Hotel California

We spent a few days here during half term; if not for COVID we’d likely have been in Spain. Having read the reviews, we were somewhat concerned, but it ticked a lot of boxes in terms of location, being dog friendly and the price. I’m not going to write War and Peace, but I hope to allay some people’s concerns or manage others expectations... This is a beautiful, traditional British hotel. It is old and the upkeep must be immense. It is tired in places when you compare it to a new Premier Inn, but you don’t get a fraction of the character and charm in a new purpose built Premier Inn (I’m not knocking Premier Inn BTW; we love them for what they are). We had some lovely evenings sitting in the bar and lounges; I’m sure that hotel has some stories to tell! The bedrooms are comfortable, albeit they would benefit from some TLC. But this hotel is not 5*, nor is it trying to be. That said, the view from our room was AMAZING and better than most 5*s we have visited. The location is great; a nice walk to Fistral Beach and Newquay. It has great views of the sea. We loved the pool and the hotel’s COVID policy meant we got exclusive access when booked. This was fantastic! Finally, we will remember this hotel for the fantastic service and food. We ate in the bar one after; wonderful! We are in the restaurant one evening; exceptional! And we shouldn’t forget breakfast, which was also fantastic and served to the table by lovely staff. THE STAFF AT THIS HOTEL ARE WONDERFUL! If you read this, thank you and be very proud of yourselves!! If I had to sum up our stay, I’d say “you get far more than you pay for at Hotel California”. We loved it because it is old, old fashioned, quaint and quirky. See past some of its wrinkles and enjoy it for what it is; a wonderful old English hotel with traditional old fashioned service.

Having read some of the negative reviews before my trip I was a little apprehensive but on arrival any fears quickly evaporated. The hotel has one of the best views in Cornwall across the Gannel estuary towards Crantock beach. The south facing sun terrace is perfect for a nice cold drink after a lazy day. The first thing I noticed on arrival was the genuine friendly staff on reception who really went out of their way to please. The Covid-19 measures obviously meant that things were not normal but the staff did their best to explain the rules and the temperature check was a very reassuring measure. I was allocated a very nice room with a double bed, unusual for a solo traveller and a wonderful view from the private balcony. The room was a very good size and spotlessly clean which for me is one of the most important aspects of any stay. The hotel covers quite a large site and even has its own bowling alley as well as an excellent indoor pool and other facilities which again due to Covid-19 had to remain closed. Breakfast was excellent and abundant and Gilly, Sarah and all the staff in the dining room again showed a genuine friendliness and efficiency to provide whatever you needed for breakfast from juice, yogurt cereal and porridge to a very well presented full English with choice of wonderful local eggs with deep orange yolks and so tasty. I ate most evenings in the restaurant with a daily special and very nice steak, burger and fish and chip options as well as pasta and a veggie option. The portions were huge and would satisfy any appetite. For a hotel the drinks were very reasonable but due to social distancing, socialising after dinner was limited but David the manager, was on hand for an interesting chat so the evening passed fairly quickly. For me the staff make a hotel and you could not get any better staff than the California. Sue on reception is wonderful and so efficient, any requests are managed quickly and personally. Gilly does a marvellous job in managing the restaurant and always has a cheerful manner even under pressure. I would recommend this hotel if you want a quieter break in Newquay away from the hustle and bustle of town. If you do want to venture closer to the popular spots, fistral is about a 15 min walk along the edge of Newquay Golf course while the town centre is about 20 minutes with all the bars, restaurants and facilities. In summary I would say give this hotel a chance as more and more of the Newquay hotels are converted to flats and it would be a shame if this hotel goes the same way come with a positive attitude and you will have a great experience.

The only reason this isn't a 5 is the hotel is a little tired. The staff are all amazing and very helpful and can't do enough for you. The food was amazing too. Oh and our room. We had the suite. Fantastic. Bath in the room. Chairs and king-size bed. The views are also something else. Will go back next year.

The hotel has implemented temperature checks and hand sanitizer on arrival and a one way system around the building. Room 202 is small but with lovely views of the estuary and beach. My room had only a thin sheet directly on the bed with no mattress protector and i had to choose my position to prevent feeling the large buttons on it. The room isn't cleaned during your stay if less than 4 nights but you can collect extra tea, coffee and milk from reception. Make sure you hang your towels to dry. The indoor pool is lovely and can only be used by one family at a time. It has to be booked for 30 or 60 min slots and is great to have it to yourself. The staff are extremely friendly and cheerful. The breakfast is excellent and I had some evening meals there which were very generous portions and delicious .You are allocated a table number which remains only yours for the duration of your stay. In general the hotel is good for the price paid and I wouldn't have a problem staying there again, but I have to agree that the rooms let it down a bit and really need some upgrading .

Stayed there for one night on the 30th September. It was dirty and I wrote 'Dust me' on the piano in reception. I can deal with shabby but had to do a 'four in a bed' in the room. It was dirty. I couldn't bath or take a shower as it looked like a breeding ground or legionnaires. Evening meal good, staff very good. I was ill in the night and very ill the next day. My companion was ill too. we both had to speak with the doctor. I had to send a sample off. Two e mails to the hotel later (asking for a refund) we still have not heard a thing from them. Very sad and disappointed now and so let down by the company.