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Summary of reviewsThe Waterwheel is praised for its picturesque and enchanting location by a serene stream, enhanced by well-maintained gardens. Situated on the outskirts of St Austell, the hotel provides a peaceful retreat with easy access to Cornwall's key attractions like the Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Guests consistently highlight the scenic surroundings, pristine cleanliness and superb decor, making it a convenient base for exploration while ensuring a tranquil and memorable stay.
The hotel's breakfast receives high acclaim, noted for its excellent variety, freshly cooked meals, generous portions and friendly service. Guests are particularly impressed by standout items like homemade marmalade and delightful waffles with the cozy restaurant atmosphere adding to the overall enjoyment. Both breakfast and dinner offerings are celebrated for their quality, value and exceptional cooking, leaving diners thoroughly satisfied.
Dinner at The Waterwheel is similarly praised with many guests lauding the high-quality, well-cooked meals and diverse menu options. Although a few guests found the dinner experience average or slightly expensive, the majority of feedback is positive, noting the fantastic value for money and the appealing, diverse menu that negates the need to dine elsewhere.
Rooms at The Waterwheel receive extensive praise for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort. Guests appreciate the well-appointed amenities, lovely interiors and restful beds with many considering the rooms to exceed expectations and provide excellent value. Despite occasional mentions of compact room sizes or the need for updated mattresses, the overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the pleasant and restful environment enhanced by beautiful garden views.
Cleanliness is a standout feature at The Waterwheel with guests emphasizing the immaculate conditions throughout the hotel. The combination of spotless rooms, tidy common areas and a tastefully decorated property creates a serene and inviting atmosphere. The high level of cleanliness, coupled with superb food, friendly staff and a cozy environment, contribute to an exceptional overall experience.
The staff at The Waterwheel are consistently recognized for their exceptional friendliness and hospitality. Guests appreciate the warm, genuine service, which includes accommodating special dietary needs and creating a welcoming atmosphere for pets. The staff's dedication to guest satisfaction significantly enhances the stay, making visitors feel at home and well-cared-for.
The bedding experience is predominantly positive with many guests praising the comfort and cleanliness of the beds. Occasional mentions of dissatisfaction with mattress firmness do not detract from the general sentiment of restful and pleasant accommodations.
The Waterwheel is also dog-friendly, accommodating pets with home-baked treats and allowing dogs in bar and conservatory areas. The hotel's lovely garden provides an ideal space for pets and their owners to enjoy leisurely strolls, further enhanced by the presence of the friendly resident dog, Kernow.
Overall, The Waterwheel offers an idyllic location, warm hospitality, excellent food and comfortable accommodations, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable stay for all guests. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Inn with Parking
The Waterwheel provides free parking directly on site for guests. This offers convenient access to the accommodation.
Inn for Adults Only
This inn features gardens, ponds and terraces. It offers a friendly atmosphere and is exclusively for adults.
Small Inn
This inn is a highly-rated option, offering a cozy and intimate atmosphere. It is known for its comfortable rooms and excellent service.
4-Star Inn
The Waterwheel is a 4-star inn that offers comfortable accommodations and a welcoming atmosphere.
Dog Friendly Inn
Do you accept dogs in all rooms? Yes
Is there an extra charge? Yes, £ 5 per booking
Should the dog owner notify you before checking in? Not necessarily
What is the maximum number of dogs per room? Up to 2 dogs are allowed in each room.
Is there a maximum weight of dogs accepted? No
Should the dog be kenneled at all times in the room? No
Should the dog be kenneled/kept in a pet carrier at all times in public areas? No
Should the dog remain leashed at all times in the room? No
Should the dog remain leashed at all times in public areas? Yes
Are the dogs allowed on the furniture? No
Are the dogs allowed on beds? No
What are the basic requirements to accept a dog?
Must not be aggressive
Must be clean
Must not have fleas
Owners must clean pet waste immediately
Owners are responsible for any damage caused by the dog
Must not bathe in the bathtub
Must not be left unattended in the room
Is there a refundable deposit to guard against damages? No
Except for dogs, do you also accept other pets? No
Do you have a written and comprehensive pet policy available on request? Νο
Twin RoomRoom is tastefully decorated, and comes with a flat screen TV with Freeview channels, and facilities for making tea and coffee.
Triple RoomRoom is tastefully decorated, and comes with a flat screen TV with Freeview channels, and facilities for making tea and coffee.
King Room with Garden ViewThese larger rooms have a King or Superking bed and either a patio or Juliette balcony. Additional facilities include a silent fridge, bathrobes and slippers.
One of these rooms is wheelchair accessible and has facilities to accommodate guests with disabilities, including hand rails in the wet room, raised toilet, emergency pull cord, and shower seat if required.
Junior SuiteSpacious suite with Superking bed, Juliette balcony and a seating area with sofa and large wall-mounted TV. Additional facilities include a silent fridge, bathrobes and slippers.
Small Double RoomThese rooms have a standard double bed, a flat screen TV with Freeview channels, and facilities for making tea and coffee.
Superior Double RoomFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. This double room has soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, flat-screen TV, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit has 1 bed.
Standard Double RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. This double room has a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, flat-screen TV, as well as chocolate for guests. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
9.1
Excellent
Location
Nestled in a picturesque and enchanting setting, The Waterwheel boasts an idyllic and charming location by a serene stream. Its well-maintained, beautiful gardens add to the tranquility, making it a peaceful retreat away from the hustle of St Austell. Despite being on the outskirts, the central positioning allows for easy access to key attractions in Cornwall, such as the Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
The hotel's scenic surroundings and pristine cleanliness are consistently highlighted with guests praising the lovely building and its superb decor. While a bit of a walk from St Austell, the proximity to nearby towns, beautiful villages and coastal attractions offers a convenient base for exploring the region. The welcoming and attentive staff, coupled with excellent breakfast options and amazing food, enhance the overall experience, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.
Ideal for travelers looking to explore Cornwall's main sights, The Waterwheel’s location makes it an excellent choice for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Breakfast
The Waterwheel's breakfast has received overwhelming praise from its guests, highlighting an array of positive aspects. Many visitors described the breakfast as excellent, superb and brilliant with a variety of choices that catered to all tastes. The freshly cooked meals, generous portions and great menu options consistently set guests up for the day. Diners appreciated the efficient and friendly service, particularly noting the exceptional contributions of staff members like Donna.
Several reviews emphasized the high quality of food, mentioning delicious meals, exceptional cooking and standout items like homemade marmalade and delightful waffles. The cozy atmosphere of the restaurant added to the overall enjoyment with many guests noting it was a pleasant place to start the day.
Overall, guests were impressed by the abundant selection at breakfast, ranging from cereals to full cooked options and some even noted that the breakfast and dinner offerings were both excellent and provided great value for money. The attention to detail in both food and service clearly left a lasting impression on those who dined at The Waterwheel.
Dinner
The dinner experience at 'The Waterwheel' hotel has been consistently praised by guests for its high quality and variety. Many have described the food as excellent and exceptional, highlighting the well-cooked, nicely presented meals and generous portions. The evening menu features varied options, often accompanied by chef's specials, ensuring that guests have new and exciting choices each night. Numerous reviews mention the deliciousness of the food with some pointing out specific dishes like mussels in a cream and white wine sauce as standout items. Guests also appreciate the pleasant and attentive service, which significantly enhances their dining experience.
However, there are a few mentions of dinner being average or not meeting expectations and some found it a bit expensive. Despite these occasional criticisms, the majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive with comments on the fantastic value for money and no need to seek local restaurants given the appealing and diverse menu at the hotel. Overall, 'The Waterwheel' appears to offer a delightful dining experience that leaves most guests highly satisfied and keen to recommend it.
Rooms
The Waterwheel boasts an array of delightful rooms that consistently receive high praise from guests. Many have highlighted the spaciousness and cleanliness, ensuring a comfortable stay. The beds, frequently described as very comfortable, contribute to a restful night's sleep. Equipped with amenities like tea and coffee making facilities, fridges and private patios, the rooms are well-appointed and functional, catering to all needs.
Guests appreciate the lovely, stunning interiors, some even finding the rooms to be luxurious with high-spec fittings. The accommodation often exceeds expectations, providing excellent value for money. Cleanliness is a recurrent theme with numerous mentions of spotless conditions throughout the rooms and the hotel.
The ambiance of the rooms is complemented by lovely views, particularly of the beautiful gardens, enhancing the overall experience. Despite a few mentions of compact or small-sized rooms, the majority feel that the rooms are light, airy and adequately spacious. Some guests did note the need for more comfortable seating or newer mattresses, but these concerns are minor compared to the overwhelming positive feedback.
In summary, The Waterwheel offers very comfortable, clean and well-equipped rooms in a beautiful setting, ensuring a pleasant and restful stay for its guests.
Beds
Guest feedback on the bedding experience at 'The Waterwheel' is predominantly positive, highlighting the comfort and cleanliness of the accommodations. Many guests praise the beds as very comfortable with some finding them so cozy that it was hard to get up in the morning. Comments include references to lovely beds and spacious, clean rooms. The bedding received commendations for being both comfortable and great.
However, there were occasional mentions of discomfort with some guests finding the beds either too hard or too soft and a few noting issues with noisy or worn-out mattresses. Despite these isolated concerns, the overall sentiment indicates that most guests had a restful and pleasant experience with the accommodations. Overall, the combination of comfort and cleanliness seems to define the bedding experience at the hotel.
Cleanliness
The Waterwheel has made a remarkable impression with its outstanding cleanliness and warm hospitality. Guests consistently noted that the rooms are very clean, comfortable and homely with spotless bathrooms and tidy accommodations. The entire hotel maintains a high level of cleanliness with many referring to it as immaculate. The property, set amidst beautiful gardens, offers a serene atmosphere complemented by the friendly and helpful staff.
The hotel is tastefully decorated, often with seasonal touches like Christmas trees and trimmings, adding to the cozy and welcoming ambiance. The cleanliness extends to the common areas, making every corner of the hotel tidy and inviting. Guests also appreciated the cleanliness of the bed sheets and highlighted that the rooms are well-equipped with all necessary amenities.
In addition to the pristine environment, the hotel restaurant received praise for its superb food, further enhancing the overall stay experience. The combination of cleanliness, comfort and excellent service makes The Waterwheel a standout choice for travelers looking for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Staff
The staff at 'The Waterwheel' have received overwhelming praise for their exceptional friendliness and accommodation. Guests consistently highlight the warm, genuine hospitality provided by both the owners and the staff. They describe the team as approachable, attentive and always willing to help, from arranging special dietary needs to creating a welcoming atmosphere for pets. The service is noted for being professional without being intrusive, striking the perfect balance for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Many reviews mention feeling immediately welcome upon arrival and well-cared-for throughout their visit, emphasizing the excellent customer service that goes beyond expectations. The staff’s dedication to making guests feel at home contributes significantly to the overall positive experience at 'The Waterwheel', ensuring a memorable and pleasant stay.
Dog Friendly
The Waterwheel offers a welcoming atmosphere for both humans and their four-legged companions. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's dedication to being dog-friendly with accommodations that include home-baked treats for pets and allowing dogs to stay with their owners in the bar and conservatory areas. The Waterwheel's lovely garden, brimming with plants and flowers, provides an ideal space for leisurely strolls or simply soaking up nature's serenity with furry friends. Visitors also appreciate Kernow, the hotel's friendly resident dog, who adds an extra layer of warmth and charm to the stay. Overall, the helpful and congenial staff, along with the excellent facilities, ensure that dogs are as well-received and comfortable as their owners.
No, The Waterwheel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Waterwheel.
Yes, The Waterwheel welcomes dogs. For more information, read the answers to the Dog Friendly questionnaire
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Waterwheel.