Tregenna Castle Estate

Bit late with my review. We have stayed at The Tregenna many times over the years, going back to the 1990s, in lots of different properties in the grounds and rooms in the Hotel itself. This time we just spent 2 nights in 2 rooms in the Hotel. One room was good with a nice view over the outside bar terrace towards the sea but the second room had a frosted window which was rather disappointing. We should have complained about it on arrival but didn't and then regretted it afterwards. We were lucky as the weather was gorgeous, hot and sunny, so we could enjoy the outdoor pool and the fabulous grounds around the hotel. We also swam in the indoor pool which was nice and warm after the outdoor pool. Breakfasts were good and the older man who supervises in the Dining Room, and has done for years, is good at checking and replenishing items as they run out. We went out to eat in the evenings to Pedn Olva which was good but had a problem with lots of flies the evening we went. On the 2nd night we ate at Porthminster Kitchen and had an excellent meal with that lovely view out over the harbour. We booked both in advance as I know how busy St Ives gets in the summertime. There are taxis in the back streets of St Ives if you need a cab back to the hotel as that hill can be a bit of a 'hike' after a meal and a few drinks. On the day in between we did our usual trip to Mousehole for the day which we love to visit when we are down in that part of Cornwall. It was a nice little break but a great shame about the frosted window in the second room. We did mention it when we left but the hotel had been fully booked so we probably wouldn't have been able to change the room unfortunately. The staff are always very nice there and helpful and no doubt we will be back at some point in the future as we love our holidays in Cornwall.

Opted for a shorter stay in a more expensive room with sea view. Sea view of StIves was good however noise level in the room was appalling lack of sound proofing as we could hear the adjacent rooms actually going to the toilet not just the flush. Also at the evening meal we’re told no condiments were available when they were at breakfast either side of the evening meal. We raised this both with reception and a formal letter of complaint, as yet no response, probably being ignored!

We had a really good holiday and would definitely return. However, there are a couple of points which I would like to see the hotel address to make it a real gem. We stayed in one of the 3 bed lodges which had a great view, was really spacious and very comfortable for 4 adults and 2 children. The kitchen and bathroom are well stocked. Unfortunately it just felt like the lodge needed some much needed tlc. Everywhere felt tired and needed modernising. The decor and furniture were all a bit dated. In addition the decking was in desperate need of jet washing and treating, it’s not a major thing but little things like that would have made a real impact. The grounds of the hotel are beautiful and the views of the harbour are amazing but again little things like lighting on the main drive way was not always working, likewise the paths often seemed to have bulbs out. We played golf, tennis and used both pools. The golf course could be beautiful but needs some attention and care. A few of the holes need rethinking as well as so much space is being wasted. Other than that I really enjoyed playing it. The pool outside is a great asset, warm water, nice seating area and very clean but the changing facility was very poor, dirty and smelt off. The indoor pool was a disappointment. It didn’t seem clean and little things like the roof being covered in moss/leaves should be easily cleaned. We ate in the hotel a couple of times and both meals were nice. Overall, we had a great holiday and I love St Ives, Carbis Bay and Tregenna Castle, I just hope the Castle managers invest the time and money needed to maintain such a beautiful place.