The Sandy Duck

Hotel Description

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to The Sandy Duck on Pennance Road – the name alone had me wondering what I’d gotten myself into. But you know what? Sometimes the best surprises come in quirky packages. This little 4-star gem sits just up from Falmouth’s harbor area, and I mean *just* up – you can actually hear the gentle clatter of rigging from the marina when the wind’s right, which is oddly soothing rather than annoying.

The thing about Pennance Road is that it’s perfectly positioned between Falmouth’s working waterfront and the more touristy bits around the town center. You’re close enough to walk down to the harbor for proper fish and chips (skip the chain places and head to one of the family-run spots), but far enough up the hill that you’re not dealing with the late-night crowds stumbling back from the pubs. The staff here actually seem to know Falmouth – not just the obvious attractions, but the kind of local intel that matters. They’ll tell you which café does the best Cornish pasties (it’s not always the most obvious choice) and when to catch the Flushing ferry for the best light if you’re into photography.

What really won me over was the attention to details that most places completely miss. The rooms have proper blackout curtains – and I mean proper ones, not those flimsy things that let the 5 AM summer sunrise wake you up. The Wi-Fi actually works throughout the building (you’d be amazed how many places still struggle with this), and the water pressure is fantastic, which matters more than you think after a day exploring the coastal paths. The breakfast setup is refreshingly straightforward – good local ingredients done well rather than some overly ambitious menu that tries too hard. I particularly appreciated that they source their eggs from farms just outside town, and you can taste the difference. Parking can be a bit tight during peak season – Falmouth gets properly busy in July and August – but they’ve got it sorted better than most places in town. The 9.6 rating isn’t just numbers on a screen; it’s earned through dozens of small things done right. Would I stay here again? Absolutely. It’s the kind of place that gets Falmouth just right – comfortable without being pretentious, well-located without being chaotic, and run by people who clearly care about what they’re doing.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $144. Standard Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $151. Double Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $166. Queen Room with Sea View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $166. Queen Room with Sea View with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $166. Queen Room with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $181. Deluxe Double Room with Sea View with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $242. Deluxe Double Room with Sea View with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Nicholas from United Kingdom – 28 May 2025 (9/10)

  Friendly and helpful staff,

• Louise from United Kingdom – 27 May 2025 (10/10)

  I loved it here for the following reasons:
  
  Warm, friendly welcome
  Huge comfortable bed, on the ground floor, with an ensuite
  Great rainfall shower
  Complementary cake and coffee in the afternoons
  Welcoming of our daughter joining us for breakfast (extra charge, completely reasonably)
  Amazing breakfast
  Fast WIFI
  A good fan in the room, ideal as it was hot
  
  I wasn't expecting much as it's cheap compared to Falmouth hotels and I am usually a 5 star kind of person but I was really pleasantly surprised. I'd stay here again over other local hotels.
  
  What could be improved: It would be great to have access to wine glasses and ice as there's a lovely lounge area and it would have been nice to have been able to bring our own wine and have an evening drink.

• Alison from United Kingdom – 11 May 2025 (10/10)

  I loved the room although I keep missing room 8 as it' permanently booked up and it's my favourite, but Room 7 is perfectly fine and lovely too.I liked the breakfasts which were full of choice, high qulaity produce and served by wonderful staff.
  
  What could be improved: I noticed there was no recess in the shower in Room 8 and the mirror not on top of the sink but overall these were minor issues and I always immensely enjoy my stay there.

• Lorraine from United Kingdom – 5 May 2025 (9/10)

  The staff Francis, Jemma, Rosie, Ella and Abby were friendly and helpful! (I hope I have not missed anyone out). My husband and I felt so relaxed; they could not do enough to make our stay comfortable. Every day we were offered tea and cake which is a lovely touch!
  The breakfast was yummy! A good choice of continental and a cooked breakfast; which you can have both.
  The room was serviced daily and was decorated in a relaxing style. We could see the sea from our bay windows. I found this calming and beautiful.
  The waterfall shower was great and powerful.
  I will recommend this hotel to my family, friends and colleagues who plan to visit Falmouth!
  I am sure that they will not be disappointed!
  
  What could be improved: I would have liked a bin in the bedroom as I needed somewhere to put my rubbish.
  I tend to bring a lot of clothes so more storage would be helpful such as a chest of draws.
  A selection of fruit in the morning would have been a nice option.

• Julie from United Kingdom – 4 May 2025 (10/10)

  Everything about the Sandy Duck was excellent and surpassed expectations by a Cornish country mile!!!! The room (number 4 sea view) was very clean, had modern quality fittings and bed linen. Shower was just awesome. As many other reviewers had written, the breakfast is tremendous with various options available that use local produce. An added benefit was the afternoon "slab" of cake and a pot of tea which was a delicious welcome back to the Duck. We liked the location being slightly out of town, as we could walk (10/15 minutes – down hill) to Swanpool and Gyllyngvase beaches, which had eating places and cafes etc. The Sandy Duck has been described as a posh B&B, though I would more categorise it as a small intimate boutique hotel with a great and friendly service team.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to note.

• Jeffrey from United Kingdom – 14 April 2025 (10/10)

  Great hotel with excellent food. Afternoon cake and tea is provided which is a great touch. The rooms are well equipped and have everything you need including toiletries, tea & coffee etc. Breakfast was amazing.

• Jane from United Kingdom – 9 April 2025 (10/10)

  It’s beautifully decorated. Delicious breakfasts and extremely lovely staff!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. It was superb

• Michael from Australia – 6 April 2025 (10/10)

  My wife and I had the most pleasant experience at the Sandy Duck. Our choice of the Sandy Duck was based on the following – very positive reviews; the availability of off-street parking; the quiet location; our choice of a room with a Skylight and a superb view of the bay: the on-line pictures of the room; and finally, the inclusive breakfast, which exceeded our expectations to a great degree. With each of those we were not disappointed.
  
  Finally, I cannot finish without mentioning how friendly and supportive each of the staff members we had an interaction with over the four days. Nothing was a problem.
  Thank you very much
  Julie and Michael
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Jacqui from United Kingdom – 28 March 2025 (10/10)

  The "your room is ready for early check install to start our wonderful weekend in the Sandy Duck. A warm welcome on arrival. Cake and coffee every afternoon was a lovely unexpected bonus. Comfy clean room and ensuite, and a scrummy breakfast. The staff couldn't have done enough for us… thank uou so much.😁
  
  What could be improved: We loved everything about our stay.

• Sirma from United Kingdom – 24 March 2025 (10/10)

  The loveliest stay at the Sandy Duck for my birthday this year! Perfect location close to town, the friendliest staff and the best breakfast I’ve ever had in a hotel, brought to our room every morning. Clean room with everything you need, we felt at home.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities