Premier Inn St. Austell

This hotel is widely praised for its convenient location, serving as an excellent base for exploring the diverse attractions of Cornwall, including the Eden Project and various beaches. Guests consistently highlight the comfortable beds and the overall cleanliness of the accommodations as key strengths. The hotel is particularly well-suited for families due to its spacious rooms and child-friendly touches like a scavenger hunt, and for sightseers and business travelers who appreciate the easy accessibility to local points of interest and ample parking. To make the most of your stay, consider booking restaurant tables in advance, especially during busy periods, and be aware that some rooms may be a considerable distance from reception.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers convenient free Wi-Fi, though some guests found its speed to be inconsistent, suggesting an upgrade to the premium option for better connectivity. While there is no air conditioning, a fan is provided in rooms, which some guests found insufficient during warmer periods. In-room amenities include a TV and kettle with tea and coffee supplies, with additional refills available at reception. Guests also appreciate the availability of a water cooler and vending machine. However, some rooms are described as dated, and a common complaint is the lack of bedside electrical sockets, requiring guests to charge devices away from the bed.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the hotel for its clean rooms and spotless bathrooms, with many noting the fresh scent upon arrival. The comfortable beds are a consistent highlight, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some rooms are described as tired or in need of refurbishment, with instances of worn furniture or minor maintenance issues like a rusty soap holder or non-functioning bathroom lights. Noise can be an issue for some, stemming from creaky floors, a constantly running extractor fan in certain rooms, or general sounds from other guests. While most showers are good, some experienced low water pressure or inconsistent hot and cold water temperatures.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining experiences at the attached restaurant are notably mixed. Most guests found the breakfast to be good, offering a buffet style with both full English and continental options, and a "kids eat free" policy. However, many reported issues with lukewarm food, slow replenishment of items, and a general lack of organization, especially during peak times, leading to long waits for food, cutlery, and clean tables. Dinner service also received varied feedback, with some praising the food quality and attentive staff, while others found the meals to be overpriced, tasteless, or served cold, with significant delays due to understaffing.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient and central location for exploring Cornwall, making it an ideal base for visiting popular attractions such as the Eden Project, the Gardens of Heligan, and various local beaches. It is easy to find and situated on a main road, offering excellent accessibility. Guests appreciate the plentiful and free parking available on-site. While the hotel is in a semi-rural area with nearby walks, it is about a 20-minute walk, including a steep hill, to St Austell town. Conveniently, a bakery and a pizza restaurant are located within easy walking distance.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently highlight the reception staff for their warm welcome, efficiency, and willingness to go above and beyond to assist with inquiries, provide local recommendations, and resolve issues promptly. The check-in process is generally described as quick and easy. Housekeeping staff are also noted for their friendly demeanor and for maintaining clean rooms. While the service in the attached restaurant can be inconsistent due to staffing challenges, the hotel staff themselves are a significant asset, contributing greatly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
A notable point for guests with mobility concerns is the absence of a lift, requiring the use of stairs to access upper floors, which can be challenging for some. However, the hotel does offer well-designed wheelchair accessible rooms that are spacious and feature large wetrooms with ample grab rails and shower seats. For families, a small scavenger hunt is available for children, adding a fun element to their stay. Guests also have the option to choose how frequently their room is cleaned during longer stays, providing flexibility.