The Idle Rocks

Ideal Rocks. This place is a proper hidden gem. On the waterfront and with fantastic dining options it was the perfect place to spend a pre Christmas getaway and mooch around the classy little town of St Mawes, which always seems to be bustling without being overcrowded even at peak times of the year. The hotel makes the already superb location even better. The staff were very helpful and friendly and there is even an EV charger (albeit a fairly slow one). Rooms are cosy and individual with great facilities. We also took the ferry over to Falmouth (which runs almost every day) to have a wander around there. Essentially you can leave your car in the hotel carpark and explore the area on foot or using a bit of public transport/ferries. Cracking little place.

Beautiful views from our room, the terrace, bar and restaurant. Food lovely. Highly recommended.

Excellent from start to finish Attentive staff, lovely room and great good

The Idle Rocks is a beautiful property in a great location. We arrived late, and our check in experience was exceptional. The staff at the front desk is lovely and very welcoming. We appreciated how short and sweet our check-in process was, especially after a 6 hour drive. There is a sweet young lady that welcomed us and showed us to our room as soon as we arrived. She also was kind enough to mail some postcards for us since we left on a Sunday. The night we arrived a man, who may be the overnight manager, offered us drinks before the bar closed. Him and the bartender were extremely attentive. A few downfalls that affected this rating were that housekeeping did not do a thorough job of cleaning. We ran out of toilet paper and they failed to refill it. I had to ask the front desk for some, and luckily the overnight manager delivered a whole pack of toilet paper. Additionally, our drinks from the first night were left in the room throughout our whole stay. We also found that the staff handling breakfast was rude. There was one waiter in particular, who never checked on us, gave us an attitude when we asked if we should seta ourselves since he failed to acknowledge us when we walked in. His demeanor was unwelcoming and made our breakfast experience very unpleasant. Luckily, Dean ended up waiting on us and was beyond exceptional. He really changed the experience and personally waited on us, although it is my impression that he may be the manager. Thank you dean!

We loved this property for its lovely rooms by the sea, wonderful breakfasts, and outdoor space overlooking the St Mawes harbour. It is centrally located with easy access to shops, restaurants and hiking and water activities. A real gem with friendly and helpful staff.k

Brilliant staff and service and Chef Matt's cooking

It was a wonderfully relaxing stay and even though there were 60mph winds it was still amazing.

Next to waters edge, you can hear the water lapping up against the harbour wall, very relaxing. The service from the staff was excellent.

Lovely hotel, staff and food.

Probably one of the best hotels in Cornwall. Super staff and fantastic rooms, with high end fittings and immaculately appointed. Fantastic restaurant and lounger area with roaring fire. Truly exceptional!

Excellent location, staff very attentive, good food.

Providing First class service in a relaxed and friendly environment is a difficult balance. The idle rocks pulls it off. At the risk of further popularising this gem, I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

Wonderful corner room right on the water Fine service and exceptional food Only regret was the stormy English weather

Did not change the evening menue.so little choice on other evenings.The food was of course excellant.could possibly put on a daily special?

Beautiful location and views, peaceful atmosphere and attentive staff

Perfect, staff exceptional. We were mighty impressed! What a lovely setting too.

We stayed in the annexe (Rm 17) and the sea laps up to the window, almost. Nice spacious room with seating area at window end. Very clean and comfortable. Good breakfast(s). One issue with the shower whilst there, which was resolved quickly, although staff failed to inform us (minor irritation). Having said that the staff are very friendly, pleasant and helpful. Restaurant good, but if you love sea food the Watch House (almost) opposite the hotel is the place to go. All in all a lovely hotel in a lovely position.