Bodmin Jail Hotel

Very accommodating staff, I'm gluten and dairy free, chef was happy to provide alternatives. Accommodation was stunning. Staff very friendly, always happy to help. The after dark paranormal investigation was fun and full of jail facts. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay

This was our second visit to this extraordinary hotel. We loved it the first time and we loved it even more the second time. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The breakfast was excellent with a good range of different choices. The room was clean, comfortable and quiet. We have an electric car and we were very pleased to find that we could charge it at no cost.

I heard about The Bodmin Jail Hotel about a year ago and it captured my imagination. I researched it and added it to my list of places to stay. I was not disappointed. The hotel is located just out of the centre of the small town of Bodmin in Cornwall and is easilly reached from the A30. It is well sign posted and quite noticeable on approch. Bodmin is a quiet country town and easy to navigate. As you approach the hotel there is a broad ramp to the higher level, where there is ample parking. The building stands before you and is historically atmospheric whilst having a modern aspect at the same time. Two reception desks face you on entering the automatic doors and there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I was in accommodation that was unique. It is quickly very clear that you are in a prison yet there is also a calm and modern feel about the place. The layout of the entire building was exactly as you might expect, rising 4 levels to a vaulted roof and with corridors running the entire length of the building along which the rooms (cells) open. Each guest room is constructed from 3 cells, with the original doors having been replaced and where you can see the unused doors sealed off. There was a unique atmosphere as soon as you entered and because of the thickness of the walls, there was almost absolute silence. I was greeted immediately upon arrival and received an extremely personalised and individual welcome. The modern style of the reception area contrasts perfectly with the historic building. Two outward facing external lifts ferry guests to the higher levels of the building and there is also a very wide open staircase that winds its way from top to bottom. I was given clear directions to my room and luggage assistance was proactively and cheerfully offered. The doors to each room have been attractively painted yellow to make them stand out and these contrast perfectly with the original stone walls. As you enter the room you are immediately hit by the sheer character of the environment. It would take a hard-hearted person not to be impressed. Whilst immediately recognising the luxury of the room, you cannot fail to note the bare stone walls as you are taken backwards in time. Each of the three cells comprising each guest room has a very high up small window providing natural light and which still has the original metal bars covering them outside. Modern spotlights are in the ceiling, brighly illuminating the room. My room had a king sized bed with a luxury duvet and linen and the 4 pillows were a mixture of firm and soft, leaving the guest to be in control. Some rooms have twin beds. There was ample storage space as well as a comfortable easy chair and also a writing desk. A safe is in each room and a fully stocked mini bar with a variety of drinks that are complimentary and replenished each morning. The bedoom takes up one cell, the sitting room the second and the bathroom the third. The bathroom is very spacious with a free sta

Great stay, would go again. This was our second visit as our first one was ruined by illness earlier in the year. We arrived early and Andrew greeted us on reception and was very helpful and friendly. Our room was ready so we were able to check in early and he also arranged the museum tour for us which I recommend doing. The room was comfortable and clean with everything you could need. It was my husband’s birthday and a nice towel arrangement in the shape of a cake had been placed on the bed. Breakfast was great, there was so much food! On a side note it would be appreciated if people with dogs were sat in a particular part of the restaurant - we had dogs on the tables either side of us and had them sniffing around our feet while we were eating. On check out it was Andrew again, just like check in he was helpful and friendly. It’s an amazing hotel and everyone should have it on their to do list!

The rooms are gorgeous, loved the free minibar which was just as well as the Tavern closed that day indefinitely and only food options were the Chapel Restaurant. The restaurant was hugely over priced for very meager servings. Drink prices were astronomical as well. Breakfast was very good.

We have to say this was one of our favorite hotels - wonderful historic place with class. The service was amazing from all the staff. Breakfast and dinners were terrific. Our room was made up of three former cells but of course with more comfort than the "prisoners" had in the past. Plus the staff loved it when we got into the theme of it all one breakfast

We could not fault Bodmin Jail and each and every member of staff, who were extremely attentive. The attention to detail in keeping the Jail as it was we found to be very tasteful and accurate. Our room had everything we needed and was very clean and comfortable. The Jail is very dark at night and a small nightlight at floor level would be a welcomed addition as navigating to the loo meant you would disturb your partner. Thank you very much.

The hotel is beautiful. The rooms are exceptional with luxury elements. However, I don’t believe the 4-star rating reflects service. I should stress at this point that every single staff member we met was kind, helpful and courteous. However, the systems in place and management element of the hotel is somewhat lacking and really needs improvement. * There is no-one to help with bags on arrival. This is the first 4-star hotel I’ve visited that didn’t provide this service. * Requests made via the initial booking and follow-up pre-check in survey were not even acknowledged and had to be re-requested on check-in. * This was a special occasion, notified in advance. Not acknowledged by a single member of staff. This is the first 4-star hotel we’ve stayed in that has never asked at any point if it was a special occasion. * Our “Spring Package” booking stated a welcome drink of a glass of CHAMPAGNE. We had to follow up with reception and ask, as it was not forthcoming. When delivered to our room, it was NOT champagne, but Prosecco. We are well-travelled, are used to high end hotels, fine dining and absolutely know the difference. A cheap shot. * The champagne bar and one of the restaurants were closed for refurbishment. We were not notified in advance, nor at check-in. * We were informed by reception staff that a large party was booked into the restaurant at 7:15pm so were encouraged to book dinner earlier to avoid delays in ordering. On arrival at the restaurant at 7:00pm, it was evident that this was NOT the case (there were no large tables set up) and it was simply a ruse to encourage diners to book early (I assume that this ensures an earlier finish for staff?) * Breakfast service was chaotic. All we heard throughout service were staff apologising to each and every table for missing items, queries on orders, etc. This is NOT a 4-star standard service. It’s clear that the hotel relies on the unique setting. Despite all of the above, we DID enjoy our stay, but would not return, unfortunately.

Wow, what a fantastic place. Service was excellent from start to finish in this beautifully and sympathetically restored former jail. Rooms are spacious, comfortable beds, lovely pillows, great shower, freestanding bath and complimentary mini bar. Great selection of beverages and Cornish biscuits. The chapel restaurant has to get a mention though, from the friendly and efficient team ( especially Edwardo, manager?) who could not do enough for you, to the wonderful ambience and ceiling projections to the truly delicious food...A visit to eat there is an absolute must,! faultless meal and well priced cocktails. For a romantic night or two or stop off on the way to Cornwall, I would highly advise a stay here. A hotel like no other, with so much history and a fantastic museum, well worth a visit on a rainy day. Well done team....a review with no negatives.