Camelot Castle Hotel

We went to the hotel for some much needed R&R and that is exactly what we got. It had the added bonus that we were able to take our Golden Retriever "Abbey". As we were on the second floor she took the lift. The setting is spectacular. We both do painting and photography so this was quite a joy. I haven't edited the 100 or photos yet but I am looking forward to it.
The staff were charming as were the owners. The resteraunt was lovely, the food great and reasonably priced. We met quite a few couples there who enjoyed it as much as we did. I was surprised to see the negative comments in the reviews. There was one couple that did complain about the meal. They seemed like profesional complainers. As I could not see what the problems was.
The place is being refurbished at the moment and the rooms do need upgrading, but this is reflected in the room price which is lower than some B&B's without the views, resteraunt, bar and fantastic service.
The Resteraunt, lobby, sitting room and staircases are grand and decorated with Ted's paintings, some of which are absolutely stunning. We did see the ligt box which was great fun.
All in all it was just what we needed. Once the place has be refurbished I am informed we will still be able to afford it. We are looking forward to the next visit as is Abbey.

I have read every review on this site concerning Camelot Castle and I have come up with the logical decision that Camelot Castle is what you make it. I agree that some parts are looking a bit tired but the owners know this and are in the process of a major, and I suspect costly, refurbishment.
The owners may possibly belong to the Scientology group, mentioned in a previous review but not during my stay, but how does that affect a holiday? John Mappin and Ted Stourton are the only owners of any hotel I have stayed in that made a point to talk to my wife and I on every occasion that our paths crossed. Nothing was pushed on us and our talks were interesting and refreshingly honest.
The food in the restaurant was superb, the staff have balanced the art of attentive service with unobtrusiveness to such the degree that most establishments can only dream about.
Our room was well decorated and the bathroom immaculate, my thanks to the lovely cleaning ladies who were a wealth of information about local beauty spots.
If you want a holiday retreat to comprise of beautiful surroundings, friendship, conversation, attentive staff, fantastic food and very reasonable prices then this is the place to come.
I have nothing but praise for Camelot Castle and am already planning my return.

Last weekend our party of 8 were wondering what we could expect having read the negative reviews.
On arrival we were welcomed and could not fail to be very impressed by the beautiful dining room and the sumptous lounge area. The hotel is spotlessly clean. The food excellent. The staff are very attentive and professional. The owners Ted, John and Irina take pains over the welfare of their guests.
The unfurbished rooms are shabby but they are clean. Yes there was evidence of a previous leak on the ceiling and peeling wallpaper, however the beds were not old, were comfortable, and clean, the shower cubicle - again spotlessly clean with good hot shower.
We had a guided tour of the refurbished roooms, the quality is excellent.
The views are stunning, as are the walks. Tintagel is only a ten minute easy walk away.
The price we paid was cheaper than staying at a Travel Inn!
We had a brilliant time and can't wait to go back.

28 readers found this review helpful

My husband and I have just read quite a few excited reviews, and we are simply wondering if we'd visited the same hotel because it's nothing like our experience.
As you approach the hotel it looks really wonderful, as you get closer you don't really notice the weathered exterior. As you enter the reception area, you can't help feeling impressed by the celebrity photos and even the newspaper reports. Our impression of stuff was helpful and friendly - we arrived a bit earlier the check-in time, but the receptionist checked us in. Our oasis of luxury for the next two nights would be room 209. A standard room with a sea view. When at last we found a room our dream came crashing down. As we entered the room we suddenly realized why nobody showed you to your room...Cracked ceiling,big damp patch on it, wallpaper peeling from the wall, tired furniture, very old looking, too small bedcovers. As we laid on the bed to recover from journey we began to get concerned about the hypothermia. "Bathroom" isn't even a room, more like a plastic wardrobe, that smells musty...NOTHING AT ALL LIKE PICTURES ADVERTISED ON THEIR WEBSITE!
We spent the next two days just realizing the hotel is simply based on illusion. Celebrity photos, doubt they were taken in the hotel...We couldn't even imagine someone in those photos sleeping in our room. We wouldn't be happy leaving our pet in there.
Food in restaurant was simple but nice, expensive though.
Doubtful that the hotel would be popular without the spectacular views
Two evening meals in the restaurant, two nights, little under £400.
Since we've returned home we now realize that the hotel has no star ratings advertised, we now know why. Not something you notice before you book

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1 reader found this review helpful

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

3 readers found this review helpful

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 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.

26 readers found this review helpful

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 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 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.