I read some reviews of this hotel prior to our stay there. I was a little alarmed by the negative comments. I can only conclude that some of the negative comments were made by people who had stayed at a different hotel from my wife and I! We just had a wonderful 3 days there, great service, great food, thoroughly recommend this hotel!

My wife and I have just returned from a nights stay at this hotel and like a previous reviewer had to check the website again to make sure we had stayed at the hotel we thought we had booked.

We were aware of the ongoing refurbishment programme but decided to perservere as it was a treat for my wifes birthday and St Ives is one of her favourite destinations and having checked the hotel website, thought it looked a good choice.

On arrival, the staff appeared helpful, a porter escorted us by car down to the car park which was located at the bottom of a steep, narrow hill. This didnt bother us but can imagine it would be an inconvenience to some guests.

We checked in and went to our room (104). First impressions, amazing view, decor a bit dated but looks OK. Upon closer inspection, unfortunately all downhill from there. Dirty water stain on the wall, (appears that they may have had a problem with damp before but not sure, very unsightly though), cobwebs on the window lock, ripped curtains, bathroom was very cold and mould on the blinds and wall.

My wife went back to reception to complain and was offered another room and was given the key to inspect it herself which we felt was a bit odd, surely it would have been more professional to have been escorted?? My wife returned and said the alternative room was even worse and was told that was that was the only other accommodation available as they were virtually full and that the refurbished rooms were occupied. She was not given an apology or offered a discount.

Our rate included breakfast and although the food was good and the restaurant staff were friendly, they appeared to be under staffed and under pressure.

In addition, and not wanting to be picky, the money (more than the room rate) was taken from our account on the day we arrived, as I checked my balance when we walked into St Ives. Is it not common practice to pay on departure?? I questioned this with the receptionist when we checked out but she said it had not been taken, I wasnt going to argue with her as we just wanted to leave. If this is normal procedure, it was not explained upon arrival.

Trying to end on a good note, the bed was very comfortable and the shower was lovely but unfortunately, apart from the view, these are the only positive aspects to say about our stay.

We have travelled all over the world and this is the first review I have felt compelled to write. This hotel will be lovely when the refurbishment is complete but we will not be staying again in the near future.

We enjoyed our break here but it was a rather mixed experience. As other reviewers will have noted, the rooms are extremely variable in quality and so great care needs to be taken in ensuring you get a fully upgraded room. I would not desribe the room as especially clean, as there had been water through the ceiling - given the water marks in the roof and water dribble marks on the the light fittings. The bathroom was old and murky in corners. The pool and spa area is very nice. The food and service is very mixed in terms of quality and speed with some excellent staff and others not. Breakfast ok but perhaps lacking presentation. Meal service sometimes very very slow and impersonal, other times excellent. The reception were always helpful and cheery. The soothing views calmed disatisfaction and rough edges.

Booked on a winter special Dinner Bed & Breakfast package for one night.
Beautiful hotel in great setting with stunning views.
Upgraded to a sea view but was slightly disappointed with the dated decor and mouldy wallpaper, not one of the contemporary rooms pictured on the website!
Food was very good but we were disappointed that there was an extra charge for most items on the menu (steak was an extra £9)
Breakfast was lovely but such a long wait for the cooked breakfast after ordering. At both breakfast and dinner various items on the menu were not available which we only found out when trying to order them.
The worse thing was there a wedding going on in the hotel with a very loud disco that went on to past midnight. It was so loud that I was lying in bed singing along to the songs!
Spa was lovely and the view from dining room, spa and sea view rooms is amazing.