Best Western Fowey Valley

This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional staff and a welcoming, homely atmosphere, making it a memorable stay for many. Its signature feature is a heated outdoor swimming pool, which is available year-round and consistently praised for its warmth, offering a relaxing amenity for guests. The hotel is particularly well-suited for dog owners, with dedicated pet-friendly rooms and thoughtful amenities for furry companions. Families appreciate the spacious accommodations and understanding staff, while sightseers and explorers find it an excellent base for discovering Cornwall's attractions. To ensure a comfortable stay, guests should be aware of the hotel's updated dining and alcohol policies under new ownership and note that room cleaning is provided upon request rather than automatically daily.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the convenience of ample free on-site parking, including some EV charging points, making arrival and departure hassle-free. The heated outdoor swimming pool is a significant draw, enjoyed by both adults and children for its comfortable temperature and year-round availability, though some minor maintenance issues like missing tiles have been noted. Inside the rooms, guests appreciate the provision of a fridge, iron and ironing board, and generous tea and coffee making facilities with a good variety of options. Modern conveniences like USB charging points are also a welcome addition. A cozy snug room or lounge area, equipped with a television, books, and games, offers a pleasant space for relaxation and socializing.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its spotless cleanliness throughout the property and in guest rooms. Most guests find the beds comfortable with good quality bedding, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few have experienced mattresses that were either too firm or too soft for their preference. Rooms are generally described as spacious, particularly the family accommodations, while some smaller rooms are also available. The bathrooms are typically clean with good shower pressure and hot water, though some older rooms may show signs of wear like flaking paint or mould on blinds. Noise levels are mixed; some guests report quiet stays due to effective double-glazing, while others mention thin walls leading to audible noise from adjacent rooms or corridors.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining experiences at the hotel receive mixed but detailed feedback. The breakfast is frequently mentioned, with many guests praising its quality, describing it as delicious, freshly cooked to order, and offering a good selection of both cooked and continental items. However, a significant number of guests express disappointment that bacon and pork sausages are not available due to the new ownership's policies, with only chicken or vegetarian alternatives offered. Many feel this should be clearly advertised prior to booking. While the restaurant is not open for evening meals every night, particularly on weekends, the food served when it is open is generally well-regarded for its quality and taste, including a popular carvery option. The bar also does not serve alcohol, though guests are permitted to bring their own.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a central location that serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Cornwall region, with many popular attractions easily accessible. It is conveniently situated near the Eden Project, various beautiful beaches, and historical sites like Restormel Castle. The charming town of Lostwithiel itself is within easy walking distance, offering local shops and pubs. Ample free on-site parking is a significant advantage for guests traveling by car. However, accessibility can be a challenge for some, as the hotel is located on a steep hill, and there are multiple stairs leading to reception from some car parks and to various rooms, which may be difficult for guests with mobility issues or those with pushchairs.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, frequently described as friendly, helpful, and attentive. Guests highlight their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, offering valuable local knowledge and assistance with various requests. The check-in process is noted as swift and efficient, contributing to a smooth start to the visit. While housekeeping services are provided upon request rather than automatically daily, guests report that towels and other amenities are promptly replaced when needed. The hotel's pet-friendly service is particularly praised, with staff extending a warm welcome to dogs and their owners, making it a comfortable experience for all members of the family.

Additional Information
A notable aspect of the hotel, frequently discussed by guests, is the impact of its new ownership, which has led to significant changes in policy. This includes the absence of alcohol service on the premises, though guests are welcome to bring their own beverages. Similarly, the breakfast menu no longer features pork products, offering only chicken or vegetarian sausages, which has been a point of contention for some. The restaurant's evening meal availability is also limited, often closed on weekends, which guests should be aware of. The hotel maintains a strong dog-friendly policy, providing specific rooms and amenities for pets, and staff are highly accommodating to furry visitors. Guests should also note that room cleaning is performed by request rather than being a daily automatic service.