The Idle Rocks

I had written a review, but somehow it’s ‘magically’ disappeared. Maybe management realised they may need locals to support them. Who knows… What I can (re)tell you is after the lovely receptionist told us there was space on the terrace for my family and I to enjoy a coffee, the waiter refused to serve my husband, by management orders, on the grounds we weren’t hotel residents. It was near enough empty! As a visiting boat from the Helford we were hoping to come here regularly, but apparently our custom was not welcome. Save yourself the mortification and go to the pub opposite, great service there!

Kind receptionist said there was space on the balcony for us to sit and enjoy a coffee. Once my husband went to the bar he was refused to be served, by orders of management, as non-hotel residents we weren’t welcome! As Cornish residents visiting by boat from the Helford, we were rather hoping to regularly visit through the summer for drinks and lunch. Such a shame our custom isn’t welcome. So, unless you’re staying here, save yourself the mortification of being turned away. Great service at the pub opposite though!

Upon arrival we were greeted with a very warm welcome from the friendly front desk staff whom wished me a happy birthday and to proceed through to the dining area where we would be looked after by the restaurant staff... If only that were true! We went through to be greeted and sent to our table where we waited patiently for 20 minutes for even a glass of tap water to arrive. I had to go to the bar to ask for a drinks menu. You would be forgiven to think the place was busy but infact there was only two other tables of 4 and one other table of 2 that left shortly after our arrival in an otherwise empty restaurant. After ordering our drinks they took a further 25 minutes to turn up. We then ordered our food from the limited lunch menu provided after which somebody came over to explain their 'specials'. The food came out and was delicious in flavour the lamb was gristly and the portion would leave even a small child wanting more... yet we persevered and ordered more drinks however only one of which arrived, yet they still managed to put the missing drink onto the final bill. Unfortunately we were clearly not the only disappointed party today as there was another lady creating alot of commotion with complaints at the edge of the restaurant area who was quickly ushered outside, then a waiter came over to apologise about in his words 'the commotion' Its is such a shame that this hotel didn't achieve what it promises to be. Some serious improvements are clearly needed to keep the status it has achieved. Location alone does not make a hotel. We went over to the seafood shack (for want of a better word) on the edge of the harbour and not only had far superior cocktails but an all round better experience.

Friendly welcome at the door . Good to sit out on the terrace in the sun although noisy with on speaker conversations st the next table . It’s a personal thing but why are folk taking pictures of their lunch ? Sad Cream tea ….flat warm champagne and hard dry scones .

We really enjoyed our two night stay at Idle Rocks. The hotel is ideally situated- just a short walk to the pub, restaurants, shops and ferry. Our room was large, with a comfortable bed and wonderful view of the harbor below. Unlike some other older hotels at Idle Rocks we did not hear noise from adjacent or upstairs rooms. Breakfast were very good. Two minor negatives- 1. the towel rack in our bathroom did not work. I only wish I’d found out before we washed our our hiking clothes and 2. the front desk personnel were young and disengaged.

We walked in to enquire about eating from the afternoon menu. The Receptionist was delightful. We went into the dining area where a waiter was vacuuming the floor. He looked at us, didn't acknowledge us and just continued to vacuum. I walked over to him and he just looked at me and said an abrupt 'Yes'. In other words what do you want! I politely asked to see the menu. First of all he said there wasn't one. Then I told him that the Receptionist said there was. Miraculously he then handed one to me. He was rude and obstructive. Therefore would we really like to return to eat and drink in this hotel......NO. Why can't this establishment employ people who enjoy working in hospitality?????

A hotel that seems incapable of taking a booking and honouring it. Disappointed this morning to have arrived at the hotel for a prior booking to be advised that no records exist of our booking. The receptionist seemed to think this was a routine issues for the hotel. Always surprising to be turned away on such occasions and wholly disappointing

Everything was excellent, from the lovely room with a great view, our own coffee machine and freestanding bath; to the incredibly relaxing lounge, especially when we were sat in front of the open fire, to the delicious food in the restaurant with friendly helpful staff. In short, we'll be back! 😄

St Mawes is a special place, unchanged by time and offering the very best Cornwall can give. The Idle Rocks is situated overlooking the harbour with simply beautiful views, over the harbour directly in front, to the left towards the Percuil River and beyond St Mawes Castle towards Falmouth. We made our booking with Emma, and experienced excellent service. We parked at one of the hotel's private car parking spaces in the main car park and checked in easily. Summer took us to our room which was in Carricknath Cottage, a beautifully appointed room overlooking St Mawes Harbour. This room was tastefully furnished with all the extras you would expect and more! Aromatherapy toiletries, bath robes and slippers in an immaculately presented bathroom which contained a superb power shower and fluffy towels. Thoughtfully presented extras included make up remover and other essentials were also available in matching wicker baskets. The huge bed was exceptionally comfortable and strewn with tasteful cushions which could be moved to the window seat to offer even more comfort in gazing out at the harbour and the regular chugging of the St Mawes to Falmouth passenger ferry. Chilled sparkling and still water was available in the mini fridge and a good range of speciality teas or coffee from the Nespresso coffee machine, with fresh milk from a jug, no sachets. When we returned from our evening out, our bed had been turned down, fresh water placed on our bedside tables and dim lights switched on to welcome us back. We settled down to watch the sun setting over the horizon as a few moored boats turned down their lights for the evening. A unique idea was perhaps a welcome card addressed to us which we noticed as we unpacked and our names written on our room's from door - both of these added to the personal touch which The Idle Rocks has clearly been doing so well for many years. Summer deserved a special mention for being so determined to help us find somewhere local to eat when the hotel's restaurant was full. We went to the Plume of Feathers at Portscatho, a 15 minute drive and a truly traditional Cornish pub. The only disappointing part of our stay was the slow service at breakfast. The food was wonderful but it took a long time before we were able to order our tea or coffee, seemingly sitting unnoticed for quite some time. Overall, a fabulous stay and a beautiful place we highly recommend. Thank you!