Greenbank Falmouth England
I arrived in Falmouth, a lovely Cornish seaside town, ready for a little luxury. I had spent a couple of nights in a cosy but basic, YHA Snoozebox (a snug bedroom converted from a shipping container). While it was perfect for a budget short break, if you are staying longer or prefer more conventional accommodation than the Greenbank Hotel makes a great base for exploring the counties treasures from a day at the Eden Project to quiet walks along the beach.
The Greenbank Hotel
My first impression of the hotel was good as I walked into the elegant entrance hall with sweeping wrought-iron staircase and featuring some lovely antiques. I received a warm welcome at check-in then headed straight to my room. The wonderful view through the large bay windows across the harbour took my breath away, despite the dreadful weather outside. I really had picked a bad week for travelling in the south of England as unusually bad weather lashed the coast – the tail end of Storm Imogen. But what did I care, as I was spending the night in this wonderful hotel? My room was spacious and inviting, decorated in shades of blue and neutral tones and with everything I might need to hand including well-stocked tea and coffee-making facilities – I do hate it when hotels are stingy on such things. The bright, gleaming bathroom was spot on too with a good range of toiletries, just as I would expect from a quality hotel.
The Working Boat
Having freshened-up I was off to explore as there was a special quirk to this hotel that I was looking forward to getting better acquainted with. So, having gone back downstairs to the ground floor, I walked along the corridor to a fairly ordinary door and peeped inside. A flight of stairs lead me downwards. I turned the corner and found myself in a cosy, traditional and extremely inviting pub – how very convenient I thought – you can go out for the evening without going out. A very handy option when the weather is so bad.
The ‘Working Boat’ had an excellent range of local, craft beer and ciders, including their very own Working Boat beer, brewed up the road in St Austell. The bar menu looked inviting but I was looking forward to a meal in the hotel that evening.
The Greenbank Restaurant
The hotel’s restaurant is long and thin, taking full advantage of the wonderful view across the harbour which is mesmerising by day or by night. Though I was dining alone I really didn’t mind, as I simply relaxed, happy to watch the harbour lights reflected in the water. Not that I had to wait long, my starter of perfectly cooked scallops soon appeared. In keeping with my location, I opted for the main course of traditional fish ‘n’ chips which was also excellent, sadly leaving no room for the tempting desserts on offer. The service was attentive without fussing and I would certainly recommend eating here.
After a good night’s sleep, I rose early enough to catch the tail end of the sunrise over breakfast – a great way to start the day.
Video: My stay at the Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth, Cornwall
Sadly I didn’t have time to explore much of Falmouth but I’m looking forward to returning one day. I would also have liked to try out the hotel’s spa but that too will have to wait for a return visit.
Final thoughts…
The Greenbank Hotel is an excellent choice as a base to explore Cornwall or as a romantic, weekend escape for two. Its location by the harbour couldn’t be better and the same goes for the food and service. My only criticism, if I have to make one, would be that the lift was rather scruffy but that in no way detracted from a wonderful stay – I only used it the once to take my bags upstairs. As you may have guessed I really loved the pub beneath the hotel. The other main highlight for me has to be the views across the harbour… from my room, the pub, the restaurant, the hotel’s bar and from the outside terrace, which must be a wonderful place to relax on a sunny day.
