Union Hotel

The hotel's historic building and central location are its defining features, attracting guests who appreciate character over modern amenities. Its rich past, including connections to significant historical events, makes it a unique stay. The hotel is well-suited for sightseers and history enthusiasts eager to explore the town on foot, as well as couples seeking a charming, traditional experience. Many guests also highlight the friendly staff and excellent breakfast. To enhance your stay, guests with mobility concerns should be aware that there is no elevator, and those sensitive to noise might consider requesting a room away from the street or bar area.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's historic nature means it lacks some modern conveniences; notably, there is no elevator, which can be challenging for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage, especially for rooms on upper floors. While the hotel offers Wi-Fi, many guests report it is very poor or patchy, often not working in rooms, which can be frustrating for those needing to stay connected. The hotel features a popular bar that hosts live music events, creating a lively atmosphere, and is noted for offering some of the cheapest drinks in the area. Parking is available, but spaces are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis, sometimes requiring navigating a tight alleyway. Communal areas, while possessing interesting period features and antique paintings, are often described as tired or shabby, with some guests noting stained carpets.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and comfortable, with some noting spacious layouts and well-cleaned bathrooms. However, a significant number of reviews describe rooms as tired, dated, or of a poor standard, with issues such as wallpaper coming off, dirty fixtures, holes in the floor, and even damp on the ceiling. Bed comfort also varies; while some praised super comfy beds, others found mattresses to be lumpy, uncomfortable, or uneven. Noise can be a concern, with reports of sounds from the bar below, road outside, and even seagulls impacting sleep, though some rooms were noted as very quiet. Bathroom facilities are inconsistent, with some rooms lacking a shower entirely, or having issues with water flow, shower heads, no shelves, or no toilet roll holders.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast receives varied feedback, with many guests describing it as exceptional, cooked to perfection, and offering a good choice of options, including a hearty full English. Some, however, found it to be basic, disorganised, or of poor quality, with issues like overcooked bacon or dry eggs. The coffee is occasionally criticized for being weak or made from instant granules. Beyond breakfast, the hotel's bar offers bar meals that have been praised for being delicious, fresh, and homemade, with some guests enjoying excellent lunches and dinners, including a notable homemade lasagne. However, some visitors experienced inconsistent food quality, such as overcooked meat, or found that evening meal options were not always available, especially if the chef was on holiday.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it highly convenient for guests to explore the town. It is situated within easy walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, and the seafront. Its proximity to the railway station and ferry terminal is particularly advantageous for travelers arriving by public transport or planning onward journeys. Guests appreciate being close to local attractions like St. Michael's Mount and nearby green spaces such as Morrab Gardens. While the location is generally praised, some guests note that street-facing rooms can experience noise from the road or the hotel's bar. Parking is available at the rear of the hotel and is often free, which is a significant benefit in a town center, though the number of spaces is limited and can fill up quickly, sometimes requiring careful navigation through a tight alleyway.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests, from accommodating late arrivals to catering for specific dietary needs like a gluten-free diet. The check-in process is generally smooth, and staff are noted for being polite and welcoming. However, some guests experienced inconsistent housekeeping, reporting that rooms were not cleaned daily or that essential items like towels or tea supplies were not replenished without multiple requests. While most interactions are positive, a few isolated incidents mention unhelpful responses regarding room issues or lost keys, suggesting occasional lapses in service coordination. Overall, the staff's dedication significantly contributes to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel is steeped in history, with many guests fascinated by its historic interior features and connections to significant events, such as the announcement of a famous naval victory. It boasts unique public spaces like the Theatre Bar and Ballroom, which are described as captivating and host live music and folk music evenings, adding a vibrant cultural element to stays. Some guests have even held wedding receptions here, praising the accommodating team. The hotel's character is further enhanced by its collection of antique paintings and statuary. While the building's age contributes to its charm, guests should be aware that this also means some areas are undergoing renovation or show signs of faded grandeur.