I am having trouble deciding where to stay in Falmouth, so am asking for help.

What I am looking for:

Somewhere that doesn't require me to trek uphill.
Somewhere with ground floor rooms or a lift.
Somewhere that fits my budget - preferably under 130 GBP per night, although I might be willing to splurge a little for this stop.

Booking.com is offering me a room at the Greenbank for $98/night, but although the location looks good, the hotel seems to be a bit on the big and fancy side. The Lerryn is even cheaper, but is further away from restaurants, and it looks like there's a hill in the way.

Any help appreciated.

Hi Thursdays! I am so happy you are finally getting to this end of Cornwall.

Finding hotels in Falmouth that meet your needs can be tough. The town's layout reminded me of my youth in a river town; all the action took place close to the water and one block or less away from the water, climbing was always involved. Directions in my town always included "Go up the hill" and/or "Go down the hill." Town maps, even topographic maps I tried to find for you, just don't quite convey Falmouth's rises and falls. Pictures from the water looking upwards tend to give one a better idea of the town layout.

When are you planning to be there?
What is your transport going to be like this time? I know you haven't been inclined to rent a car in the past.

We were without a car for both of our visits.

Our first time there we stayed in a sort of B&B, The Oceanic Luxury Aparthotel, which was up a short walk uphill from the Falmouth Town rail station (which is also "up the hill" from the Falmouth Docks rail station). Unfortunately, walking to the action in town also meant descending and ascending hill(s). The Lerryn is a 3-minute walk from the Oceanic. Just so you know, accomodations in this area are part of a nice neighborhood with a mix of house types. The area around the Falmouth Docks station is more industrial.

Our second time, we decided to stay at the Greenbank, again up another hill on the other side of town, far from the rail station but closer to the action we wanted. We took a cab from the rail station to it and walked everywhere else for our stay. Because of one big hill, we tended not to go back to the hotel often during the day--we saved our legs for touring everywhere else--but we were quite happy. Docks with interesting transport are closer there.

We love the Greenbank and planned to return there before our 3rd Falmouth visit was cancelled with COVID. Our breakfasts were quite good and the morning view over the water is so lovely.
The hotel is big, but it's also strangely intimate because everything inside is arranged like a rabbit warren.
I wouldn't worry about it being too fancy. It's not one of those places where you have to pass through five employees to get to your room. But you can also easily snag the help of an employee if you need it.
Unfortunately finding an elevator where you'd like it to be there can be a problem--the downside of that cute rabbit warren feel--because they can be tucked away.

Happy planning!
AZ

One other note--the unhappiest people at the Greenbank were those with cars. Parking is a nightmare.

Thanks so much AZ! I just read one of your reports that included Falmouth and the apartments. You confirmed my impression of Falmouth's topography. I'm surprised that the Greenbank is up a hill, it looks like it's right on the sea front, but I appreciate your recommendation. You're right, I won't be driving - haven't done that on a trip anywhere since 2004! Sounds like I may be using taxis, though.

I will be in Penzance after Falmouth, staying in a Rick Steves recommended B&B, Warwick House, with ground floor rooms.

There's a drop-off down to the water from High Street. High Street rises, if I recall correctly, going toward it just beyond the Prince of Wales Pier. I think--again, my recollection is fuzzy--that the steepest part is just beyond The Star and Garter.

Penzance--I don't know what the rooms are like at The Warwick, but you will be just dandy for public transport there and walking around. We were always taking buses from The Quay and of course your rail access is excellent.

Thanks. The rooms at Warwick look OK, and mine is on the ground floor. I'm used to B&Bs where my room is up a bunch of stairs, so that was a nice change.

I read your update to my old thread, thursdaysd. Gyllyngvase House looks cute!

If it's any consolation, I was worried your Greenbank Hotel single was one of those adjacent to the parking lot. Although it was so long ago, I remember people complaining at the front desk that they couldn't sleep at that edge.

Anyway, I'm excited you're getting to go!
AZ

Thanks AZ! Noise would definitely be a problem, although I go to sleep late. I haven't been to Cornwall in decades, and there looks to be lots to do in the Falmouth area.