We wanted a weekend break with a bit of luxury but, for the first time, we wanted to take our dog. After a bit of research the Burdock Vean seemed to fit the bill. I knew that part of the world after having worked there as a young man but my wife had never been and I was keen for to experience the beauty that is the Helford Passage.
The hotel itself is nestled away in Cornish countryside that requires a bit of meandering through tight country lanes to get there, all part of the fun, but well worth it when you arrive. The hotel is beautiful and the grounds are even more spectacular, including a stunning boat dock onto the Helford River.
The welcome was second to none and the feel of the hotel was very much olde worlde with a hint of intrigue.
If I'm honest, our room was a bit of a disappointment, especially at £200 per night; however, we accpted it in good grace as we had the dog and I suppose you cannot expect expensive 5 star luxury when you have smelly dogs in tow.
There were very limited facilities in the room, no air con, no fridge, rubbish view but on a plus the bed was one of the most comfy that we had ever slept in.
We visisted the spa only the once. It was ok but certainly nothing to shout and scream about about. A small pool, one hot tub, tiny sauna and a table tennis table. That was about it for the free part. There was the option to have various treatments at a price.
We didn't have dinner at the hotel, choosing to eat out as we explored old and new haunts around south Cornwall; however, it is worth noting that, again if I'm being honest, it didn't appeal to us due to the requirement to wear a jacket for dinner etc. I appreciate they're trying to maintain certain standards but really!!!!!! In 2018.
Breakfast was a delight and absolutely delicious.
The walks around the hotel with the dog were spectacular, especially the jaunts down to the near-by Ferryboat Inn for an evening drink and exactly what we were after.
Would we visit again? I'm not sure. It is geared towards clientele that are older, rather than young couples or families, and have a reasonable amount of disposable income. It has an 18 hole golf course, which is an attraction in itself. Perhaps without the dog to see if the other rooms were of a better standard although I'm sure there are other hotels in the locale that are just as good, with better racilities in the room, not so stuffy dress rules and of a similar or better price.
We enjoyed our stay but the jury is out on whetehr we would return and for us that is the acid test.