Where to Stay in Penzance, Cornwall: The Best Hotels, Guest Houses and Holiday Homes
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Tucked away in a picturesque corner of Southwest Cornwall, Penzance is a great choice for a weekend away or a longer adventure. With a raft of historic sites, beautiful beaches and quirky art galleries, this charming town has something for everyone.
Penzance also offers a great selection of accommodation options. From budget-friendly inns with tons of character to luxurious hotels with epic sea views, there is something for everyone.
This article on the best places to stay in Penzance covers the best budget, mid-range as well as luxury options. As a bonus, there is a round-up of the top hotels that offer incredible sea views for the ultimate seaside break.
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Where to Stay in Penzance, Cornwall
Choosing where to stay in Penzance, Cornwall is not always an easy task as there are lots of options on offer. You will notice that Penzance does not really have that many chain hotels, compared to many other towns and cities in the UK. Most holidays homes, guesthouses and hotels on this list are independent.
Cosy Glamping Pods and Cottages in Penzance
1. Blue Cat Cottage
Enjoy a quaint historic setting in Blue Cat Cottage. It is located in Mousehole, a charming fishing village just a couple of miles down the coast from Penzance.
This cottage has two bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen with a dining area. The place is small, but cosy and well-equipped. Modern amenities include free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV.
Blue Cat Cottage’s drawcard is its location. Just a stone’s throw from Mousehole Harbour, it’s a great spot for exploring this historic village complete with traditional pubs, cobbled lanes and quirky shops. Penzance is only a 10-minute drive away.
Mousehole and Penzance are connected via the South West Coastal Path which runs along the coasts of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. It’s not the most picturesque section of this epic trail, but it still offers some beautiful coastal views. The journey to Penzance takes about an hour.
Please note, there is no parking right at the property. Contact the hosts in advance to understand your parking options in the surrounding area.
2. Mazey Cottage
Nestled in the heart of Penzance, Mazey Cottage is a charming period property that can sleep up to four guests. The cottage boasts tasteful light-filled interiors and period features throughout.
Mazey Cottage offers two bedrooms, a super-king-size and a twin, a bathroom with a bathtub and a modern kitchen with a breakfast bar. There is also a living room, a dining room, and a cosy snug. Guests can take advantage of the garden with outdoor furniture suitable for alfresco dining.
The cottage is within walking distance of the attractions, bars and restaurants of Penzance. Also, it’s a great option if you are travelling to Penzance by train. The main railways station is just a 10-minute walk away.
If you are driving, parking is not a problem either. There is free on-street parking near the cottage.
Mazey Cottage is the perfect option if you are looking to make the most of what Penzance has to offer while enjoying a quiet retreat.
3. Green Fields
Located on a farm in St Buryan village on the outskirts of Penzance, this small but perfectly formed glamping pod offers privacy and modern comforts. Green Fields is surrounded by rolling green hills, offering a relaxing countryside experience.
The pod provides studio-style accommodation that sleeps two. There is a double bed, a kitchenette and a seating area. The en-suite bathroom has a walk-in shower. There is also an outdoor seating area for alfresco dining.
One of the best features of this glamping pod is the outdoor hot tub. It’s the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring the local area including stunning beaches and coastal walks.
Green Fields is 15-minute drive away from Penzance itself, so it might not be the best option if you want to be amid all the action. However, if you have your own car and are looking for a more rural experience, Green Fields is a great choice. Free parking is included in the rates.
Green Fields is the perfect option if you are looking for a romantic retreat for two in an intimate setting.
Budget Hotels in Penzance, Cornwall
4. The Longboat Inn
The family-run Longboat Inn offers budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of Penzance. The traditional inn is ideally positioned for exploring the many attractions in the town centre. It is also close to the transport links. Penzance Railway Station is just a short walk away from the inn.
The Longboat Inn has 17 rooms on offer, from compact singles to larger family rooms. Although the décor is mostly modern, the rooms still have some period features. Guests can also relax in the guest lounge on the first floor with views towards the sea.
As this is an inn, make sure to check out the traditional bar and restaurant on site. Enjoy award-winning beers and ales as well as traditional pub food. There is also a beer garden that is the perfect spot for relaxing with a drink on a summer evening.
The restaurant is open all day, so you can start your morning right with a hearty breakfast and enjoy a Cornish mead in the evening after a busy day of exploring.
5. The Dolphin Tavern
The traditional Dolphin Tavern will delight history buffs. The building has been around since the 16th century and served as an administrative building and courtrooms in the past. Legend has it that it is haunted by three spirits.
Don’t worry, the place is not at all spooky. It has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with shipping artefacts dotted around the space.
The rooms are small but have everything that you need on a trip away including a flat-screen TV, an en-suite bathroom and tea and coffee-making facilities. Some rooms have views over Penzance harbour.
Guests can also enjoy a traditional English or Cornish breakfast. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner and serves up hearty British dishes using quality Cornish produce.
The Dolphin Tavern is located right next to Penzance Harbour, perfect for those looking to catch the ferry to the Isles of Scilly. It is also well positioned for swims in the Jubilee Pool, seaside walks along the promenade and visits to Penzance shops and galleries.
Please note, the hotel doesn’t offer any parking. There is public parking in the nearby areas, but it might be worth doing some research beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Mid-Range Stays in Penzance
6. The Kings Arms
This atmospheric inn is situated in Paul, a historic village on the outskirts of Penzance. The Kings Arms has been the heart of the local community for hundreds of years. So, if you are looking to experience traditional Cornish hospitality, make sure to check out this place.
The Kings Arms offers a boutique stay with just a handful of rooms available. They are compact but have a modern and comfortable feel. All of them come with en-suite facilities, a flat screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
Guests can enjoy a choice of continental or full English breakfast. The pub is open for lunch and dinner. The Kings Arms serves up quality British fare made from the best local ingredients, including fresh seafood. You can also take advantage of an excellent selection of local ales and 165 gin varieties at the bar.
Penzance is a 10-minute drive away, while the walk to the charming fishing village of Mousehole only takes 15 minutes. The Kings Arms offers free parking and cycle storage.
7. Bay View Terrace
Just a stone’s throw away from Penzance promenade is the Bay View Terrace holiday home. It offers elegant period features, excellent location, and modern amenities.
Bay View Terrace has two cosy bedrooms both with king size beds. There is also a modern, well-equipped kitchen and a spacious bathroom with separate bath and shower. You can relax in the open-plan dining and sitting area complete with a log burner.
The calming décor is inspired by its coastal surroundings and the property’s historic character. Guests can also enjoy a small outdoor courtyard, perfect for an alfresco breakfast. On a rainy day, you can take advantage of the DVD collection or the Smart TV subscription accounts.
Bay View Terrace is just around the corner from the cultural sites, restaurants and bars of Penzance. There is free on-street parking at the property, so travelling there by car is not a problem.
8. The Pendennis Guest House
The Pendennis Guest House is located in a 19th century townhouse. It is a great choice for a charming and relaxing stay in a quiet part of Penzance.
Pendennis offers seven spacious rooms with period features and high ceilings. Some rooms boast elegant bay windows with cosy sitting areas. The pastel-hued décor complements the historic character of the house and instantly creates a relaxed atmosphere. All rooms come with en-suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Breakfast includes a selection of cooked and continental goodies. There is also a seating area to the front of the house. It features a beautiful collection of tropical and perennial plants.
Pendennis is within walking distance to the centre of Penzance. It takes around 12 minutes to get to Chapel Street and 15 to the ferry terminal to the Isles of Scilly. The holiday home also has free on-street parking.
Luxury Hotels in Penzance
9. Artist Residence Cornwall
Located on iconic Chapel Street right in the town centre, Artist Residence is a stylish boutique hotel oozing charm and sophistication. It is easily one of the best places to stay in Penzance, Cornwall.
Housed in an elegant Georgian building, the hotel features a collection of beautiful rooms, each with its own unique character. Local artists assisted with styling the rooms with a mix of vintage furniture, quirky accessories and one-of-a-kind artworks.
The result is a rustic and welcoming atmosphere perfect for an unforgettable seaside stay. If you want to take your experience to the next level, opt for a room with a luxurious bathtub and a log burner.
Please note, since this is a historic property, there are no lifts in the building, and you need to use the stairs to access some of the rooms.
Artist Residence is also home to the Clubhouse, an all-day eatery and bar. The restaurant serves up hearty breakfasts in the morning, followed by sumptuous bistro-style fare for lunch and dinner. The Clubhouse also has a cosy bar area where you can enjoy a well-deserved pint or cocktail after a long coastal walk.
The hotel is well-placed for exploring historic Penzance with its quirky antique shops and art galleries. Beautiful beaches and coastal walks are easily accessible from there as well.
10. The Summer House
Just a stone’s throw from the picturesque Penzance Promenade, The Summer House offers boutique stays in a historic atmosphere.
Housed in a Grade-II listed regency building, the hotel offers five beautifully decorated and spacious rooms. Luxurious bathrooms have waterfall showers while select rooms also have baths. Guests can also take advantage of the tranquil garden area and the drawing room.
The Summer House offers a delicious breakfast with a great selection of continental and cooked options. Apart from breakfast, guests can also enjoy the all-day pantry with cakes, cookies and other nibbles on offer. The hotel is fully licensed to serve alcohol, so you can while away an afternoon enjoying a glass of wine and an aperitif platter in the garden.
The hotel has an excellent location with easy access to the historic Penzance town centre. If you are looking to catch a ferry to the Isles of Scilly, the Summer House is just a short walk away from the ferry terminal.
The hotel offers free parking for guests which is a great bonus. Having a car in Penzance will make getting to remote beaches and sites much easier.
11. Lower Crankan Farm
Just a 10-minute drive from the Penzance town centre is Lower Crankan Farm. Strictly speaking, it’s a B&B rather than a hotel. However, an article on where to stay in Penzance, Cornwall would not be complete without it.
Lower Crankan Farm offers a rustic luxe experience in a beautiful countryside setting. You can enjoy peace and quiet while being close to beautiful beaches and cultural attractions of Penzance. It is still a working smallholding with chickens, cattle and horses all calling this slice of rural paradise their home.
The historic farmhouse only has a handful of rooms, so make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed with a traditional décor and garden views. Guests can also enjoy a delicious breakfast featuring cooked a-la carte options as well as fresh pastries and fruit.
Lower Crankan Farm is a great choice for those looking to completely switch off during the trip. You can choose to explore the area, or simply spend the day relaxing on the sun terrace.
Bonus: Best Hotels in Penzance with Sea Views
Enjoy a true coastal break in Penzance by checking in to one of these great hotels offering magnificent sea views.
12. Hotel Penzance
Enjoy a luxurious stay with panoramic views of Penzance Harbour and iconic St Michael’s Mount at Hotel Penzance. This boutique hotel is set in a historic Edwardian townhouse that was once home to a wealthy ship merchant.
Hotel Penzance offers 25 en-suite rooms with elegant interiors inspired by the surrounding landscapes. For uninterrupted sea views, book the Panorama Sea View double room with a dual aspect.
The hotel is surrounded by a Mediterranean-style garden and boasts a sun terrace which is perfect for alfresco dining. In the summer months hotel guests can also take advantage of the swimming pool and the sun loungers.
Hotel Penzance also has a stylish restaurant with panoramic views over Mount’s Bay. Start the day right with a hearty breakfast and complete the evening with a cocktail with a view. The menu showcases globally inspired dishes made from the best Cornish produce.
The hotel is also conveniently located for exploring Penzance. The iconic Chapel Street is only a 15-minute walk away from the hotel.
13. The Beach Club
The Beach Club boutique hotel brings together historic charm, artistic spirit and beautiful sea views. Located right on the Victorian Promenade, the hotel is the perfect spot for seaside walks. The Jubilee Pool, Penzance ferry terminal and Chapel Street are all within walking distance from the hotel.
The hotel has modern interiors that incorporate the colours and textures of the seaside. There is a variety of rooms on offer, from cosy singles perfect for solo travellers to superior doubles with gorgeous bay windows. Most rooms in the hotel have stunning sea views.
The Beach Club is home to a casual eatery called The Beach Kitchen. In the morning it serves up a-la carte breakfast favourites for hotel residents and non-residents alike. The all-day menu features such crowd pleasers as crepes, galletes and pizza. You can enjoy these at the restaurant or as a takeaway.
The hotel offers private parking, which is perfect if you are planning to drive into Penzance or hire a car to see more of the surrounding area.
14. The Queens Hotel
Another hotel option in the heart of Penzance Promenade is The Queens Hotel. It’s a traditional British seaside hotel that offers a range of rooms, many of which have sea views.
The Queens Hotel opened its doors in 1862, so expect traditional decor, high ceilings and charming artworks. There is a sense of faded elegance around the place, but it is common in British seaside towns. However, the en-suite rooms are spacious and have all the regular modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and coffee and tea-making facilities.
Breakfast is included in the room rates. Guests can enjoy a full English and a continental selection of goodies. Breakfast is served in a dining room with beautiful views over Mount’s Bay. During lunchtime and dinner, the hotel’s Promenade Restaurant serves up hearty dishes featuring local produce including freshly caught seafood.
Thanks to its Promenade location, the Queens Hotel offers easy access to the cultural attractions and eateries of Penzance. You can also take advantage of the on-site private parking.
Final Thoughts
Hope you’ve enjoyed this article on where to stay in Penzance, Cornwall. There are many great choices for every budget, from cosy traditional inns to luxury hotels. One thing for sure, no matter where you choose to stay in Penzance, you are going to have a great time exploring this historic town and its beautiful surroundings.
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