The Old Quay House Hotel
Fore Street, Fowey · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Old Quay House Hotel
A 14-room adults-oriented boutique hotel on Fowey's waterfront, with a terrace over the estuary and the Samphire restaurant downstairs.
What's nearby
- Quay Bakery next door
- Sam's Fowey next door
- Fowey Harbour Commissioners next door
- Boots Pharmacy next door
- Brocante next door
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Old Quay House Hotel
The Old Quay House sits on Fore Street in the middle of Fowey, in a Victorian building that started out as a seamen's mission. It runs right down to the water, so while the front door is on a narrow town street, the back opens onto a terrace directly above the estuary. That terrace is the reason most people book: it faces east across the water to Polruan and catches the morning light, and it is where breakfast and drinks are served whenever the weather holds.
There are 14 bedrooms over three floors, individually decorated in a restrained coastal style with pale colours and good linen. Several have balconies or French doors looking down the estuary; the rooms at the back on the upper floors have the best of the view. Rooms at the front are quieter on price and face the street. All have free Wi-Fi, Freeview television, tea and coffee making facilities, bathrobes and hairdryers. There is no lift, and the building's age means floor levels and staircases take a little navigating.
Samphire, the ground-floor restaurant, cooks seasonal Cornish food with an emphasis on fish landed locally and vegetables from nearby growers. It is open to non-residents, and the terrace tables are booked well ahead in summer. Breakfast is included and served either inside or out. There is no spa, gym or pool: this is a small hotel that concentrates on rooms, food and the setting.
The hotel does not take children under eight, which keeps things calm, though well-behaved dogs are accepted. It suits couples on a short break, walkers using the Hall Walk and the coast path, and anyone visiting for Fowey's regatta or literary festival. Parking is not on site, so plan on using the town car parks a short walk up the hill.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We stayed one night and overall it was good, though not quite a four. There's plenty to like, but for the price I expected a little more. The room was the highlight. We paid top price for one with a view and it didn't disappoint, it was lovely and light, with big windows looking out over the Fowey Estuary. Watching the boats was a real pleasure. The bed was a good size, the TV ok and the shower good quality. A few things let it down. The mattress was too hard for us, the bathroom was small with little space for your things, and the balcony was a bit grotty. Wifi doesnt really extend to the top floor either. My main reservation is the hotel as a place to relax. There's nowhere comfortable to sit with a drink. Reception has a high counter that eats up space, and the bar is narrow with just a few chairs. The lovely terrace is given over to the restaurant, so you can't enjoy it unless you're dining. At dinner we had a great table by the window, but the glass was covered in seagull poop that hadn't been cleaned. It was still there at breakfast, which spoiled the view. Breakfast was average. The cooked option was fine, the continental limited. Cappuccinos cost extra, which felt mean, and we weren't offered juice or water. You also can't eat before 8am. In fairness, the staff were friendly, and this is a small, old boutique hotel that's been refreshed, so don't expect large rooms. Would we stay again? Probably not, unless you're set on Fowey.
2 months ago · via Google
Had lunch here, right on the water on the small terrace at the rear of the hotel. Equipped with a pump-action water pistol thoughtfully supplied by the waitress to fend off the seagulls, we tucked into our meals against the glorious backdrop of the sunlit harbour. The food was very nice indeed; a little pricey but nothing unexpected at this sort of venue. I had the scallops, and had I not been in polite company I would have licked the bowl clean. Bloody marvellous!
a month ago · via Google
Old Quay House in Fowey is a true gem. A charming boutique hotel perfectly set on the water, right on the main street, surrounded by lovely shops and great restaurants. The location couldn’t be better. The hotel itself is spotless, beautifully maintained, and runs with exceptional attention to detail. The service stands out professional yet warm, with a team that genuinely cares and goes the extra mile to make you feel welcome. The restaurant and terrace are a highlight, offering a fantastic atmosphere to relax and enjoy the views. And if you’re travelling with dogs, this place gets it right dogs are treated like royalty and are welcome throughout the hotel, which makes the stay even more enjoyable. A perfect blend of comfort, style, and genuine hospitality.
3 months ago · via Google
Two of the most relaxing nights we've had since running our restaurant in the Herefordshire countryside, it's refreshing to find another place that understands hospitality. The rooms were immaculate, the food in the restaurant was superb and the service was exceptional. We had breakfast, Harissa Eggs Benedict, great coffee and a view to be envied. Fowey itself is a fantastic place to unwind, watch the world go by and take a small boat up the river to explore. We will be back!
4 months ago · via Google
Guests mention this hotel offers immaculate, comfortable rooms with great views and thoughtful amenities like dog beds and HDMI cables. They also highlight the delicious food, especially breakfast, and the warm, relaxed atmosphere. Visitors consistently praise the friendly, attentive, and helpful staff who provide exceptional service.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- The Old Quay House Hotel, 28 Fore Street, Fowey, PL23 1AQ Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Fore Street, Fowey
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 8.8 / 10 (1,100 reviews)
- Prices from
- £165 per night
- Good for children
- No
- Destination
- Cornwall