Bluebell Retreat

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at my fair share of countryside retreats, but Bluebell Retreat in Lostwithiel genuinely surprised me – and honestly, that doesn’t happen often anymore. The moment you pull up (and yes, there’s proper parking, which is more than I can say for half the places in Cornwall), you get this immediate sense that someone actually thought about what guests need. It’s tucked away just enough to feel peaceful, but you’re still only a five-minute walk into Lostwithiel proper, which is perfect because you’ll definitely want to poke around those antique shops on Fore Street and grab a pint at The Globe.

What really got me was the attention to detail – I mean, these aren’t just rooms that someone threw together and called boutique. The bedding is properly luxurious (none of that scratchy hotel linen nonsense), and you know what? The water pressure in the shower actually works. Sounds basic, but you’d be amazed how many “4-star” places mess that up. The breakfast situation is honestly brilliant too – they source ingredients locally, and I’m talking properly local, not just slapping “Cornish” on everything. The staff seemed to actually know where things came from when I asked, which tells you something about how they operate. Plus, if you’re planning to explore the Eden Project or those gorgeous coastal paths around Fowey (about 15 minutes away), the location is spot-on without being right in the tourist chaos.

Here’s the thing though – and this is why I’d actually recommend booking here – it feels like staying somewhere that the owners genuinely care about. The common areas have this lived-in comfort that’s hard to fake, and during my stay in late September, even with the place pretty full, it never felt crowded or rushed. The only minor thing I’d mention is that if you’re used to staying in massive chain hotels with 24-hour everything, this is more intimate and personal (which I loved, but just so you know what you’re getting). The 9.6 rating makes total sense once you’re there – it’s the kind of place where small touches add up to something really special, and frankly, after dealing with some truly disappointing stays lately, finding somewhere that actually delivers on what they promise felt like hitting the jackpot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $162. Holiday Home with 1 extra-large double bed, 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Tim from United Kingdom – 9 June 2025 (9/10)

  Ideal location for us. Although overlooks the railway there was little noise inside the property.
  Chocolates and wine on arrival was a nice touch.
  Spacious rooms and well finished too.
  
  What could be improved: Communication back from Sykes was poor other than their automated responses. Given the good range of amenities we were surprised there was no hair dryer provided.

• Peter from United Kingdom – 8 December 2024 (10/10)

  What a gem of a place, we loved everything about the stay. The location was brilliant, the facilities inside were out of this world, in fact its made my wife and I to consider some of the designs for our holiday home.
  
  What could be improved: Just sad that pets aren't allowed anymore, ours loved it and some of the neighbours loved our frenchies. Also was totally hacked off that booking.com and sykes have absolutely useless communication between each other and don't pass things on

• Julie from United Kingdom – 16 August 2024 (10/10)

  Great location, stylish, clean, and comfortable.
  The apartment had everything you needed.

• Tina from United Kingdom – 21 May 2023 (10/10)

  We liked everything about the accommodation, beautifully furnished and the location perfect for exploring Cornwall.
  
  What could be improved: The goods trains were noisy early some mornings, disturbing our sleep!!

• Richard from United Kingdom – 2 April 2023 (9/10)

  Lovely property with lots of modern facilities.
  Lovely artwork which complements the property.
  Great, safe and quiet location with passing trains to watch!
  Bathrooms beautiful and modern.
  Great value for money.
  Easy parking arrangements.
  Welcome scones, cream and jam a great treat!
  
  What could be improved: For a 5* property, we expected duvets and mattress protectors made from natural materials rather than entirely synthetic (polyester) which we found made us very hot.
  Sadly weather very very wet and windy for most of the time – but it's Britain and you make the most of it!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities