The Dog House, Penryn

Hotel Description

You know what surprised me most about The Dog House? It’s tucked away on this quiet residential street in Penryn where you’d never expect to find such a gem. I mean, Belhay isn’t exactly the main drag – it’s one of those peaceful lanes that locals use as a shortcut between the town center and the university area. First time I pulled up, I actually drove past it twice because it sits so naturally among the other period buildings.

The place has this wonderful lived-in feel that’s becoming harder and harder to find in Cornwall’s tourist spots. It’s clearly a 4-star property, but honestly, it doesn’t feel stuffy or over-polished like some places do. The owners have managed to keep that authentic Cornish character – you can tell they actually care about the details that matter. The rooms have proper thick walls (thank god, because student towns can get lively), and there’s decent parking which, if you know Penryn at all, is basically gold dust. I stayed during Falmouth University’s freshers week once, and while you could hear a bit of distant revelry, it never felt intrusive.

What really sets it apart is how it sits in the community. You’re a genuine five-minute walk from Penryn’s lovely little high street – not the touristy bits, but where locals actually shop and grab coffee. The Glasney Student Village is practically next door, which means there’s always this nice buzz of energy without feeling overwhelmed by it. And here’s something most visitors don’t realize: you’re perfectly positioned for both Falmouth’s waterfront and Truro’s shopping, but you get to come home to somewhere that actually feels peaceful at the end of the day. The Penryn river walks are right there too – I’d often see other guests heading out with their morning coffee toward the old quay area.

The breakfast setup deserves a mention because it’s clearly run by people who understand what travelers actually want. None of that continental nonsense – proper Cornish fare that sets you up for the day, whether you’re off exploring the coast or just pottering around the local galleries. Staff seem to genuinely live in the area too, so they’ll point you toward the good spots rather than just the obvious ones. That 9.4 rating isn’t inflated – it reflects what happens when someone puts real thought into the guest experience rather than just ticking hospitality boxes.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $186. Double or Twin Room with 1 extra-large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• María from Chile – 18 April 2025 (10/10)

  How welcoming the owners were. The house, the garden, the neighbourhood, the breakfast and the room radiated warmth.

• Anna from United Kingdom – 2 December 2024 (10/10)

  I particularly appreciated the kindness of the owners and the overall comfort of the room. The room is of a high standard, exceeding that of some hotels I have visited in the same area. It is spacious, and the en-suite bathroom with a large shower is an plus. The breakfast was delicious, offering a wide range of choices
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Gary from United Kingdom – 16 September 2024 (10/10)

  All of it, room, unsuite, breakfast, hosts,
  
  What could be improved: I disliked nothing about it

• Conrad from United Kingdom – 28 July 2024 (10/10)

  Home from home stay, greeted with smiles
  
  What could be improved: N/a

• Vicky from United Kingdom – 13 July 2024 (10/10)

  Such attention to detail…
  Beautiful room, with a relaxing atmosphere.
  Two adorable dogs, which never made a noise.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Vittore from Italy – 7 July 2024 (10/10)

  They are a lovely and welcoming couple who run a beautiful home. Not only do they provide excellent service, but they are also very supportive and offer a wealth of advice on Cornwall and Penryn. Their local insights and recommendations greatly enhanced our stay, making it truly memorable.
  The home is located a 15-minute walk from the Falmouth Penryn Campus. It is a great location for people like me who want to stay close to the university but also need some privacy. The convenient proximity to the campus, combined with the quiet and private setting, makes it an ideal choice for students and academics alike.

• Olivia from United Kingdom – 15 March 2024 (9/10)

  All of it
  
  What could be improved: The bed with a bit uncomfortable and the bedroom was in the room so I kept banging my head again the ceiling

• George from United Kingdom – 4 March 2024 (10/10)

  Room size, location and everything was great
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Dawn from United Kingdom – 5 February 2024 (10/10)

  Everything 10 out of 10

• Colin from United Kingdom – 21 September 2023 (10/10)

  A great example of how things should be done in the hospitality industry. Fantastic property standards
  cleanliness and service. Wonderful breakfast to set you up for the day, with the best hosts giving you the best welcome. What more could you ask for.
  
  What could be improved: Such a rare pleasure to say , there was nothing I did not like.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities