The Idle Rocks

It was a last minute decision to have a break. We really didn’t want a 4 hour car journey, but many other quality hotels which grabbed our attention lost our support because it appeared that receiving dogs was more important than guests. The Idle Rocks does not allow dogs in the main hotel….wonderful, for us! We booked the three days break and added on an extra night. Our room was perfect,number 12, with two windows overlooking the harbour and the cleanest, clearest water immediately below. A huge walk in shower with big, soft bath towels, changed daily, was appreciated. There is water provided twice a day, a fridge, coffee and tea facilities and turn down evening service. A small area with table and chairs offers a grand stand view of the harbour But I run ahead of myself…..our welcome by Lydia must surely have been a template which I would encourage businesses to pay attention to. Not only were we directed to the car park a few yards up the hill, Lydia went ahead to check there were free places, otherwise we would have parked in the local car park a few steps further along the road. She effortlessly helped unload our luggage and took it upstairs where, when we arrived in our room, it had been placed in the wardrobes.She then talked us through our lovely room. Beautiful chocolates, a welcome letter, a bottle of bubbly added to our feeling that we were welcome! Our break gave us an A La Carte meal in the hotel, a meal in the sister hotel five minutes walk around the harbour, and a sea food taster menu. We booked an extra night on half board basis. The food was faultless, except for the taster menu which we found disappointing. Taster was the operative word. The octopus was chewy and portion of the delicious cod was very, very small.This was at odds with the main course of the same fish on the A La Carte menu which was copious. Otherwise the food was always tasty, beautifully presented and of sensible proportions. Breakfast provided everything you could wish for, fresh juices and even champagne! Staff were young and enthusiastic. Top marks to smiling Camilla who combined professionalism with a friendly demeanour. One waiter ended every sentence with “ no problem “ which is probably a reflection of the youthfulness of staff but….. The position of the hotel is second to none, right on the water edge overlooking the small harbour where a boat leaves for Falmouth every hour. We chose to explore local creeks and footpaths, the highlight being a few miles coastal walk to St Just with the unique church, catching the bus back to St Mawes. Yes, drinks are on the expensive side, but to have spent a few days enjoying excellent food, the ambiance of this tastefully decorated small hotel and having the terrace on which to linger over a book or watch the comings and goings of the small port on the mouth of the creek, made such little observations unimportant. We had a wonderful , restful few days. Thank you all

We have just had a wonderful 2 night break here.I cant recommend it enough.If you want a chilled break..with fantastic rooms..food and staff.this is a must.We will definately be returning.Everything about this hotel is amazing and of very high quality.The moet that is served at breakfast was a lovly treat..as was the best brulee french toast.