The Rising Sun

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Rising Sun? It’s not just another hotel plonked down in some random spot – this place actually sits right on The Square in St Mawes, which means you’re literally at the heart of everything that makes this Cornish village special. I mean, step outside and you’re maybe thirty seconds from the harbor where the fishing boats bob around and the Falmouth ferry comes puttering in throughout the day.

The thing about St Mawes is that it’s still got that authentic feel – it hasn’t been completely overrun yet, though honestly, it’s getting busier each summer. But The Rising Sun has this lovely old-school charm that fits perfectly with the village vibe. The building itself has character (you can tell it’s been here a while), and inside there’s this warm, lived-in feeling that some of these newer boutique places just can’t replicate. The rooms are properly comfortable – not trying too hard to be trendy, just genuinely nice to spend time in. Actually, if you get one facing the water, you’ll understand why people keep coming back year after year. There’s something about waking up to that view of the Carrick Roads that just… well, it sets the day right.

What I really appreciate is how they’ve managed to keep things relaxed without being sloppy about it. The staff actually know the area – they’ll tell you when the tide’s right for walking over to St Anthony Head (which you absolutely should do, by the way), or where to grab the best crab sandwich if you don’t fancy the hotel restaurant. Speaking of which, the food’s solid – nothing revolutionary, but they know their way around local fish and they don’t mess about with unnecessary fuss. Parking can be a bit of a dance in summer since The Square gets busy with day-trippers, but they’ve sorted spaces for guests. And here’s a tip – if you’re planning to explore the Roseland Peninsula properly, this is honestly one of the best bases you’ll find. You’re close enough to Portscatho and the King Harry Ferry that you can easily day-trip around, but you’re staying somewhere with actual personality rather than those generic chain places you find in Truro or St Austell.

Facilities