Ok, so I'm the first review of this place but I have to do it... it was a great hotel experience. First, it's set on a lovely location on a bluff overlooking the sea in St. Austell, just perfect for a cool crisp walk on the beach over the rocks with fresh sea air making you feel alive. Second, the staff is wonderful and super friendly at the desk and everyone you run into is unbelievably pleasant. Third, it has a spa and a golf course so while I was getting a surprise facial and massage, my guy played a round of golf (that's a win-win in my book). Lastly, the best cream tea I've ever had. Literally. The scones were soooo fresh and the clotted cream and jam were of the highest quality and you can sit in this stodgy room overlooking the sea feeling very posh. Just a great way to spend the morning after a great stay. First class all the way, Carlyon. read more

This hotel was extremely disappointing beginning with our arrival. The rooms are small even with the sea view. Bathrooms are substandard. Most important, however, was the complete lack of hospitality at this hotel and the poor quality of dining. The staff appear to have been trained to provide the service of a senior living property where mediocore meals are served as rapidly as possible. No one goes out of their way to provide assistance nor are they friendly. We were supposed to stay five nights after two nights of the rude service at this hotel and the rushed meals, we left. The sea location is lovely and the golf was free but that is the only positive statement I can make about this hotel. Based on the reviews I am seeing from years prior, it appears that this hotel has really gone down hill over the years. read more

It's hard to describe the pristine quality of the Carlyon Bay Hotel on the Cornish Riviera in southwest England. So elegant it is and extraordinarily tasteful in every way that it seems to transport you to paradise. We chose a deluxe ocean view room which was well worth it. The majestic cliffs and stone blue ocean seem only yards from the property edge and the colors of the sea change like a watercolor painting during 24 hours. The room was large, the bathroom huge, white and beautiful with a soaking tub and a shower so good it made me yearn for the days before the US outlawed decent water pressure. The staff is amazing-- everyone is courteous and eager to please. I don't think I opened one door for myself during the whole visit. Massive brass hardware such as banisters and door pulls are polished every day. The housekeeping staff tunes your room up perfectly and even cleans the outside of your windows so your view is always perfect. There are two pools, one indoor and one out as well as a full spa and perfect gym. The pool is. super warn so even if the weather fails you, you can take a dip in what seems more like a hot tub than a pool, Several dining options are all outstanding. The chef is first rate and every meal was gourmet perfect. Locally sourced ingredients assure freshness and creativity. We watched the General Operations Manager, Ali, do his job with the staff--he's a hands on guy with a sense of humor and you can see that nothing escapes his purview and must be perfect or it doesn't fly. Each day you are there entitles you to play 18 holes of golf for free, and there's a free putting green in front of the outdoor cafe so you can embarrass yourself in front of diners! A tennis courts border the lovely outdoor pool as well. A full children's program is offered--we watched a magician entertain kids one afternoon. We spent a lot of time over drinking tea in the huge terrace sitting room facing the sea. At the end of our stay I felt renewed and relaxed and fortunate to have been there. The only dink in the armor was that the wi-fi was not terribly good but the manager assured me it's the best that's available right now--it may change as the area get fiber optics in the future. read more

I have never stayed at this hotel but I have been to many courses here over the years. the place is really clean with astounding views out over the sea. The food is excellent and the staff are all very friendly and helpful, even to bods like me who are not actually paying for anything myself. read more

Lovely hotel with views over the sea. The food is great but a little expensive.

I have never stayed here, but have been for several family meals here for anniversaries etc and the service has always been fantastic and the food totally yummy too! From the looks fo the inside of the hotel wouold eb lovely to stay there too x read more

Good food. Excellent service. Particularly from Marta. A classic hotel with a timeless restaurant and traditional exemplary british service.

We have stayed here many times over the years and maybe I am a bit biased but I have nothing but fond memories of this place. I always used to stay her with my Mum and dad as a kid. They always went for the golf and we went to run wild in the fabulous hotel and grounds. This place just hasn't changed - the decor has been upgraded and new features have been added but it still has the same feel as 30 years ago. Last time we went was with grandkids and we had a nice reasonably priced lunch in the golf bar which has a great view. Go back in time, chill out and enjoy the views would be my advice. Try afternoon tea in the loung for a real treat read more

the very best in service, the room was big and great as we had use of the balcony. the spa is very nicely done, if you prefer a relaxing day its perfect. the food was amazing if a little bit to organised, as you have to book your time for dinner in the morning, which i suppose they have to be highly organised but i dont no what time im going to want to sit down to dinner at 8:30 in the morning. but amazing service and all the staff are very friendly and polite, very helpful also. highly recommended by me. read more