Luxury Plymouth Escape: Edgcumbe Guest House Awaits!
Luxury Plymouth Escape: Edgcumbe Guest House Awaits! - Honestly, It's a Trip (and a Review)
Alright, strap yourselves in, folks. This isn’t your perfectly polished, cookie-cutter hotel review. This is real. This is me, after a few days at Edgcumbe Guest House in Plymouth, trying to untangle the experience, the good, the…let's just say interesting. And trust me, there's a lot to untangle.
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- Keywords: Edgcumbe Guest House, Plymouth, Luxury Hotel, Devon, UK, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, Fine Dining, Reviews, Best Hotels, Boutique Hotel, Romantic Getaway, Family Friendly, Accessible Accommodation, Pet Friendly (if applicable), Spa Break, Staycation, Edgcumbe Guest House Review
- Meta Description: A raw and honest review of Edgcumbe Guest House in Plymouth, Devon. Discover the highs and lows, from delicious dining and spa treatments to accessibility and quirky charm. Is this luxury experience worth it? Find out!
Okay, now we can dive in.
First Impressions (And the Slightly Awkward Entrance)
The name "Luxury Plymouth Escape" is, well, ambitious. Edgcumbe Guest House does promise luxury, and the location, perched on a hill overlooking Plymouth Sound is magnificent. It definitely has the potential. My first thought pulling up? "Wow, that's…a lot of steps." (More on Accessibility later, because, well, I'm going to need to rant.)
The exterior is charming, all ivy-covered stone and what looks like a promise of history. Inside, there's an immediate attempt at grandeur – the lobby, with its somewhat dusty chandeliers and slightly faded velvet furniture, is trying very hard. I was greeted by the warmest and most friendly staff ever, who immediately put me at ease with their amazing service.
But let’s be honest. The "luxury" is a tad…uneven.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, To Put It Mildly… (Prepare to Get Real)
Listen, this is where things get complicated. The website touts Facilities for disabled guests and claims to be Wheelchair accessible. Lies. Okay, maybe not lies, but VERY optimistic interpretations of the reality.
The entrance, as I mentioned, is a steep incline and then stairs. There’s an elevator…eventually. But navigating the property as a wheelchair user is a logistical puzzle. The hallways are narrow in places, and some of the rooms feel more like accessible attempts than truly accessible spaces. I had to specifically request a room that catered to this fact.
Here's my experience with a specific anecdote:
- I booked the hotel because it claimed to cater to wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility.
- I requested an accessible room.
- I arrived and was taken to the furthest room.
- The route to the room consisted of ramps that were at an angle and a narrow door.
- The room was large but only had a shower.
- The room also didn't have an accessible telephone.
- There was no warning ahead of time regarding the narrowness etc.
- Staff were friendly and genuinely apologetic.
And this is only a small part of what went wrong!
Let's be clear: Edgcumbe Guest House tries, and the staff are genuinely friendly and helpful, but the physical limitations are significant. Areas of improvement needed.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Solid, But Not Perfect, Score
This is where things get better. The pandemic has clearly forced them to up their game here.
- Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely in use.
- Daily disinfection in common areas was visible. Everyone was in masks.
- They also had hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and I appreciated that. Hand washing stations are good and the staff are very friendly!
- They also gave guests the option to opt-out of cleaning services, which is great in normal times.
Now, let’s be real: I am a bit of a germophobe, so I was watching those details closely. I saw some minor imperfections, but overall, I felt safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Saving Grace! (Mostly)
This is where Edgcumbe Guest House shines. I love food, and the dining experiences were generally a HUGE redeeming factor.
- The buffet breakfast was solid. The staff, although busy worked extremely hard to keep the dishes full and tidy.
- The a la carte dinner was a triumph.
- The Western cuisine in restaurant was simply delicious!
- The bar was cozy, with a good selection of drinks.
I found myself craving something lighter for the evening, and requested a salad. The salad in restaurant was fresh and satisfying. They also offered desserts…oh my goodness! I am still day dreaming about the presentation and the flavours!
The Coffee shop did not miss a beat and gave me the energy to do all the activities!
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): Spa Days and Swim Time!
Okay, the spa situation was definitely a highlight.
- The swimming pool [outdoor] was lovely, and I took a dip almost every day.
- The pool with a view was relaxing and gave me time to think and meditate.
- I indulged in a massage and emerged feeling like a new person.
- The sauna was wonderful and gave me time to sweat out some toxins.
- They also had a Gym/fitness centre.
However, for such a "luxury" experience, I'm expecting a bit more polish.
The Rooms: Decent, But Not Mind-Blowing
My room was… adequate. Fine. It had:
- Air conditioning (thank god).
- Free Wi-Fi (which, again, is a basic expectation nowadays).
- A coffee/tea maker, and a mini bar.
- Bathrobes and slippers were provided, a nice touch.
But…it lacked that wow factor. The décor was a bit dated with some scratches on the wall from what appeared to be an accident.
- The bed was comfortable, which is always a win.
- The shower worked, the toiletries were adequate.
Services and Conveniences: Helpful, If Sometimes Slightly Clunky
- The concierge was helpful, but sometimes overwhelmed.
- Laundry service was available and efficient.
- Daily housekeeping, mostly kept things tidy.
- The elevator was a lifesaver (when it actually worked!).
- Free parking was a definite plus.
Getting Around: Easy, Except When It's Not
- Free car park [on-site] makes life easy.
- Taxi service is readily available.
But with all the stairs and uneven surfaces, getting around within the property can be a bit of an adventure.
For the Kids (and the Family):
- Family/child friendly options were fine.
Overall Impression: A Messy, But Ultimately Worth-It, Experience
Okay, let's get real. Edgcumbe Guest House is not perfect. It has its undeniable flaws, particularly regarding accessibility.
BUT…and this is a big but…it also has charm. It has a fantastic location. The food is excellent. The staff try their absolute best. And once you do get settled in, it's a perfectly pleasant escape.
Would I recommend it?
- Yes, but with MAJOR caveats.
- For non-wheelchair users who like a touch of history, a good meal, and a relaxing spa experience, it's worth it. Be prepared for some minor imperfections.
- For anyone with mobility issues, PLEASE contact them before booking and be VERY specific about your needs. They try, but it's not as accessible as advertised.
Final Verdict:
Edgcumbe Guest House is a place of potential, with moments of true luxury. It's a bit like a quirky old friend – full of character, a little bit eccentric, and ultimately, someone you're glad you spent time with. Just be prepared for some…interesting quirks along the way.
Hainzenberg Heaven: Your Dream Apartment Awaits in Austria!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is… well, this is my planned chaos for a trip to Edgcumbe Guest House in Plymouth, UK. Expect tangents, existential dread, and possibly a desperate craving for tea. Let's go!
Edgcumbe Guest House: A Messy Pilgrim's Progress (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love B&Bs)
Day 1: Arrival - Plymouth, or Welcome to the Land of Wind and Questionable Weather
Morning (Probably):
The Journey Begins (With Much Hysteria): Okay, so the train. Trains are supposed to be relaxing, right? Think "Hogwarts Express," not "packed sardine can with questionable air conditioning." I'm already sweating. I swear, I packed three times. Each time, I convinced myself I was forgetting something vital – like, you know, a life raft. I might have over-packed. (Yes, I did.)
Arrival at Plymouth Station: Stepping out of the train, I'm immediately smacked in the face by a gust of wind that nearly takes my hat (and my dignity) away. Plymouth, you're a charmer. Finding a taxi feels like an elaborate treasure hunt. Finally, SUCCESS! I'm in a… slightly battered, but hopefully roadworthy, vehicle.
Afternoon:
- Check-in at Edgcumbe Guest House: The moment of truth. Will it be charming? Creepy? Haunted? (The guest house, not the taxi, though the taxi driver did have some interesting stories…) I’m banking on charming.
- Reaction Upon Arrival: The Guest House appears! I see a sign that reads, "Edgcumbe Guest House," and I start to breathe a little. The exterior looks inviting – a row of colorful houses in a historic location. My mood is lifted. I'll need to get the lay of the land, and then, I'm going straight for the tea. (Priority number one.)
- The Room Reveal: The room is… small. Okay, cozy. Let's go with cozy. It has a view of… the wall of the building next door. Oh well, better than a view of the abyss, right? The bed, thank heavens, looks comfy. The bathroom is the size of a shoebox, but hey, it has a working shower. Victory! I'll unpack, then attempt to conquer the mystery of the UK power outlets that I have always struggled with.
- Afternoon Tea at a Local Cafe: I've heard there are some wonderful places nearby. Must find a scone. Must find clotted cream. Must, must, must find tea. If I don't get a proper cuppa soon, the world might just explode.
- Check-in at Edgcumbe Guest House: The moment of truth. Will it be charming? Creepy? Haunted? (The guest house, not the taxi, though the taxi driver did have some interesting stories…) I’m banking on charming.
Evening: * Dinner:* A recommendation from the B&B owner. "The Barbican!" she said. "Excellent seafood!" I will try my best to avoid looking like a complete idiot while trying to order something that doesn't involve chips (fries) every evening. * Getting Lost (Probably): Time for a wander through the historic Barbican area. My sense of direction is notoriously terrible. The odds of me getting lost are approximately 99.9%. Pray for me. And, more importantly, remember to take pictures!
Day 2: Plymouth's History and My Existential Dread
Morning:
- Breakfast at Edgcumbe Guest House: Fingers crossed for a full English! Bacon, eggs, sausages… basically everything I shouldn't eat, but absolutely must have. I secretly hope they have black pudding. Don't judge me.
- Plymouth Hoe: Head to this place where Sir Francis Drake played bowls (supposedly). The views are supposed to be stunning. I'm expecting a strong chance of wind and the potential for existential dread to set in, staring out at the sea. It always does on the coast. I will try to embrace it.
Afternoon:
- The Mayflower Steps: This is where the Pilgrims set sail! Feeling a little bit of history and feeling very, very small.
- Observation Time: I will stare for a long moment, contemplating the sheer courage (or desperation) of those who sailed across the Atlantic. I'll probably also contemplate the price of a pint of beer in 2024.
- The National Marine Aquarium: I'm not a huge fan of aquariums, but everyone says it's worth it. I'll try not to feel too sorry for the fish.
- Lunch:* Decide on a pub lunch by the water. I have two requirements: a view, and chips. Always chips.
- The Mayflower Steps: This is where the Pilgrims set sail! Feeling a little bit of history and feeling very, very small.
Evening:
- Theatre: I'm hoping to catch a performance somewhere! I hope. Fingers crossed.
- Dinner and Drama: I'll try to make it to a restaurant before. Nothing like a good dinner and then a performance to keep the high spirits flowing!
- The "What If?" Before Bed: I'll lay in bed re-analyzing every step of my day and how I can improve tomorrow.
- Theatre: I'm hoping to catch a performance somewhere! I hope. Fingers crossed.
Day 3: Departure – Or, the Aftermath
- Morning:
- Last Breakfast: One last full English? One last chance to load up on carbs before the long journey home. I'll try to savor it.
- Final Reflections and Packing: Reflect on the trip. Buy some postcards. Try to remember to pack everything. Double-check the outlets. Say a heartfelt goodbye to the room.
- Departure from Edgcumbe Guest House: A final goodbye to the owners, maybe a quick hug, and thank them for their hospitality, even if I didn't fully behave. The journey home. And I now begin replaying it all to start planning the next one!
Important Notes and Ramblings:
- Tea: SERIOUSLY. Tea is life. If the B&B doesn't have good tea, I'm going to have a problem.
- Weather: Bring layers. Seriously. It's England. And the weather is basically a capricious, moody teenager.
- Expect the Unexpected: Things will go wrong. Plans will change. I'll get lost. I'll embarrass myself. Embrace it. That's the fun of travel.
- The Search for the Perfect Scone: Mission: Improbable. But, I'll keep searching.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: I'm prone to sudden bursts of joy, followed by crushing waves of self-doubt. This is normal. Don't be alarmed.
- The Diary: Expect pages of observations. I’m usually better at seeing it after than during.
(Final Thought): This isn't just a trip; it's an experiment. A messy, beautiful, slightly insane experiment in self-discovery, small towns, and the pursuit of the perfect cup of tea. Wish me luck (and maybe send chocolate). God help me, I need it.
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Luxury Plymouth Escape: Edgcumbe Guest House - The Real Scoop!
Okay, seriously... is Edgcumbe Guest House *actually* luxurious? Or is it just… nice? Because my expectations are VERY high.
Alright, let's level. "Luxury" is tossed around like confetti these days, right? I walked in with a skeptical eye, expecting… well, maybe slightly fancier than a Travelodge. And yeah, it's definitely got the *vibe* of luxury. Think plush carpets, a grand staircase that practically begs for a dramatic entrance (I, of course, stumbled slightly – heels, you know?), and… you know what? Initially, it's *nice*, BUT... It's more than just nice. It's that feeling... that *knowing* that everything is considered, the attention to detail... like they actually *want* you to be pampered. My room? Oh, my room. The bed was practically a cloud factory. And the bathroom! Heated floors are a game-changer, people. A. GAME. CHANGER. I nearly wept when I stepped on those toasty tiles.
The small details is what truly elevates it to luxurious. The perfectly folded towels, the complimentary, actually *good* toiletries (no sad little hotel soaps here!), the fresh flowers… It's not just a room; it's an experience. I'd say YES, its luxury, but the good kind, the kind that makes you feel like you've made a great decision and you're worth it. My whole life became better, I could be that dramatic.
Breakfast: Glorious or Grim? I need the details! This is crucial.
Breakfast is *everything*, people. It sets the tone for the day! And Edgcumbe Guest House? They understood the assignment! Forget sad continental buffets with stale croissants. This is the real deal. You get a menu. A proper menu. And it's not just the usual full English (although, OBVIOUSLY, it's an option, and a damn good one at that!).
I went for the Eggs Benedict. Look, I have a VERY exacting standard for Eggs Benedict. The hollandaise is often a disaster. This? Perfection. The poached eggs? Runny, glorious, and perfectly seasoned. The ham? Delicious. I’m not even usually a ham person. Oh, and they brought out fresh juice AND proper coffee. Proper coffee! Not the instant, sludge-like stuff. I nearly cried again. It was that good. And the atmosphere... it’s calm. You can actually enjoy your breakfast without feeling rushed or like you're in a factory. Seriously. Breakfast is a score!
Okay, slight confession: I may have ordered a second plate of the Eggs Benedict. Don't judge me. It was a moment of weakness... of utter, delicious weakness.
What's the location like? Is it easy to get around? I'm envisioning a car, parking nightmares, and a week of stress.
Okay, let's talk logistics. Because a beautiful guest house is useless if it's a nightmare to get *to*. Edgcumbe’s location is actually brilliant. It's in the city center, close to the Barbican, and all the things you want to see. It's like they specifically put it there for tourists like me, who like to see something other than the inside of their car.
Parking... ah, parking. The eternal struggle. They have some allocated parking, which is a HUGE win. Otherwise, street parking is available, and honestly, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d feared. I was prepared for a battle, and it turned out to be... manageable. Still, if you're a nervous parker, plan ahead, or call ahead to ask
And because it is centrally located, walking is easy, and it is all charming. You can reach most attractions on foot. Or, taxis and public transit are easily available. Honestly, I would say less stress on that point. It’s a win.
Is there anything *bad* about Edgcumbe Guest House? Be honest! I'm not looking for a fairy tale.
Alright, alright, I’ll spill the tea. Nothing is perfect, no matter how hard it tries to be. It’s my job to find the flaws, so you don’t have to. And honestly, I had to REALLY dig.
Firstly, you have to remember this is a historic building, so be aware of stairs, not a problem for me, but might be an issue for some.
My biggest gripe? My stupid phone went dead and I had to actually *talk* to a person to get the WiFi code. The horror! (Only joking, it's a minor inconvenience, for some people.) Also, the walls might be thin. I heard someone in the room next door snore. Very softly. But still. Snoring. You have been warned.
What’s the vibe? Is it all stuffy and formal, or relaxed and welcoming? (Because I loathe stuffiness.)
Oh, thank freaking goodness, it's *not* stuffy. That was a MAJOR fear of mine, you have no idea. I'd hate to feel like I wasn't welcome because I didn't own a monocle. It's absolutely relaxed and welcoming. It’s like visiting a friend's really, really well-appointed home. The staff were lovely, friendly, and genuinely helpful. They’re present when you need them, but they give you space to breathe and enjoy your stay. It really hits the sweet spot. The atmosphere is one of quiet elegance... not a pretense in sight. In this case the atmosphere is one of the best features of this place.
The owner was hilarious, they were able to make us feel at ease. Which is a great first impression. I am not sure I can handle more formality at this point in my life.
Okay, you mentioned a 'memory'. Spill! What’s the one thing you’ll remember most about your stay?
Right, okay. This is a tough one, because there were many. But I'll tell you about the *moment*. It's a small thing, but it sums up the entire experience. It was when I was having breakfast. I had already been enjoying the eggs benedict (obviously), and the sun was streaming through the window, the light was perfect, the coffee was still warm. I was actually reading a book that made me smile, and I was just.. happy. I remember feeling *grateful* for the moment. I actually remember thinking, "Wow, I'm really glad I chose this place." It was a little bubble of perfect contentment. And it's that feeling, that sense of peace and being genuinely *looked after*, that I’ll remember most. It was the little details...the conversation with the nice owner... the feeling of just being myself, and enjoying it. It was a simple memory, but the one I’ll treasure most. Also, the eggs benedBook Hotels Now
