About

4.5

Excellent

1,081 reviews

#2 of 4 hotels in Mawnan Smith

Location

Cleanliness

Service

Value

Travellers' Choice

GreenLeaders Bronze level

On a quiet bend of the tranquil Helford River nestles the award-winning 4 star Budock Vean Hotel. This family owned and run hotel is set in 65 acres of glorious gardens, woodlands and its own golf course - The Budock Vean is a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. With a restaurant renowned for amazing food, relaxing treatments in the Natural Health Spa (which is open Tuesdays to Sundays inclusive) , luxury self catering holiday homes, dog friendly cottages, tennis courts, kayaking and boat trips along the river, you can be as active or as relaxed as you wish.

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Property amenities

Free parking

Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)

Pool

Sauna

Free breakfast

Bicycle rental

Boating

Books, DVDs, music for children

Electric vehicle charging station

Parking

Wifi

Hot bath

Pool / beach towels

Indoor pool

Heated pool

Bar / lounge

Restaurant

Breakfast available

Breakfast buffet

Breakfast in the room

Outdoor dining area

Special diet menus

Wine / champagne

Canoeing

Golf course

Hiking

Tennis court

Archery offsite

Billiards

Canoeing offsite

Fishing

Table tennis

Board games / puzzles

Highchairs available

Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )

Conference facilities

Banquet room

Meeting rooms

Spa

Body wrap

Facial treatments

Foot massage

Full body massage

Hand massage

Head massage

Manicure

Massage

Neck massage

Pedicure

Waxing services

24-hour security

Baggage storage

Concierge

Newspaper

Non-smoking hotel

Outdoor furniture

Picnic area

Sun loungers / beach chairs

Sun terrace

First aid kit

Laundry service

Ironing service

Shoeshine

Room features

Bathrobes

Desk

Housekeeping

Interconnected rooms available

Room service

Coffee / tea maker

Flatscreen TV

Walk-in shower

Seating area

Telephone

Wardrobe / wardrobe

Bottled water

Clothes rack

Iron

Private bathrooms

Wake-up service / alarm clock

Electric kettle

Radio

Bath / shower

Complimentary toiletries

Hair dryer

Room types

Bridal suite

Non-smoking rooms

Suites

Family rooms

Good to know

HOTEL CLASS

HOTEL STYLE

Romantic

Quiet

Languages Spoken

English

Location

54Somewhat walkable

Grade: 54 out of 100

227Restaurantswithin 5 miles

109Attractionswithin 5 miles

Mawnan Smith, Falmouth TR11 5LG England

Getting there

St Mawgan Airport24 miSee all flights

Lands End Airport27 miSee all flights

Car HireSee all Mawnan Smith car hire

See all nearby hotels

Nearby restaurants

The Mulberry Falmouth

See all nearby restaurants

Nearby attractions

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Trebah Garden

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11 minGardens

Maenporth to Swanpool Path Walk

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2.2 miScenic Walking Areas

Pendennis Castle

2,233 reviews

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1081Reviews8Q+A100Room tips

Reviews
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leysue wrote a review 12 Nov

Penzance, United Kingdom6 contributions9 helpful votes

Wonderful weekend

This family run Hotel ticks all the boxes,relaxed,friendly,comfortable in the best way.Personal and very much NOT a corporate chain.The food is exceptional and the location unbeatable. I would highly recommend planning a visit,I can’t wait to go again!

Date of stay: November 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled with family

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Martin Barlow, Owner at Budock Vean Hotel

Responded 2 weeks ago

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review regarding your visit to Budock Vean Hotel. We are so pleased to hear that you had a wonderful time and that you enjoyed our restaurant and location. We do hope to see you again very soon.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

AngelaH wrote a review 10 Nov

Devon, United Kingdom1 contribution

Exceptional hotel

Another stay at this exceptional hotel whose excellent staff, food, gardens and foreshore make every visit such a delight. I can thoroughly recommend the Budock Vean Hotel. There's so much to see and do.

Date of stay: November 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled solo

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Martin Barlow, Owner at Budock Vean Hotel

Responded 2 weeks ago

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review regarding your visit to Budock Vean Hotel and for your lovely words regarding our team, restaurant and grounds. We do hope to see you again in the not too distant future.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jules N wrote a review 7 Nov

Cornwall, United Kingdom238 contributions80 helpful votes

Would Not Return, Dated & Tired

Beautiful location and gardens that lead down to the river as you would expect from this part of Cornwall. We booked to stay here for 5 nights as a spa break and to celebrate my birthday. The hotel considers itself a spa hotel, in my opinion this could not be further from the truth. I pre booked treatments for both my husband and myself to ensure we would not be disappointed. Unfortunately and clearly not in line with most other reviews this break was a huge let down. The night before we was due to travel down I received an email stating that the 2 treatments we had booked for the Thurs had to be changed due to staffing. As it was late I decided I would wait and sort the following day (Sunday) on arrival. As we were about to leave home in the morning I received a call from the spa informing me that only 1 of our treatments could go ahead that day as a therapist had called in sick (apparently it would have been her last day). They were a small team and there was no-one else to fulfil both appointments. We purposely booked these on our day of arrival to relax us so this was a very disappointing start. I went ahead and had the 1 treatment, which was nice albeit I still had face scrub around my hairline and smudges under my eyes where the minimal makeup I was wearing had not been removed properly. At the end of the treatment I discussed the treatments we had booked for the Thurs, the times were different from my original booking however at least we were both booked in. The massage I had booked could not be carried out as there was not a therapist for that specific treatment any longer so was booked for a different type of massage at least. On the Weds eve there was a bad storm, Thurs morning I received a text to inform me both our treatments were cancelled as the spa area would not be opening and offering me a 25% discount when I returned on a future treatment. The therapists were not going to come in to work that day as too dangerous to drive. The storm was bad, not half as bad as North Cornwall and an ambulance was outside the hotel by 9 and plenty of staff for the restaurant were working so I really could not believe this was a good enough reason for our appointments to be cancelled. It was the final nail really and we just wanted to pack our bags and head home. As we were checking out at 10.30 (bags packed and in the car) I received an email from the therapist….I guess working from home, that she would personally come in to do our treatments at midday. At reception one lady who I think would have been part of the management team was encouraging us stay to have the treatments as the girl was coming in specifically for us! It was too late we were packed and wanted to leave. I had to really state my case that I would not be using the 25% and that a gesture of good will would be to give me the 1 treatment that I did have free, no way was this going to happen, after lots of too-ing & fro-wing she agreed to give 25% off that treatment. I should have spoken to the manager directly but had had enough. We left drove home to North Cornwall through lots of lanes, past water and the roads were fine. The spa area itself is extremely dated and very tired. The outdoor hot tub was very good but inside the sauna could fit 2/3 people at push and was filthy. I do not think the floor had ever been cleaned, it was black, mouldy and had loads of hairs, thank goodness I had my flip flops to wear! The loungers around the pool have old worn cushions on them and there are no towels available to swap over with the allocated one you get from your room. As for a day spa a group of 6 ladies came in and had to take it in turns to use the changing room, it is so small and no privacy, there were not enough loungers for them to sit together and chat so they all ended up just standing in the pool! We had our dog with us and whilst this hotel says it is dog friendly it is far from that more like just tolerant. He was allowed in our room, and the cold uncomfortable conservatory where no one else sat unless eating and that was it. I appreciate not everyone likes dogs and I do not expect to be allowed into a main restaurant but had he been allowed in the lounge area we would not have left a day early. We have never had an issue with a dog friendly hotel being so “unfriendly & unaccommodating”. On arrival I was informed that dinner service started at 7 and 7.30 in the conservatory where dogs were allowed. This really is a personal preference but I hate eating late and would not have chosen to stay here had I known. Fortunately we found plenty of other dog friendly restaurants/ pubs nearby where the food was excellent and very good value for money. We ate 1 night in the hotel, the food was good however a 4 course set meal is quite limiting for what was charged and whilst the staff are friendly enough we did feel like we were on a set of Faulty Towers/Acorn Antiques it is all just so dated. The restaurant offers a good breakfast menu, they even asked me how long I would like my soft boiled eggs cooked for!. I had cereal on a couple of occasions and wanted it heated up, the particular waitress who generally I think was meet & greet gave me such a look I actually said “If this is an issue for you then please say” she went off and on return was OTT with her politeness! It did feel like groundhog day as you were made to sit in the same seat every day and considering my husband and I are both 60 we were clearly the youngest there. Our room was clean, comfortable with a good sized bed with a view over the golf course. Overall I would say this hotel is a 3 star hotel in a 5 star location. 1970’s dated decor with lack of upkeep and in need of a complete renovation. It could be amazing and worth the price paid.…

Date of stay: October 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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John S wrote a review Oct 2023

45 contributions22 helpful votes

A peaceful relaxing break

We recently enjoyed a three-night break at The Budock Vean – our first visit. We received a warm welcome at Reception on arrival and all the staff we met were efficient and friendly. Our Signature Room on the third floor (overlooking part of the golf course and across towards the Helford River) was large, tastefully decorated and very comfortable. The grounds are beautiful, even at this time of year, and the walk down to the creek was a delight – who needs Trebah and Glendurgan! The breakfasts were well above average, with a huge choice on offer. We took advantage of the four-course dinner at a reduced price each evening (within the dinner, bed and breakfast package) and were not disappointed. The menu changed every night, with some very imaginative dishes using quality local Cornish produce. My wife particularly enjoyed a starter and main course of different local fish each evening. We were also impressed by the service in the dining room and the general ambience. Dinner felt like a special occasion. (Incidentally, please keep the formal dress code.) If I had to make one small criticism it would be the décor in the lounge areas. The dining room and bar area have clearly been refurbished recently, but the interconnecting lounge areas are rather tired in comparison and could benefit from updating. Having said that, it did not spoil our enjoyment at all. Finally, a couple of nice touches worth highlighting are the daily newsletter for guests placed on the breakfast table each morning, and the live background music in the dining room (though not every night). We particularly enjoyed listening to the pianist playing on our first evening. All in all, Budock Vean is a traditional hotel with high traditional standards in a beautiful setting. We hope to be back soon.…

Date of stay: September 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Martin Barlow, Owner at Budock Vean Hotel

Responded 23 Oct 2023

Hello John, thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review regarding your visit to Budock Vean Hotel. We are delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful time during your 3 night break and thank you for your lovely words regarding our team, gardens and restaurant. We will ensure that all of your feedback is passed onto our wider team. We do hope to see you again in the not too distant future.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Prewelli wrote a review Oct 2023

La Croix-Valmer, France87 contributions35 helpful votes

Rarely will you find a hotel as good

This hotel is a hidden gem. In over 40 years of experiencing hotels we have not found one with so much attention to detail and good service. We went for a gin tasting and taster menu which was phenomenal.

Date of stay: October 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled as a couple

Room Tip: Book a signature room they are so lovely. Eat in the restaurant the food is amazing. Walk down...

See more room tips

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Martin Barlow, Owner at Budock Vean Hotel

Responded 16 Oct 2023

Hello Prewelli, thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review regarding your visit to Budock Vean Hotel. We are so delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time at our gin tasting event and we will be sure to pass on your lovely feedback to our team. We do hope to see you again in the not too distant future.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alex C wrote a review Oct 2023

Dorchester, United Kingdom21 contributions4 helpful votes

Perfect escape

Superb staff, beautiful location and lovely bedroom. I was here as a solo traveller having a couple nights adventure away from my family and was so well looked after. Had a surprise upgrade and really delcious dinner that I thought was Good value and attentive service from Atilla. Thanks for making my stay so memorable all!

Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled solo

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Martin Barlow, Owner at Budock Vean Hotel

Responded 10 Oct 2023

Hello Alex, thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review regarding your recent visit to Budock Vean Hotel. We are so delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time and thank you for your lovely comments regarding out team, location and restaurant. We hope to see you again soon.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Donna webling wrote a review Oct 2023

Hamble, United Kingdom8 contributions

Beautiful Hotel

I stayed at this beautiful hotel with my mother for her birthday, we had a lovely room which overlooked the lovely grounds and part of the golf course, the food was outstanding and staff were so friendly we will definitely revisit soon. Thank you, Budock Vean.

Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Martin Barlow, Owner at Budock Vean Hotel

Responded 10 Oct 2023

Hello Donna, thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review regarding you stay. We are delighted to hear that you both had a wonderful time and thank you for your kinds words regarding our team and restaurant. We hope to see you again in the not too distant future.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

joanne wrote a review Oct 2023

6 contributions1 helpful vote

Relaxing

Very peaceful and beautiful location. Staff very friendly and helpful and food was delicious both evening and breakfast. Room was immaculate and bed so comfortable. Room overlooked golf course and also enjoyed the boat ride . Very fortunate to have this trip by myself with Rodger who so informative about all the local area. Well worth booking. Really enjoyed my staff and will be returning

Date of stay: October 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled solo

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Martin Barlow, Owner at Budock Vean Hotel

Responded 10 Oct 2023

Hello Joanne, thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review regarding your recent visit and for your lovely feedback regarding our team and restaurant. We are also delighted to hear that you enjoyed your boat trip and will pass on your feedback. We do hope to welcome you back again soon.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

2icyclops wrote a review Oct 2023

Penzance7 contributions1 helpful vote

Wedding Anniversary

Very comfortable accommodation and friendly helpful staff. We were upgraded to a very nice room overlooking the golf course. Restaurant disappointing with average standard of four course meal eg only three sliced small potatoes with the fish and one small celery stick cut into three with cheese. Beef fillet very stringy However breakfast very good. seems to have changed since we last stayed a few years ago but could be a result of recovering from pandemic.

Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Martin Barlow, Owner at Budock Vean Hotel

Responded 2 Oct 2023

Hello, thank you very much for your review regarding your recent visit to Budock Vean Hotel. We are extremely sorry to hear that dining in our restaurant for dinner didn’t meet your expectations and will ensure that your feedback is passed on to our team. We are pleased to hear that you did enjoy breakfast. We do hope to see you again soon.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Fiona C wrote a review Sept 2023

Ottery St. Mary, United Kingdom118 contributions59 helpful votes

Yet another perfect stay!

We’ve stayed at Budock Vean four times in just over a year, and as ever we enjoyed yet another perfect visit. Staff are all so welcoming, polite and friendly. Several members of the team remembered us from previous visits, especially Anda and Imelda who were so friendly. Our room was a good size, was tastefully decorated and very clean. The beds are so super comfy and we always get a perfect night’s sleep. Breakfasts are delicious, very filling and the restaurant team are always friendly and helpful. One evening we couldn’t be bothered to go out for dinner as we’d done a lot of driving, so ordered sandwiches from the Terrace menu, and they were amazing. I had crab and my husband had cheese, they came with salad and crisps and were so filling. The hotel and grounds are stunning, the gardens are beautiful and have a small beach and cafe , and boat trips and kayaking can be booked too. We’ve rebooked for next spring to celebrate my 50th birthday, and have also booked for our daughter and her boyfriend to join us celebrating…can’t wait to return!…

Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Martin Barlow, Owner at Budock Vean Hotel

Responded 2 Oct 2023

Hello Fiona, thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review regarding your visit and for choosing to stay with us here at Budock Vean Hotel. We are so pleased to hear that you had such a wonderful time and thank you very much for your compliments regarding our team, restaurant and hotel. We look forward to seeing you again to celebrate your 50th birthday!

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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