Jamaica Inn Hotel

Jamaica Inn is probably one of the most well-known Inns in the UK. With a varied history from farming to smuggling and whispers of ghosts, it was a place we wanted to try out for ourselves...

Jamaica Inn could be split down into three separate areas of interest. The Daphne Du Maurier and Heritage Museum, the Pedlars Restaurant and Smugglers Bar, and then the Hotel. All come together for the perfect concoction where old meets new, and tradition meets comfort for a good feed and excellent night's sleep.

On this occasion, we tested out one of the accessible bedrooms.
From the very start, the experience was pleasant...

Accessing the Inn is pretty straightforward through the main entrance or the hotel reception, both are flat. From the main entrance(attached to the larger car park), you will need to ask for some assistance from the staff to lay some ramps for you. The staff are super helpful! If you access the hotel reception entrance, you can park pretty close and the entry is flat but there are some cobbles on the ground - due to the age and listed status of the building.

When getting to the hotel reception, you are greeted with a smile and a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. Check-in is easy and then you are shown to your room. I was in my powerchair and had ample room and maneuverability through the corridors. The peaceful and relaxed atmosphere carries through the hotel side of the building. Once shown to my room and where everything is that you may need, you are left to settle in.

The bedroom is a good size with plenty of room for any mobility aid or device to freely move around. Things are strategically placed for ease of use. The bed is a good height, especially if you have any issues with standing or mobilizing. The bathroom is a wetroom with all standing and seating facilities for showering and for the sink. Also a good sized space for wheelchairs and any other mobility aids. The temperature for the shower was easy to control. A good point to note is that the accessible bedroom has an adjoining bedroom available to book, with interconnecting doors.

There is a hoist if you need it, however, the only thing to note is that the base will not fit under the bed should you need to transfer someone. I didn't see any written guides or information to hand but I'm sure if there is anything you'd like to know the staff will be very happy to oblige as much as possible.

The atmosphere remained relaxed, very quiet, and pleasant. Outside noise is minimal and most rooms have far-reaching views. I was lucky enough to visit during the festive period and fortunate enough to see it snowing which created a fairytale of magic.

There is another area of the hotel and this is the upper floor of the oldest part of the Inn and renowned for the haunted bedrooms! The stairs are steep, and the flooring in the corridor does slant off to one side but the charm and atmosphere are just amazing. It is the traditional Jamaica Inn as it originally was. If you are able to book one of the upper floor rooms above the Smugglers Bar, I thoroughly recommend it. You will need to be good on your feet and able to move around the smaller traditional bedrooms but it is totally worth it! Contact Jamaica Inn for more info.

There is a restaurant. The food is good and there are plenty of choices. I would, however, ask the hotel about eating arrangements, booking, and quieter areas as the restaurant is a popular place. You are also welcome to sit in the Smugglers bar if a roaring log fire is something you enjoy. In most instances of my visits to Jamaica Inn, they have always been able to accommodate my needs and even go above and beyond. There are a couple of steps to transverse through the bar and restaurant area so would recommend walking through with an attendant or asking for assistance or asking in advance for the staff to lay down the removable ramps. Once again, the staff seems only too happy to help. Throughout the eating and drinking areas, the lighting is soft and sympathetic to the traditional look of the Inn.

Noise levels in the bar and restaurant can get to a loud chatter within the rooms so something to bear in mind if you need a bit of a more relaxed or quiet time. There are some sections that do provide this quieter atmosphere so asking staff on the day will be really helpful for you. Menus can be downloaded in advance. Almost all dishes are homemade at the Inn. Vegetarian (V), Gluten Free (LG), and Vegan (Vegan) options are available.

There is also a gift shop and farm shop to enjoy and lots to look at. If you enjoy a good read or are a Daphne Du Maurier fan, then you are surely going to enjoy the Daphnes Du Maurier and Heritage Museum. This is flat with only a 2-inch step to access through the entrance. There are some cobbles in the older stable block part of the museum but the rest is flat and easy to walk around. We will do a full review of the Museum in another place listing.

Dogs are welcomed into certain areas of Jamaica Inn and so if you have a service dog, they will be welcomed with a pat on the head, bowls of water at the entrances and I believe a doggy treat at the bar!

There is so much to offer from the hotel and the rest of the complex and it's placed on one of the major routes through Cornwall. Whilst it is in a remote place, it is literally a 1-minute drive from the main A30 route and can be seen from the road. If you are staying in the hotel, then this is a great base to explore North or South/West of the Inn without any tricky journeys back to your main route. It will also take you straight on to the magnificent Bodmin Moor, a place full of wonderous sights and things to explore for free.