Reviews of Camelot Castle Hotel, Tintagel, England

I spent a magical, amazing, and...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2008

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Tiponi

Photos:

Comments:

I spent a magical, amazing, and relaxing 6 days at Camelot Castle, along with my 14yr old son, his friend, my 10yr old daughter and my mum. From the moment we arrived outside the castle with its breathtaking views across the Atlantic, to stepping inside we were swept up in its magic. Sumptuous marshmallow soft sofa's, open log fires, candles gently glowing all around, gentle music playing in the background and fantastic views out of every window. We had the kindest, most helpful staff you could wish to meet. The lovely Irina's restaurant is beautiful and we sat every morning eating a 5 star breakfast looking out over the Atlantic. My son’s friend is a vegetarian and thought the food & choice was excellent. We had plenty to eat, some of the choices being full English or continental, catered to the individual (the omelettes are to die for!) accompanied by fresh fruit salad, fruit juices, a whole range of cereals, plenty of toast, jam and marmalade and not forgetting the lovely filtered coffee. I also celebrated my 40th birthday in the castle and the evening a-la-carte menu was cooked to perfection and the very talented and kind chef baked me a huge heavenly chocolate birthday cake lit with candles and they joined in with my family to sing me happy birthday. We loved finding the "magic" poem that we each had on our pillow on our arrival, my daughter squealed with delight and couldn't stop dancing around like a princess. Our rooms were spotlessly clean, along with the bedding and towels (and thank you to the cleaners Pat and Jackie we enjoyed our guided tour and morning chats). Tea, coffee , provided and kettle, hairdryer and TV were all in perfect working order. We stayed on the first floor which is yet to be refurbished (all other floors have been done already to a high standard) the bathroom is small, but adequate and the shower was lovely and hot. All our beds were lovely and comfy and I could slide up my window, let in the ocean breeze and look out across the ocean views. All this for £39 a night, how can anyone complain at that. If they do then they are totally missing all that, the owners, Ted, John and Irina are about. We felt like we were being welcomed into their home and felt part of the family, it was so relaxed we'd walk around in the evenings without our shoes on, play at the lovely big chess board provided and absorbed the soothing atmosphere Camelot provides so well. I am a fledgling artist and immensely enjoyed Ted’s art that adorns the walls, this is after all, also an art museum, his work is fascinating, some, semi abstract with lovely bold colours. Other of his work is similar in style to Monet. One of Ted's huge paintings which hang in the main hall is so beautiful, the more you look, the more you will see. I felt so privileged to be able to enjoy his work so close up; I even had some of his work on the walls in my bedroom. For someone interested in art this was so special. Amazing poems that were written by owner John Mappin were enjoyed by all. Copies of his poems are on top of the grand piano and are free to take and John and Ted’s lovely peaceful music playing in the background just added to the ambience of all that Camelot can give to those that are willing to embrace all that it offers. I think those that do not enjoy this are those perhaps that don’t understand it. Others that criticise, I think if you gave them gold, they would want diamonds. Please look beyond the negative views that some have posted. We will come back as often as we can; my children enjoyed walking Irina’s Labradors Paris and Graff. Dogs are also welcome to stay at the castle. Right outside the castle the views are so amazing with lovely walks up onto the remains of Tintagel castle and a visit to merlins cave and waterfalls. Tintagel village has loads to offer with lovely food and gift shops. The Arthurian Centre is a must and only £8 for a family of 5. Another must is Granny wobbly's fudge shop; you can watch the fudge being made. …now, back to Camelot, If you want the Ritz, then go there, if you want an experience that enriches your heart and soul and meet warm friendly staff and other like minded people, with its glorious ocean views, then Camelot is waiting for you. I call it the “lullaby castle“, gently soothed into relaxing evenings and blissful sleep. ………………if you do not believe me, please take a look at my photos of inside the hotel and ocean views, they will convey more than my words can. Thank you , Enrique, Marek, Pat, Jackie and all the other staff that made our holiday complete I shall look forward to meeting Ted, John and Irina when we come back. much affection Natalie Sampson and family x

This hotel seems to attract a...

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

Select

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2008

Tour Operator:

Select

Submitted By:

Mr P Stein

Comments:

This hotel seems to attract a wide divergance of comments and having stayed there we can see why.



Initially we were shown a room which was poorly furnished - with windows painted shut, a television which didnt work and a plastic portaloo/ shower room. The electric points were of the 50's, the gas fire from the same era and i suspect would not comply with modern requirements.



This room should not have been let out and we declined to stay and suggested that we would look elsehwere .



We were then shown the top floor and a newly fitted out room - as the duty manager had realised that this was free. It had everything that you would want in a modern hotel room .



Very much chalk and cheese.



The restaurant and communal facilities were nice but the food lacked imagination and the chefs may have been good but they didnt really show it with their offerings. The same vegetables were offered night after night.



This Hotel could be great as it has a fantastic location and some dedicated staff.



In my opinion howver it needs a heavy investment to renovate the outside and ensure that every room is consistent .



Until that time - some will hate it and some will loathe it

The hotel was bought in 1999 and...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2008

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs C Dean

Comments:

The hotel was bought in 1999 and is undergoing renovation to the bedrooms. (not noisey though).The third floor has been completed and is beautiful as is the restaurant and lounge. At first we were put in room on first floor which was last refurbished by previous owners in 1950's(it was clean but well worn). There is a cubicle as described by others as in caravans as a temporary measure but are better than no en suite at all. (When the hotel was built the toilets and bathrooms were down the corridor as they were then. ) Food great. Staff great. Just make sure you get a refurbished room. Very unusual place to stay with AMAZING views.

We Came to Camelot after...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs Carol Conway

Comments:

We Came to Camelot after trawling the internet for a romantic break away.

The web page caught my eye and the views looked fantastic.

Well we arrived tired to a run down hotel which looked like faulty towers.

The Hall was the only nice area,The bedrooms were like stepping back to the 1960s and carpet was shabby,bed was old fashioned and uncomftable.

And the shower was like oneyou see when you hire aboat on the norfolk broads.

The joke of it all is how they can charge you 100.00 a night for what is a joke.

And the famous people whom have stayed well!

I can assure you tha it is only done to hook you in,Please dont waste your well earnt money and go somewhere with a good review!

Look at the standards of hotels in Ireland and see what you get for your money there with beautifull scenery only differance you are not being ripped of!

Service was personal and led to...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2008

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mr Dick & Dora

Comments:

Service was personal and led to a very relaxing stay. Views were exceptional and food to a high standard. Cost of B&B, food and drink good for an above standard quirky hotel.

After reading negative comments...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Jan 2008

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs N Martins

Comments:

After reading negative comments on this site, I felt that I should add my own experience.



On arrival my husband and I were awed by the outward appearance of the hotel. In the reception the staff made us feel very welcome as if we had just arrived home. After being shown to our room we found the accommodation to be pleasantly furnished and decorated with all matching features. The en-suite was excellently presented and would have looked in place in any top hotel.



We ate in the hotel’s restaurant and were very impressed with the five star service and the five star food. The chef made an amazing pepper sauce to serve with our perfectly cooked and well presented steak. We weren't rushed; we were in a very relaxed and comfortable environment. During the meal the owner greeted us and engaged in conversation he was very polite and made us feel very welcome.



After dinner we went to the bar and admired the paintings whilst ordering our drinks, which we then took through to the lounge area. The lounge area was stunning full of marble pillars, open fires and comfortable sofas.



The only downside to our experience was the rudeness of other guests that were making derogatory comments about the work of the artist Ted. The same guests were very noisy which ruined the tranquil atmosphere.

The other reviews are correct...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Miss M Riley

Comments:

The other reviews are correct unless you really want to waste a lot of money do not stay here find a local pub.



The rooms are on par with a doss house, the bathrooms look like they have been salvaged from old Boeing 747s. Don’t expect comfort and certainly don’t break anything as you will be charged and fire exits are non existent.



Food is dire; it is the worst Xmas meal we have ever had. Not only did we have to wait over a 1 ½ hr for a table which was booked for 8. The food served was what you would expect from a rundown cafe and comically the owners tried to blame their staff, but if they spent more time on hotel management and less time trying to impress the guests it could be more like a hotel and not actually a very bad holiday camp. To say it is like Fawlty Towers is an insult to that fun programme! Be afraid and be warned!

A beautiful setting with unusual...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Dec 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs F Granger

Comments:

A beautiful setting with unusual decor. A cross between Fawlty Towers and The Shinning. I was amazed that I was in a hotel owned by a world renowned artist (see the article 'Billionaires flock to Camelot') that I had never heard of. The owner’s paintings that are hung in every conceivable place were incongruous in the setting of the hotel. There were newspapers scattered around everywhere stating the brilliance of the owner Ted. It turns out the other owner was a director (or something) of the paper promoting the brilliance of Ted. Pictures of celebrities hung in reception with the words 'Friends of Camelot' written underneath though I couldn't ever imagine any of them staying at Camelot. Noel Gallagher apparently stayed free of charge under their scheme to promote artistic talent.



The bedrooms were disgusting for the money. Though the views were wonderful I would rather stay somewhere that represented better value for money and walk to the cliffs. I cannot believe that they have the cheek to charge the prices they do for the tattiest, scruffy room I have ever stayed in. Note there are not pictures of the rooms on their 'magical'website. They are undergoing a refurbishment programme and possibly when this is finished they could justify the high charge of staying there, however until this is complete the rooms are extortionately over priced and so is the restaurant. I asked three times to see the enigma that is the light box, each time the owner was busy with some other tasks, however after reading other reviews I am glad I didn't as it appears the light box viewing is accompanied with the purchase of Ted's book. It would be nice if local people had been employed at the hotel to give you some local information.



On departure I was given a free CD of music sung and composed by John Mappin, after playing it I can see why I had it free.



The only thing magical about this hotel is the way they can make your money very quickly disappear. Would I ever return - absolutely no way.

This hotel doesn't deserve even...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Just called in

Submitted By:

Mrs J O''Mahoney

Comments:

This hotel doesn't deserve even a 1 rating. It's a Scientology push. Guests told us that the owners encourage you to go downstairs to see the "magic light" and people come up pie-eyed, having parted with money for one of the awful so called "paintings" done by the owner and put up on every available space in the hotel. Windows dirty. Carpets dusty. It's spooky. We got out of there as fast as we could.

Lovely hotel but let down by the...

Overall Rating:

6/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Miss S Pope

Comments:

Lovely hotel but let down by the terrible bedrooms. Certainly not worth the £100 per night - room only. I am not sure I would have paid £40!



Bathroom reminded me of a toilet cubicle on an aeroplane, as it was about the same size. Very old furniture and cold rooms. Bedlinen was old and nothing matched. Such a shame as the rest of the hotel (with the exception of the bar area) is really lovely.



Apparently the hotel is undergoing a refurbishment programme but in the meantime I think the rooms should be discounted heavily as they are most certainly not worth the money.

Hotel of magical appearance in a...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Half Board

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2007

Tour Operator:

Not Specified

Submitted By:

Maureen And George

Comments:

Hotel of magical appearance in a beautiful setting. Victorian-Gothic splendour throughout. The recently refurbished 3rd floor room with bright modern bathroom was pleasant and comfortable with fabulous sea views.



The food was excellent, as was the service. The hotel exudes warmth and friendliness and I don't think I have ever been made so welcome.



If all hotels had such friendly welcoming owners and attentive staff the world would be a better place.

We planned our trip for the both...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Feb 2006

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mrs A L Williams

Comments:

We planned our trip for the both of us a week before half term in Feb. 2006, so prices were relatively cheaper and a fab deal we got!



The drive from Bournemouth was long but very picturesque. Arriving at Camelot castle was an absolute dream.



On entering the hotel the first thing you see is a replica round table re-inacting the Knights of the Round Table. The hotel is situated at the edge of the very rough Atlantic Ocean, the views were spectacular.



A five minute walk took you into the little village of Tintagel where there were antique shops, a dwarf looking post office, precious stone museum. Wonderful family pubs serving great servings of varieties of food. Of course typical Cornish pasties bakeries were out of this world.



We drove to Rick Stein country, Padstow where we visited Rick's fish school, shops, and restaurants.



Camelot castle accommodation was standard but have since refurbished for an up to date look. Our room was very authentic with a beautiful dark oak four poster bed, a tea and coffee station, and a corner loo with shower. We had breathtaking views of the ocean.



Nearby was church situated at the end of a cliff and also the ruins of a castle where the knights supposedly consorted. The walks and views are stunning with food places on your doorstep.



The hotel also serves up great evening meals at an extra cost.



Overall the hotel has a lovely romantic "Lady Guinevere" feel with wonderful open fires situated in the lounge and a lovely maze. It truly was a lovely stay and would definitely go there again.

It is hard to reconcile all the...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Dr DS Hungerford

Comments:

It is hard to reconcile all the positive reviews on this site (8's and 10's) with our own experience and with the negative reviews. We are seasoned travellers, and this experience was BAD! I am especially suspicious of any reviews that use the word 'magical' because that is a word that you find all over the hotel's description of itself. It is possible I suppose that some people have a great experience and 'love it' and others have the kind of experience that we had.



For brevity let me say that if you read all the reviews with a rating of 1 or 2, we would be in complete agreement, and if you read the 8's and 10's, we have no idea what they were talking about.

Hi stayed at this place thinking...

Overall Rating:

1/10

Board Basis:

Room Only

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2007

Tour Operator:

BOOKED INDEPENDENT

Submitted By:

Mr D EWARDS

Comments:

Hi stayed at this place thinking it was lovely retreat. Boy this is the worst place I have ever stayed at and I took pics to prove it.



We paid £130 per night room only and room was very small and shabby wallpaper peeling off walls and plaster falling off never ever go there again.



Only good thing was good views but rather stay in back of a van and look out over sea in the winter with no heater on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please read other reviews before you book it...

My wife and I stayed here for...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

Bed & Breakfast

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2007

Tour Operator:

Booked Independently

Submitted By:

Mr Dj Price

Comments:

My wife and I stayed here for our wedding anniversary the hotel itself is fantastic.



The location and views were fantastic. The staff were very friendly yes they were eastern European but were far more friendly than most English staff.



The down stairs was beautiful and the open fires were very fitting but bar area was tacky. We had an evening meal there which was fault less with a very good wine list.



The biggest let down by far was the bedrooms, which although clean were very 70's and yes the furniture did look like it had been bought at a car boot sale.



The TV, kettle, cups, electric fire were way out of date the en-suite looked like they belong in a static caravan. The 4 post bed was a dream to sleep in, but someone ruined it by fixing a spot light in the middle!



I would not return again due to the bedroom, it’s a shame because they do have a lot to offer.