Merchants Manor Spa

I am really not sure how this hotel can market themselves as a spa hotel, there are no spa facilities - just a luke-warm swimming pool and a steam room. The jacuzzi area of the pool doesn't work (despite pictures on social media showing a nice bubbling jacuzzi) and we were told by some locals that it hasn't worked for years! There are some hot tubs in the garden but we were told you had to pay £25 to use them! Never known a spa where you have to pay extra to use a hot tub! When we went outside to check them out we found that they were actually turned off and freezing cold so assuming that we would've had to give a day's notice if we did want to book them anyway. There were only 3 deckchairs round the pool so hardly any areas to sit and relax and no relaxing music on in the pool area, just the sound of the pump, not relaxing at all! Our room was nice but it was absolutely stiflingly hot all the time which meant we didn't sleep very well. Breakfast was probably the worst experience I've ever had in a hotel, it was honestly like a scene from Fawlty Towers! We were ignored for a good 10-15mins when we arrived, the waitress was so stressed and frantic because she said "everyone had arrived for breakfast at the same time", she kept dropping and smashing plates everywhere and loudly telling everyone that they were trying to catch up.... We waited an hour for scrambled egg on toast, when it arrived it was a wet undercooked sloppy mess served on a muffin, we took one bite and left the rest as it was so bad. We didn't bother ordering any hot food on our second morning & just had toast and pastries. They did give us a free drink in the bar to apologise but we were so disappointed with our stay as we had really looked forward to a relaxing spa break and didn't feel relaxed at all! We had wanted to speak to a member of staff about our concerns before we left but there was nobody around whenever we tried to find anyone, so ended up having to just check out on a computer and leave. The hotel is a beautiful building in a good location, however we felt that there are some real let downs which ruined the trip for us.

4th time staying here and sadly will probably not come back again. Had a few days away with my daughter on a 3 for 2 deal. Price was ok because I thought the visit would live up to previous experience at this hotel. We have stayed in all room types except the land lubber and the other self catering one. This time we were in the cosy king. My overall recommadion would be a room in the main house with balcony. The cosy king was ok for our needs except on the booking description it stated there was a bath. Our room contained only a shower which was disappointing as chilly October nights warrant a hot bath ! On previous visits, there was a table in the entrance area with self service tea/coffee facilities. This has now sadly been removed and tea/coffee is in the rooms....very sparse, only 2 tea bags in the jar and not enough little milk cartons. We loved the old style self serve facilities as we could grab a drink and sit in the lounge area to read on an evening. This time we had to ask staff to bring a cuppa and it felt awkward....cost cutting? The swim area as we knew from precious visits does not have a sauna or jacuzzi - if you're wanting these facilities then you'll be disappointed. It has a steam room which is tiny for the amount of users. The pool is a good size. No drinking water dispenser- people were going outside to use a tap to refil their bottles?!There's so much potential to have a sauna and decent loungers to sit on etc ! My daughter used the gym and said it was good. On our previous visits, there were two complementary jacuzzi outside and these could be booked for half a day usage. They were still there but this time there was a charge to use them only for 2 hours which was very disappointing....hotel needs to update their website to inform potential guests. We were looking forward to spending time in them. Breakfast was ok but staff need to be more attentive. The orange juice despenser broke and leaked and no one seemed bothered or tried to put juice in a jug so guests could access it. On first glances the hotel looks quite upmarket, but its very tired around the edges. It's a 10 minute walk from train station and around 10/15 minute walk into town.

We stayed for 5 nights, on the whole the visit was a positive one. I'm not a fan of self check-in and sure enough the system was not working. Once a member of staff had been located, the issue was sorted and we were shown to our room. The room was very comfortable, beautifully furnished with plenty of space and storage. Although the bed was made and towels refolded every day, tea supplies and water were not topped up and the bin was not emptied; when we mention this on the 3rd morning at breakfast we were assured it would be done. It was disappointing to return that afternoon to find the same situation. The staff we encountered were all very helpful and efficient, giving excellent recommendations for dinner. There was also an issue at breakfast on day 4 , no muesli and a 45 minute wait for our food. The problems we encountered were irritating more then anything; the beds were comfortable, plenty of hot water and a good night's sleep was had. We also used the pool and gym, which were both spotless.

This is such a fabulous hotel. Been a few times now and it never disappoints. Staff super friendly and unpretentious the breakfasts and afternoon tea to die for. Nothing too much trouble. Was lucky enough to be able to book the LookOut apartment which felt like such a treat. Two luxurious bedrooms, great sitting room, fully equipped kitchen and private hot tub on terrace with sea view. They very kindly squeezed us in for a massage in gorgeous treatment rooms. Very reasonable and definitely relaxing. Beaches just a short walk away, This time went to Eden Project - just an hour away and well worth it. If you are looking for a hotel in Falmouth, - look no further, it's just heaven.

Gosh what a wonderful place to stay, the welcome, the room, the facilities, the breakfast. Really lovely staff and the hotel is beautiful inside and a very private lush garden for a little wander or quiet time or just to stretch your legs. The spa is dreamy and my treatment was sublime. Thank you to all at Merchants Manor for such generous hospitality 😀