Tregenna Castle Resort

Approaching up a meandering driveway this low-rise 18th century castle appearing over the brow of the hill makes for an impressive arrival -- especially in the summer months when the ivy-clad facade turns a lush green. Over the winter the exposed mossy granite stone beneath can feel a little less welcoming, though at any time of year the Tregenna Castle is a striking sight. Within its stone walls, however, disappointing interiors don't quite live up to first impressions. While the reception is pleasant enough with a collection of Chesterfield sofas, natural wood floors, and elegant molded coving, much of the decor feels dated and drab throughout lending the atmosphere a lackluster quality. The sprawling estate was converted into a hotel in the 1870s, with much of its 72 acre grounds becoming a golf course, while retaining a pretty walled garden brimming with sub-tropical flora, swathes of rolling lawn, and surrounding woodland. Golfers, older couples, and families with kids make up the majority of clientele, while sweeping sea views also makes Tregenna Castle a popular wedding venue.  

Perched on a leafy hilltop overlooking the west side of St Ives Bay, the hotel certainly features a spectacular setting. This particularly picturesque section of the Cornish coast comprises several lovely stretches of sand, the nearest being Porthminster Beach a brisk 15-minute downhill stroll away. Backing the beach is the picturesque fishing harbor and town of St Ives, popular with surfers and families and known for a thriving art scene, excellent restaurants, and cozy pubs. While the walk down is a breeze, the climb back up can be a challenge so many opt for a five-minute cab journey. The bustling south coast town of Penzance is about a 20-minute drive away, with direct trains to London taking just over five hours. 

The hotel's 81 guest rooms are decorated in an old-fashioned combination of varnished wood furniture, beige carpeted floors, and dowdy patterned fabrics. Room size can vary dramatically from cramped to spacious, with those in the West Wing generally offering more square footage. Also while plenty of rooms offer lovely views over the garden and sea beyond, others look out to wall or inner patios (though these are less prone to noisy seagulls).

Fairly basic standard amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs and tea- and coffee-making facilities, though there's no in-room Wi-Fi and phone coverage can be poor. Bathrooms are traditional and mostly showing their age, some with shower/tub combos and others with small shower stalls; all come with toiletries and proper hairdryers. 

Around 70 apartments and cottages are also available dotted around the grounds with one, two, three, or four bedrooms sleeping up to 10 people. All include separate lounges and cooking facilities, and views over the gardens, golf course, or castle courtyards. All accommodations lack air-conditioning, which means some rooms get stuffy on particularly hot days.

Leisure facilities at Tregenna Castle are decent for a mid-range property, with a large outdoor pool that opens over the warmer months, plus a separate splash pool for children. There's also a heated pool set in a balmy glass conservatory open all year. Kid-friendly activities include a woodland walk and a secure playground, and a morning kids' club runs over the school holidays. An 18-hole golf course and several tennis courts provide sports facilities, plus there's a small fitness room with gym equipment.

For dining, a buffet breakfast (which isn't included in all rates) is served in the hotel's dining room, a dated and underwhelming space with large bright windows and plush seating. The spread was sub-par on our visit, with watery scrambled eggs and mass-produced sausages, while tea and coffee is self-service. A better option is the a la carte breakfast at the brasserie-style eatery with a create your own Cornish breakfast menu, together with pancakes, porridge, and pastries. A set menu is available at lunch, as well as an a la carte option for lunch and dinner, plus a kids' menu. 

Free Wi-Fi is available around the reception area, though it's notably absent in guest rooms. On-site parking is also free of charge.