Housel Bay Hotel

This Review We found it impossible to record an accurate review rating for The Housel Bay Hotel and restaurant as the business consists of 2 completely different types of restaurant with different menus and names (see review below) and a hotel and the only way to accurately rate them is as individual entities. Namely: - The Fallowfield restaurant - 5 stars The Terrace restaurant - 3.5 stars The Hotel and associated facilities - 2 Stars Overview We were looking forward to our first ever Christmas away from home and, based on the hotel website, were expecting a memorable experience. The website made it clear that dogs would only be allowed in “Family Rooms” which all had bunk beds so we were expecting a spacious environment for our 9-night stay. The road down to the hotel from the village is quite rough so a slow approach was needed however that allowed us to take in the spectacular view. The hotel sits right on the Southwest Coastal Path which can be accessed through gates from the hotel gardens. It provides some exceptional scenery if you are willing to venture along it. The Lizard lighthouse sits prominently on the hill to the right and we did see seals on the rocks below later during our stay. It is worth noting that the lighthouse beams track across the hotel every 3 to 4 seconds and the foghorn sounds repeatedly when visibility is poor - day and night. It was audible from our bedroom and earplugs are available from reception if required. The staff explained that the hotel lift was old and they limited the maximum number allowed in at any one time to two people, without suitcases or one person with one suitcase so getting installed into our room on the second floor was a lengthy process. Whilst we adhered to the limits, we still found ourselves being trapped in the lift on a few occasions and had to be rescued. We were advised that a refurbishment programme was to take place in early 2025 that would include fixing the lift amongst other things. For a building of this age and being exposed to the coastal elements there must always be maintenance issues to address The hotel had a free Wi-Fi network that worked well for us and we thought that a bowl of fresh clementines sitting on the reception desk, for guests to help themselves to, was a nice touch. The overall appearance of the interior of the hotel was very good and felt quite homely. Food The food was one of the memorable aspects of our stay. It is sourced locally and there is a list of suppliers provided. There are 2 restaurants here. One, Fallowfield’s, the signature restaurant for fine dining and the other, The Terrace, with great views onto the coastline below, for their standard menu. Breakfast is also served in The Terrace. Fallowfield’s offers 2 versions of a taster menu with paired wine options available. It is exceptionally good!! Joseph, the head chef, and his team produced some superb taste experiences and Alex, the sommelier, delivered great service with superb attention to

Very nice hotel. Stayed in the Panoramic view room. Wonderful views. Nice breakfast. Evening meals in the Terrace restaurant were good. Great coastal walks in either direction from the hotel. Would suggest brighter lighting in the room during the winter months. Very friendly staff. Will definitely plan to return at some point.

Love this hotel. We’ve been the last 3 years for my husbands birthday and had an amazing time every time. Staff are lovely and keen to make your stay delightful. Polly (I think?) on reception is amazing as was Lucy on breakfast. Great location for exploring west Cornwall.

Perfect family run hotel. Lovely little hotel. Classic Victorian building, right on the coast path Clean, smart and great friendly staff. The location and view from the hotel is as good as it gets Amazing food too. Great example of what a small independent hotel should be.