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Summary of reviewsBodmin Jail Hotel, located in the heart of Cornwall, combines historic charm with modern luxury, providing a remarkable retreat for guests. Despite its location in the seemingly unremarkable town of Bodmin, the hotel serves as a strategic base for exploring the stunning Cornish countryside, beaches and attractions like the Eden Project with easy access to both coasts. Although Bodmin may lack vibrant local attractions, the hotel's historic ambiance and proximity to the Camel Trail make it appealing for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests appreciate the handsome, well-converted structure and commend the friendly, attentive staff for enhancing their stay. The availability of free EV charging stations and central location for Cornwall sightseeing further contribute to its convenience.
The breakfast at Bodmin Jail Hotel receives high praise for its superb quality, variety and delicious made-to-order hot dishes. Guests particularly enjoy the experience in the Chapel restaurant, often citing it as the best hotel breakfast they've had. Although occasional service inefficiencies, especially on busy weekends, are noted, the friendly breakfast staff and relaxed dining atmosphere contribute positively to the experience.
Dinner options at Bodmin Jail Hotel are generally well-received with the Chapel Restaurant standing out for its ambiance, exceptional service and high-quality food. Guests often describe the meals as amazing and Michelin star-worthy. However, the Courtyard Bistro and the Jolly Hangman Tavern have mixed reviews with some guests finding the food overpriced or the service inconsistent. Nevertheless, dining at the hotel can be a delightful culinary experience if guests are prepared for potentially high bills and variable service quality.
The hotel's rooms, converted from former prison cells, impress guests with their spaciousness, exceptional decor and luxurious touches like underfloor heating and modern amenities. The blend of historical elements with modern comforts creates a unique atmosphere with comfortable beds ensuring a restful night’s sleep. While some guests mention slight darkness or warmth in the rooms, these minor issues are generally outweighed by the overall positive feedback regarding the accommodations.
Cleanliness is a strong point for Bodmin Jail Hotel with guests frequently praising the spotless condition of the rooms and communal areas. The modern and fresh look of the hotel, along with well-maintained grounds, contributes to the positive reviews. Occasional minor housekeeping oversights are noted but do not significantly detract from the overall high standards of cleanliness.
The staff at Bodmin Jail Hotel are consistently described as friendly, welcoming and attentive, contributing significantly to the hotel's positive reputation. Guests appreciate the professionalism and efficiency of the staff, who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
The hotel's Wi-Fi service is commended for its fast and reliable connectivity with strong signals throughout the property. Guests appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi in both the lobby and rooms, enhancing their overall experience.
The gym facilities, although compact, are well-equipped and maintained, offering a clean and functional space for workouts. Guests appreciate the thoughtful touches like hair bands and beverage stations, along with excellent showers and a steam room.
Parking at the hotel is generally convenient with ample free, secure spaces and EV charging points. However, the relatively small car park can sometimes be full, necessitating off-site parking. Despite this, the parking situation is largely appreciated for its accessibility and security.
The EV charging facilities receive commendable feedback for their accessibility and convenience with multiple charging points available for guests. The provision of free EV charging enhances the overall guest experience.
Families find Bodmin Jail Hotel to be a superb destination with spacious and secure rooms suitable for children. The friendly and accommodating staff cater to special occasions and the pet-friendly policy adds to the family-friendly atmosphere. The unique jail tour, delicious dining options and thoughtful touches for special events make it a highly recommended spot for family getaways. Even without adjoining rooms, the hotel successfully caters to both young children and teenagers.
Overall, Bodmin Jail Hotel offers a unique blend of history and modern luxury, making it a memorable choice for visitors to Cornwall. Show more
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Luxury Hotel
This hotel is a meticulously restored 18th-century prison, offering a unique blend of history and luxury. Its rooms are crafted from three former cells, retaining original features while providing modern elegance, comfort, sumptuous bedding, and luxurious bathrooms with underfloor heating. It features The Chapel Restaurant and The Champagne Bar, offering contemporary Cornish cuisine.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This hotel welcomes dogs with open arms, providing dog beds and water bowls in their designated dog-friendly rooms. Dogs are allowed in the bar and other dining areas (excluding the fine dining restaurant), ensuring they can be part of your dining experience. The hotel is also near the Camel Trail, perfect for dog walks.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers complimentary onsite parking for guests on a first come, first served basis. Electric vehicle charging points are also available, adding modern convenience.
EV charging stations
Accessible Hotel
Bodmin Jail Hotel offers accessible rooms with king-size beds, roll-in showers, and alarm cords. Lifts are available to access different levels of the hotel and the jail attraction. While some areas like the restaurant and bar have steps, alternative dining arrangements can be made.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
This unique hotel provides 4 fast EV charging devices with 4 connectors, part of the VendElectric network. Charging is accessible for hotel and restaurant guests.
4-Star Hotel
This 4-star hotel offers a unique blend of historical immersion and modern luxury. It features air-conditioned rooms with king-size or twin beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, and luxurious toiletries, plus a complimentary mini bar. Guests also receive self-guided tickets for the Bodmin Jail Attraction.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Room Types
Double RoomThe spacious double room provides air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a bath. The unit offers 1 bed.
Twin Room with Private BathroomThe spacious twin room offers air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a bath. The twin room provides a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, parquet floors, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Family RoomOffering free toiletries and bathrobes, this family room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. This family room is air-conditioned and features a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, as well as a safe deposit box. The unit offers 2 beds.
Double or Twin Room - Disability AccessThe spacious twin/double room offers air conditioning, a minibar, as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The twin/double room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, parquet floors, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
Location
Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, Bodmin Jail Hotel stands as a unique accommodation option blending historic charm with modern luxury. The location, although in the somewhat unremarkable town of Bodmin, serves as a strategic base for exploring the stunning Cornish countryside. With just a short 20-minute drive to either coast, guests find it convenient to explore nearby beaches, the Eden Project and other popular attractions.
Bodmin itself may lack picturesque walking areas and vibrant local attractions, but the hotel makes up for it with its stunning setting and historic ambiance. The proximity to the Camel Trail is perfect for dog walking and casual strolls, leading to a lovely pub along the path and adding to its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. Despite some guests finding the environs less inspiring, others appreciate the location for being centrally situated for Cornwall sightseeing.
The hotel's exterior and interior both captivate visitors, who describe the building as handsome, well-converted and authentically atmospheric. The staff receive high praise for their friendliness and attentiveness, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience even for return visitors. Easy access to major Cornish villages and free EV charging stations further enhance the convenience of staying here.
While Bodmin may not be brimming with attractions or upscale dining options, its centrality allows guests to easily venture out to multiple parts of Cornwall. The hotel itself provides a serene and unique retreat, celebrated for its historical significance and aesthetically pleasing renovation.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Bodmin Jail Hotel largely receives high praise from its guests. Many describe it as superb, delicious and amazing, consistently highlighting the variety and quality of the food offered. Guests often enjoy the made-to-order hot breakfasts and the wide selection available, noting that everything is prepared to a very high standard. The breakfast in the Chapel restaurant is particularly well-regarded for both its ambiance and quality with some guests mentioning it as the best breakfast they have ever had in a hotel.
The inclusion of breakfast in the room price is seen as a positive and the friendly service from breakfast staff adds to the overall enjoyable experience for many. Some guests appreciated the avoidance of traditional buffet queues, enjoying a more relaxed dining atmosphere.
However, there are occasional criticisms of service inefficiencies, particularly on weekends when staff seem overwhelmed, leading to delays and a feeling of chaos. A few guests reported mixed experiences with breakfast, citing issues like limited buffet options, cold dishes and order inaccuracies. Despite these inconsistencies, the majority of guests seemed to leave satisfied and impressed by the breakfast offerings at Bodmin Jail Hotel.
Dinner
Bodmin Jail Hotel's dining options receive a mixture of praise and criticism. Highlighted by many guest reviews, the standout experience includes the Chapel Restaurant, renowned for its ambiance, exceptional service and superb food quality, elevating the dining experience into something memorable. Guests frequently described the food as amazing, wonderful and one of the best meals they’ve ever had. The presentation and quality of dishes often met high standards with some calling it Michelin star-worthy. Similarly, the Courtyard Bistro and Tavern also received commendations for delicious meals and excellent service, though some found the portion sizes too small and the prices on the higher side.
Nevertheless, the hotel's dining experience is not without its faults. Some guests found the menu options limited, the food overpriced and certain dishes, such as the steak and chicken pizza, not meeting their expectations. There were also mentions of inconsistent service quality with occasional reports of slow or lacking service and long waiting times for food orders. The Jolly Hangman Tavern, in particular, drew mixed reactions—praised for its tasty offerings by some, while others felt it resembled a chain pub in both atmosphere and food quality.
In summary, dining at Bodmin Jail Hotel can be a delightful culinary experience if patrons are prepared for a potentially high bill and variable service quality. While the Chapel Restaurant often shines, offering a unique and well-executed dining adventure, other venues like the Bistro and Tavern provide decent, albeit sometimes underwhelming, alternatives.
Rooms
Nestled within the historical confines of an old jail, the Bodmin Jail Hotel blends modern luxury with a unique and evocative atmosphere. Each hotel room, imaginatively converted from three former prison cells, has been meticulously designed to ensure comfortable and stylish accommodations. Guests consistently highlight the spaciousness and exceptional decor of the rooms, often noting the high-quality finishes and thoughtful attention to detail.
Rooms come well-equipped with luxurious touches such as underfloor heating in the bathrooms and top-notch amenities like mini bars, tea and coffee facilities and modern air conditioning systems. The spacious bathrooms feature large bathtubs and robust showers, ensuring a relaxing stay after exploring Cornwall.
The decor has been praised for seamlessly integrating modern comforts with historical elements, preserving the character of the original cells while offering all the conveniences expected from a top-tier hotel. Beds are consistently mentioned as very comfortable, contributing to a restful night’s sleep.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are occasional notes about the rooms being slightly dark or warm, reflective of the building’s unique structure. Additionally, some amenities like ironing boards might be missing. Nonetheless, the hotel staff are commended for their friendliness and promptness in addressing any concerns.
Overall, the Bodmin Jail Hotel offers an extraordinary and luxurious stay with rooms that provide a fascinating blend of history and modern luxury, making it a memorable choice for visitors.
Beds
The Bodmin Jail Hotel, renowned for its unique historical ambiance, offers a mixed experience when it comes to the comfort of its beds. The majority of guests found the beds to be exceptionally comfortable and enjoyed restful nights with high-quality linen and bedding. Many praised the mattresses as being very comfy or super comfortable, contributing to a good night’s sleep. The style of the rooms, coupled with well-equipped bathrooms, adds to the overall relaxing experience.
However, some guests mentioned that the mattresses tended to be on the firm side. While some appreciated this firmness, others found it less comfortable and had difficulty sleeping due to the bed's hardness. The size of the beds also drew mixed reactions with some feeling the beds were large and comfortable while others found them too small, particularly for taller guests.
Pillows were another point of contention. Many found them too soft, reducing almost to nothing when laid on, which detracted from the overall comfort. A few guests had to request additional pillows to adjust to their liking, though the responsiveness of the staff in such situations was positively noted.
Despite some disparities in bed comfort, the cleanliness and tidiness of the beds, along with the historical charm and high-quality amenities of the rooms, left a generally favorable impression on visitors. The hotel staff's excellent service further enhances the guest experience, making it a memorable stay for those visiting this unique hotel.
Cleanliness
The Bodmin Jail Hotel impresses its guests consistently with high standards of cleanliness. Reviews frequently highlight the spotless and immaculate condition of the rooms and communal areas. Guests appreciate the clean and comfortable atmosphere, noting that the hotel maintains a modern and fresh look throughout. Many describe the rooms as spacious, beautifully presented and exceptionally clean with luxurious and well-maintained bathrooms. The overall cleanliness extends to the well-kept grounds and common areas, which are also noted for their tidiness and upkeep.
While the majority of feedback is highly positive, some guests have reported minor issues such as occasional dust in communal toilets and housekeeping oversights like unclean floors or missing amenities. However, these instances appear infrequent and do not overshadow the predominantly excellent reviews regarding the hotel's cleanliness.
Overall, Bodmin Jail Hotel stands out as a beautifully restored historical venue that prioritizes a pristine and comfortable environment, contributing significantly to its guests' positive experiences.
Staff
The reviews for Bodmin Jail Hotel collectively highlight an exceptional standard of service provided by its staff. Guests frequently describe the staff as incredibly friendly, welcoming and attentive, always ready to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The hotel's personnel are noted for their professionalism and efficiency, consistently displaying a courteous and helpful demeanor. The reception staff, in particular, receive high praise for being polite, accommodating and knowledgeable about the hotel’s history and amenities. Numerous reviews point out that no request was too much trouble for the staff, who managed to maintain a warm and engaging attitude even during busy times. Overall, the staff’s dedication to making guests feel valued and comfortable contributes significantly to the hotel's positive reputation.
Wi-Fi
The Bodmin Jail Hotel offers a commendable Wi-Fi experience, receiving numerous positive reviews for its connectivity. Guests frequently highlighted the excellent Wi-Fi service, describing it as fast and reliable with speeds reportedly exceeding 150 Mbps. The Wi-Fi signal is strong throughout the hotel and many appreciated the availability of free Wi-Fi in both the lobby and rooms.
Although there were a few instances of Wi-Fi issues such as weak signals or service disruptions, the majority of mentions praised the quality and consistency of the connection. A smooth and dependable internet experience was a common theme, making it convenient for guests to stay connected with their devices. The hotel’s well-trained and attentive staff also contribute to a pleasant overall experience, ensuring that any minor issues, including those related to Wi-Fi, are promptly addressed.
Gym
The gym at Bodmin Jail Hotel receives high praise for its quality and cleanliness. Guests frequently highlight the well-equipped nature of the fitness area, noting it is stocked with good equipment and maintained in great condition. The gym is described as fabulously equipped and clean, suggesting attention to both functionality and hygiene. Despite its compact size, the fitness facilities serve their purpose well, accommodating various workout needs in a well-maintained space. While some guests found it a bit small, the positive aspects such as hair bands and beverage stations add thoughtful touches to the overall experience. The gym, along with the excellent showers and steam room, contributes positively to the hotel's overall appeal, ensuring guests have a pleasant and efficient workout session.
Parking
Guests at the Bodmin Jail Hotel generally found the parking situation to be convenient, although experiences varied. Many guests appreciated the ample parking spaces available on-site, noting that the parking was free, secure and even offered electric vehicle charging points. Several reviews highlighted the convenience of parking close to the reception and the overall good condition of the parking facilities.
However, a number of guests pointed out that the car park is relatively small, which sometimes led to challenges, especially in the evening when it could be full. For some, this meant having to park off-site, which was seen as an inconvenience, particularly given the hotel's rates. Despite these issues, the free and accessible nature of the parking, along with its coverage by CCTV, was appreciated by many guests. Concerns were also raised about future parking availability with plans for new developments, such as a swimming pool. Nonetheless, for most, the on-site parking remained a noteworthy convenience.
EV charging stations
The Bodmin Jail Hotel receives commendable feedback regarding its EV charging facilities. Guests appreciate the availability of multiple electric vehicle charging points in the car park, which they describe as accessible and convenient. The provision of four free EV chargers is frequently mentioned as a significant bonus, enhancing the overall guest experience. Notably, the inclusion of these charging services is free for hotel residents, which many visitors highlight as a thoughtful and well-considered amenity. This feature is particularly valued with some guests noting it as a nice surprise and one of the standout aspects of their stay. Overall, the electric vehicle charging options at Bodmin Jail Hotel are seen as a well-executed addition that caters effectively to the needs of guests driving electric cars.
Family
Bodmin Jail Hotel presents a superb destination for family trips, offering a unique and memorable experience for both adults and children. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and accommodating staff, who go above and beyond to cater to special occasions and ensure a pleasant stay for families. The spacious rooms, created by combining former jail cells, offer a secure and comfortable environment suitable for kids.
The hotel’s family-friendly atmosphere extends to the pet policy, as it warmly welcomes dogs, providing special amenities like dog beds and accommodating them during breakfast. With excellent kid-friendly services and family-oriented activities, the property ensures that young visitors have a fantastic time.
Families particularly enjoyed the jail tour, which adds a distinctive touch to the stay, engaging both children and adults alike. Dining receives positive remarks with delicious food including superb pizza and relaxing spaces to enjoy coffee and conversations with loved ones. The accommodating staff also makes efforts to celebrate special events like birthdays with thoughtful touches such as cakes and balloons.
Despite the lack of adjoining rooms, the overall consensus paints Bodmin Jail Hotel as a highly recommended spot for family getaways, catering to the needs of both young children and teenagers.
4 Star
Bodmin Jail Hotel offers an intriguing fusion of history and luxury, providing a unique stay that stands out for its modern and stylish design. The newly refurbished hotel exudes a sense of elegance and high-end contemporary styling with a luxury finish that could easily rival that of a five-star establishment. Guests consistently praise the excellent staff, first-class service and superb amenities that contribute to a memorable luxury experience.
The hotel's transformation has been sympathetically handled, preserving the historical essence while incorporating modern creature comforts expected from a four-star accommodation. Despite its four-star status, many guests feel it delivers a five-star experience, appreciating its luxury touches and excellent cocktails. The property is well-maintained, stylishly appointed and serves luxury at an affordable price, making it a competitive option in the upscale hotel market.
However, some minor shortcomings were noted, such as the absence of irons in the rooms, which is unexpected for a four-star hotel. Guests also mentioned a desire for more pillow options and pointed out the lack of a pool and spa as potential areas for improvement. Despite these minor issues, the hotel's four-star recognition and amenities meet guests’ expectations with several reviewers indicating it felt like a five-star stay.
Overall, Bodmin Jail Hotel delivers luxury and comfort through its unique and elegant design, excellent customer service and commendable amenities, making it a highly recommended destination for those seeking an extraordinary hotel experience.
Business
Bodmin Jail Hotel appears to be a suitable choice for business travelers, providing a range of amenities and services catering to corporate needs. Guests have noted the hotel as an ideal business stop, highlighting its suitability for both vacations and business purposes. The business services are considered excellent and the presence of business meeting rooms is a plus for corporate meetings. Guests have also appreciated the professional and polite check-in experience. For those traveling with electric vehicles, the hotel offers EV car parking with dedicated spaces. Overall, the facility seems well-equipped to handle the requirements of business travelers, garnering positive feedback for its business-friendly environment.
Luxury
Nestled in a stunning historical setting, the Bodmin Jail Hotel offers a luxurious escape that exceeds expectations. Guests are welcomed into an atmosphere of elegance and modern comfort with high-end finishes pervasive throughout the meticulously restored property. The transformation of old prison cells into opulent rooms highlights the unique blend of history and contemporary luxury, creating a truly unique stay. Modern, luxurious amenities and excellent facilities ensure that every comfort is provided, from plush robes and slippers to beautifully designed bathrooms. With quiet, spacious and stylishly decorated rooms, visitors experience a level of luxury typically reserved for five-star establishments. The overall high standard of service and attention to detail make this hotel a standout choice for anyone seeking a distinctive and indulgent getaway.
Dog Friendly
Nestled in a charming location, the Bodmin Jail Hotel stands out as a particularly dog-friendly haven. Guests frequently highlight the warm welcome extended to their dogs, accompanied by a range of thoughtful amenities. Dog beds are provided, ensuring even the furriest of guests sleep comfortably.
The hotel impresses with its various dog-friendly areas, including designated eating spaces where dogs can accompany their owners. While dogs are not permitted in the fine dining restaurant, they are welcomed in the bar and other dining areas. Certain rooms are specifically marked as pet-friendly and staff make a special effort to cater to dog owners’ needs—even treating dogs to their own breakfast.
Despite a few inconsistencies, such as restricted areas for dogs and the inability to leave them unattended in rooms, the overall experience is described as exceptionally accommodating. The friendly, attentive staff go out of their way to make both two-legged and four-legged guests feel at home.
A convenient dog park directly opposite the hotel adds to the appeal, making it easier for guests to ensure their pets have a fun, fulfilling stay. With a dedicated, dog-loving hospitality team, the Bodmin Jail Hotel effectively balances luxury and pet-friendliness, creating a unique and enjoyable stay for all.
No, Bodmin Jail Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Bodmin Jail Hotel.
Yes, Bodmin Jail Hotel welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Bodmin Jail Hotel.