Porth Avallen Hotel

Went on 06 April with a friend and had pizzas, wine and beer. Service was absolute brilliant and food and drinks most delicious. We had the Chicken and mushroom pizza and Pepperoni pizza with Proper Job Beer, Guinness and Santa Helena Merlot wine.

Absolutely awful ! Some have compared it to Fawlty Towers and still in the 70s but at least Fawlty Towers had staff and the owner and manager were not hiding away leaving one member of staff to run the place! We asked to see manager or owner whilst at the hotel but was told they are not available. Emailed them but as yet no reply after 5 days . Phoned ,was told they are off today and not available. First impressions of hotel on arrival. Very dated and needs refurbishment. First impression of the room we book (most expensive Avallen Suite) was wow but quickly found that this was it. Fancy looking shower but unable to control the temperature and stuck on very hot so unusable (despite following the very specific instructions on the wall). Heating not working and was chilly. Towel rail was not working so no way to dry towels. Interestingly, another review in February mentions they were told about the heating issue and given a reduced rate. We were told that it must just be a fault with out room. Very fancy deep oval bath but useless as the water pressure is so poor. Filthy mat by the balcony door. Balcony furniture dirty. Only good thing was the view! Only one member of staff for reception, bar and dinner service. Meal (Lasagne) very basic and not great for the price. We had far superior and delicious meal at the Pier pub for around the same price and that was clearly very popular because it was full. (unlike this hotel) Breakfast - awful coffee that appeared to be instant coffee but in the jug. Awful full english breakfast. Security- Room keys must be left at reception but they are left on the counter and with no reception staff there ( because they are doing other work) It is very clear from our experience and from talking with locals that this hotel is lacking any management or investment. It has a great location and with the right owners could be amazing but sadly in the wrong hands. We could not fault the staff that were on duty and clearly over worked. One on Friday , one on Saturday and one on Sunday. If the owner can be bothered to reply to my email I will happily arrange to talk directly but I will not hold my breath!

We booked direct with the hotel and received a seasonal discount on our stay. We were advised the heating system was awaiting repair but there would be portable heaters in our room. After checking in, we went to the room and it was pleasantly warm, so those heaters were effective. It was dark when we arrived but next morning we were treated to an amazing sea view. Breakfast was lovely, the hotel team were all very attentive and friendly. Great location, lovely spacious room, food was great including dinner. Exactly what we expected from a privately owned large hotel, it has character.

Having walked past this hotel on our outward walk we decided to support an independent hotel by perhaps having lunch and a drink there. We initially were going to have a latte and tea but when told the Latte was £5.50 and a cup of tea was £4 we decided not to stay. This is a 3 star hotel and to charge this price for a latte coffee, we feel, is taking advantage of customers. We expressed our concern and mentioned that the near by Carlyon Bay hotel didn't even charge this, only to be told that it must there be better coffee than theirs. Our advice us if you want a coffee or tea, go elsewhere.

Family meal spoilt by lack of communication, slow service and attitude of owner. Food itself was very nice but we were not advised as to the wait due to the time needed to cook one dish, waitress only managed one dish at a time, was reluctant to clear empty plates, never asked if drinks wanted replenishing. Took over half an hour for desserts to appear miraculously once we decided we no longer could wait due to another appointment. The owner felt we were unreasonable and was rude and felt we were unrealistic in our expectations as to service time yet we had been served a few days earlier in the same area, in good time even though we were a table of 6.

Height of the holiday season in Cornwall but this place has the feel of grey time in Scarborough. Probably only about 20 guest. Half a dozen in the bar. Same menu evert day. Decor which belongs in the 70's. Fantastic coastal location but in dire need of investment and promotion.