were charged twice for parking because reception refused to take our number plates, which would have prevented it. When I asked for an ironing board, staff talked over me and said dropping it off in the morning was too much hassle and they’d do it when convenient for them. Staff also walked into our room without knocking, and took away our dirty towels without replacing them, leaving us with none. Stay somewhere that treats guests properly and where staff seem to want to be there.

We booked a little getaway and had a nice stay in a Deluxe double room. The four-poster bed was comfy, and having sitting-room chairs to watch the TV from made it feel a bit more classy. There was a kettle and tea and coffee stuff, with more available at the front desk. The bath was a good size, unlike the small ones you often find in hotels, and the shower was very nice too. We paid for breakfast and enjoyed the toast, cereal and pastry selection, plus hot food you can order after being seated. The staff I spoke to were friendly and polite. It’s about a five to ten minute walk to the main town. I’d stay here again for another getaway.

The Ferry Terminal is within walking distance, and the staff were pleasant, attentive and helpful. My single room was on the small side and a little dated, but clean, tidy and well equipped. The bed was comfortable and the shower excellent. The building has a beautiful, old-fashioned interior with quaint decor.

The service was actually very good, but there was no Wi-Fi anywhere in the Duke of Cornwall. That’s hard to accept these days, and I wouldn’t have booked if I’d known. I knew there had been a Wi-Fi problem in November, but foolishly assumed it was fixed. I’d think about staying again if it works, but until then, no.