'One of a kind' Cornwall hotel named among UK's very best

A number of outstanding hotels in Cornwall have been named among the best in the UK by Tripadvisor in its annual awards. The world's largest travel guidance platform revealed the winners of its annual Travellers’ Choice Awards on Tuesday, April 29. Awards included the 100 "best of the best hotels" in the UK, which included three Cornwall hotels in the top ranks.

There was also a category for 'one of a kind' hotels, which named a Cornwall hotel in its top 10. The Bodmin Jail Hotel was ranked number eight in the one of a kind hotel category by Tripadvisor. Initially built by prisoners of the Napoleonic Wars in 1779, it was the first prison to hold prisoners in individual cells and, in keeping with the status of as the home of the county’s Crown Court’s, it would spend the next 150 years as Cornwall’s major jail.



After its closure in 1927, the jail would mostly become a ruin and while a small tourist attraction opened in part of the site. After 80 years of ruin, a chance encounter by a holidaying billionaire businessman changed the jail’s fortunes forever. The man bought the entire site including the derelict area and a four-year development plan was put into place.

The end result was an enhanced visitor attraction accompanied by a luxury hotel. The new jail hotel has seen rooms built in the old cells and in the parts which had fallen into ruin, such as the old hospital wing. Reviewers on Tripadvisor describe the hotel as having a major 'wow factor' and being 'beautiful' and 'stunning'.

The other three Cornwall hotels named on the UK best of the best 25th anniversary list included The Carlyon Bay Hotel, which ranked 18th, The Royal Duchy Hotel which ranked 22nd and Talland Bay Hotel, which ranked 23rd. Kristen Dalton, President at Tripadvisor said: “Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Hotels captures the opinions of millions of travellers worldwide and offers trusted guidance for travellers to plan their best stays. Known for their outstanding hospitality, premium amenities and prime locations, Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Hotels stand out as top choices in their respective destinations and across the globe.

” The awards also had a "World’s Best" list which saw Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in Tulum, Mexico, taking the top spot. The stunning resort, perched on the edge of the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean sea, is complimented by reviewers for its impressive spa and wellness centre and selection of pools..