Cornwallis Hotel

What People are saying

Beautiful location

Archers2014on 06/08/2017 08:36

We stayed one night as a last minute booking and although we had a lovely room it was above the bar and very noisy until the bar closed. Breakfast was good, staff were friendly and helpful and our room had everything we needed. We would stay again but in a different room!

Comfortable stay with friendly service

annieclineson 30/07/2017 21:30

We spent two nights at the Oaksmere staying in the beam filled eaves room 10. We received very friendly and efficient service and enjoyed some excellent food in both the restaurant and the bar. We would recommend the hotel and indeed would have awarded 5 stars except for the faulty and leaking shower which unfortunately prevented its use. That aside we enjoyed two good nights' rest in a huge, comfortable bed. We would certainly return in the future.

Very poor service

hinnygreenon 30/07/2017 21:29

We went to have a meal to celebrate my son's girlfriend's birthday. The bread to start with was very poor sliced bread with very bitter oil. The first course came and was very good. We then had to wait over 45 minutes for our main with no apology or update why it was delayed. We understand the restaurant was busy but an apology would have gone a long way and rather spolit the main. We opted not to wait any longer for a dessert. Overall very disappointed with service for such a reputable hotel/restaurant. We were intending to return tomorrow but will not be now.

How difficult can it be?

GinaColeBurgatteon 30/07/2017 10:44

We took some overseas guests for visit to Oaksmere, as we intended to show them the impressive refurbishment of a magnificent Suffolk house. We wanted to eat in the bar as we had plans for later in the afternoon. Arriving at 12.30 we perused the menus on the tables in the bar area and made our choices. We were told that if we wanted food we had to order it in the Restaurant. So one of us duly went to the restaurant to place our order.... only to be told that only tapas could be eaten in the bar, and if we wanted the full menu we had to eat in the Restaurant. Question...... why place full menus on tables in the bar if you can't eat there? Question..... if that is the practice, why not say so on the menu. Perversely, the bar menus were kept behind the bar and were not on the tables.

Soooo..... we then got copies of the bar menu and made our choices - limited to either tapas or toasted sandwiches. And we waited..... and waited...... and waited. A couple who arrived after us got their food, ate it and left. And we waited. Twice we went looking for staff to chase up our food..... the barman had disappeared, and I walked through reception (unattended) right through to the Restaurant but could not find anyone to ask. Eventually the barman was located and we asked where our food was. Another 15 minutes and our food arrived, to give credit where it is due, it was very good. However, by that time we were all understandably tetchy and the shine had been taken off what was meant to be a pleasant lunch in a good location, showing off Suffolk at its best to our overseas visitors. Weak apologies were forthcoming from the barman, but no explanation for the poor service. Understandably, we did not leave a tip.

Coffee with cake ... how simple can it be ?

lottylooon 28/07/2017 12:20

I despair of this establishment I really do despite the thousands on the refurb which ran over promised reopening times and numerous staff members, they still fail to deliver on the tiniest request !

I returned to see the long awaited refurb and prior to visit, checked out the website and yes coffee and cake as an informal drop in was on the list .

But how wrong we were. No cakes or scones on offer kitchen closed so went for a pot of coffee for two. Offer of biscuits though . The type in wrappers placed in the rooms but not wanted. Homemade would have been acceptable and so much nicer . A nice piece of shortbread but no nothing . The coffee arrived a pale grainy offering Oh dear.

A manager was lurking with 2 workmen perusing and getting an inspection of the very narrow steps into the new dining room with plush fittings and lighting but oh no as you look up to a beautiful skylight it us 'adorned' with plastic green foliage. Oh dear again. Amongst all the adornments of plush sofas art work on the walls and then plastic plants. Who is responsible for such a mismatch of styling and layout ?

I called to the manager to voice our concerns and he was unaware that cakes apart from
pre ordered cream tea was on offer on the website ? And the kitchen was now closed
til 5 pm .

He did however change the awful coffee and came up with a cunning plan to whisk away a few cakes in the kitchen from a cream tea ordered for the following day.

Why oh why can't the chef cook a few more for lounge/bar drop in customer with scones and home made biscuits to offer . Most hotels have this on offer well at least the ones I have stayed at offering a boutique vibe experience with nothing too much trouble etc.

So I have made my friend promise if I ever say again "lets pop in for coffee at the Oaksmere or lunch or dinner" please tell me not to bother ... ever !