What People are saying
Lovely traditional hotel
snellbydateon 07/08/2017 09:02The rooms were traditional but well equipped although the mattress could be better.Good hospitality tray and room well serviced.Helpful reception who booked a taxi for us.Limited car park but plenty on road at £2 overnight if necessary.Walkable to Hoe and harbour,Can be a bit noisy if near the roundabout.
Feels like home
Zarema Zon 05/08/2017 11:43Old beautiful hotel, big room and bathroom , tasty breakfast and good location; it was nice to sleep there and to come back from sea trips, and we like people working there very much for nice characters and help. Would be glad to be back another summer.
A Lovely Touch of History Character and Charm in Plymouth
Lee Lee Kon 04/08/2017 20:08This was our first visit to Plymouth and we wanted a hotel up to a certain standard where we could relax and enjoy the experience. The Duke of Cornwall looked as if it fitted the bill.
At first sight, the Duke of Cornwall’s characterful 170 year old Victorian Gothic façade is spectacular. Inside, the hotel retains its historic feel and charm. Redolent of a more elegant age, a wide, winding staircase with wrought iron balustrade leads guests to every floor; you can almost hear the swish of Victorian gowns on the stairs.
Opening the door to our room, I got an instant visual hug from a huge, welcoming 4 poster bed, that was as comfortable as it looked and merited a big aahhhhh climbing aboard. An extra touch of luxury was a separate lounge with a big TV, just right for chilling out and downing a cuppa or two. The bathroom was roomy, appointed in cozy period style - I loved the colour scheme - soft muted green, very relaxing. Just my taste - I could have taken the bathroom home with me!
Spacious, tastefully decorated and furnished in period character, with this had a home from home rather than cold, corporate feel. Unlike one of the reviews I read, we had no problems with road noise, nothing but peace and quiet and good nights' sleep throughout our stay.
The staff were lovely, professional, sweet, they couldn't have done more to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable.
My only regret is not trying out the special "tea at the top" experience in the hotel's iconic tower. Next time, I'd want to stay in the round tower bedroom and treat my partner and myself to a bottle of Champagne as we enjoyed a bird's eye view (vintage binoculars provided) of the city. What a lovely experience!
For couples or solo travellers, this provides a level of comfort lifting a weekend away to another level at an affordable price. If you like character, charm, history over a more corporate setting, you'll enjoy this. I would go back again, and would recommend this.
Impressive building, spacious rooms, minor negatives
Matt Hon 03/08/2017 01:47Stayed here on business for a week.
Positives: On arrival the exterior of the building is very impressive, classic victorian styling (website boasts Plymouth's first luxury hotel). Inside, the circular staircase and decoration of bar/lounge area is a nod to a more sophisticated era. Rooms are very spacious with high ceilings - a welcome break from cramped modern holiday inns etc. Breakfast is decent and service was great. Evening meal in restaurant was high quality but fairly expensive. Hotel is in great location - 10 min walk to harbour, plenty of bars and restaurants along route. Staff in general were polite and helpful, the room was clean and bed was comfortable.
Negatives: Firstly the biggest problem (not really hotels fault but worth a mention) the road noise at front is appalling - locals seem to think the roundabout outside is a drift track - screeching tyres and loud exhausts until early hours every night. On warmer evenings the lack of air con means open windows, so light sleepers should definitely request a back room when booking. Next, the car park is quite small, however during my stay I was lucky and found a space each night. Bar menu is very limited, and unless you want chips or fries you should eat in restaurant or elsewhere. Shower took a while to heat up (wake up 5 mins earlier to counter) probably due to age of building. Finally the WiFi is free, but occasionally temperamental (had to reset the router a few times) speed is acceptable for general use.
In response to other reviews, the floorboards are a bit creaky and decor/fittings (floral print) are somewhat dated but I would rather have the charm and character of an older building over plastic modern box rooms of other hotel chains. I guess it's up to personal preference. In summary, a solid 3+ star hotel with plenty of character and helpful staff. Would stay again if in the area
Best Western
jingles1506on 01/08/2017 16:32I would recommend staying in the back of the hotel. We were facing the street. The hotel does not have air conditioning and has a lot of street and traffic noise. The restaurant is good and the staff is friendly. The beds are not comfortable. So, with uncomfortable beds, street noise and hearing people walking around around their rooms through out the night, you may not get a good night sleep. I know I didn't. We were here for three nights.
Rooms were dusty and other companions we were traveling with had mold in their room and unclean room.