Carlyon Bay Hotel

The hotel is 4 star and according to the RAC, is part of the hotel group of the year. We looked forward to our stay; our expectations had been raised. Unfortunately they were not met.
The Room. Although clean and pleasant enough, it was one of the smallest double bedrooms that we have every stayed in. Given the price paid, it is very difficult to look kindly on this. Also, plastic shower curtains we expect in cheaper hotels but at £160+ a night.......
House Keeping. Inconsistent eg bottled water provided on the first night but not on second.
Staff Friendliness. Some were exceptionally friendly and helpful (the barman in the Green Bar was magnificent as was the lady who cleanes the never ending main staircase brass hand rail on a daily basis) but that cannot be said for all. Indeed, some staff were distinctly 'off'. For example, on discovering an error with my bill (and I appreciate that errors do happen), the amount was refunded but without as much as a smile, let alone an apology.
Food Service. Whilst the quality of food was generally high, there were some grumbles. Examples being the appalling coffee served at breakfast - times have really moved on in the UK and the hotel needs to catch up. Stewed sludge is no longer acceptable. Also, hotels of a lesser standard are these days able to produce 'homemade' marmalade and preserves. This hotel is still depending on little pots!
Decor. Whilst kept in very good condition, the decor was distinctly old fashioned and lacking either decorative flair or imagination. Since the building itself is magnificent, the interior decoration does nothing to enhance the hotel and whilst in itself is only a comparitive minor point, it just adds to the feeling that it does not really live up to, or deserve, its hotel ratings.
Comparison. Making comments like this is inevitably a subjective process. But to try to be as honest as possible, I have compared the hotel with Hotel Du Vin, Birmingham and the Bridge Hotel, Huntingdon - both very different but comparable to the standards that this hotel seems to aspire to. Unfortunately it falls a long way short and I do not envisage staying at this hotel again.

A very attractive period hotel on the cliff head overlooking St Austell Bay in two main directions.

The quality of the food was in general quite good, the pork that I ate was a little over cooked, but otherwise ok. The quality of accessories such as towels, soap, etc, were extremely well laid out. The room was quiet relaxing and easily reached via a carpeted corridor that remained quiet at night. The night porter was extyremely polite and courteous - very professional.
The view of the sea from the breakfast room started off the day with an intoxicating outlook. All in All, I completely enjoyed my stay. This enhanced by the fact that it was for my engagement to a lady who lives in close proximity to the hotel