Hotel VARA

We booked this for the Christmas Market and the town centre was so handy. The staff were really friendly and helpful. Our room, number 18, was clean, cosy and had a comfy bed, though it felt a little cold and plain next to the rest of the hotel. It’s a modern, Scandinavian-style place, and we’d stay again.

I picked Hotel Vara for a business portrait shoot because Tim and the team are welcoming, the decor is bright and modern, and the window light is lovely. The food was the real draw, though. Their homemade soups, pizzas and light bites are delicious, especially the pizza. I liked it enough to take one home. It’s also not far from Truro centre and has its own parking, so it’s well worth a visit.

For £157 on a Monday, our twin room was a shocking experience. The bathroom was dated and dirty, the old shower barely worked, and there were dirt splatters on the door and a dirty shower tray. We found only half a toilet roll and had to ask for tea and coffee. We were promised a breakfast box at reception for our departure, but it wasn’t there. The hotel is presented as a boutique stay, and downstairs has the look of a trendy home, but the bedrooms and bathrooms seem to have been neglected. The next night we stayed at The Lodge, a lovely Airbnb near town for £80. It was cosy, clean, friendly, had everything we needed and even left us treats. I’d look around before booking here.

We stayed overnight to see Rhod Gilbert. The little hotel was very clean, and the man at reception was friendly and couldn’t have been more helpful. Breakfast was basic, but everything was fresh. I’d definitely recommend it.