After a scenic train ride from Newquay to St. Ives, I arrived at the Harbour Hotel St. Ives, a boutique-style hotel perched on the hillside above Porthminster Beach. In true small-town fashion, I even met a member of staff on the train who pointed out a shortcut from the station to the hotel. Hint: it involves stairs, so it is best attempted if you’ve packed light.
I paid for my stay myself. Therefore, this review is an unsponsored account of my experience. Below, I’ll take you through the room, amenities, dining, location, and share my verdict on whether the Harbour Hotel St. Ives is worth booking for your Cornwall escape. As a bonus, I’ll embed my video reviews of this hotel, plus my St. Ives travel vlogs and blog posts at the end to help you as you plan a trip to this magical place.
Does that sound good? Let’s jump in!
First Impressions and Checking In
My first impression of the Harbour Hotel St. Ives is one of stylish coastal charm. The lobby is modern and welcoming, with décor that feels fresh and nautical without going overboard. In addition, my check-in was smooth, and staff were friendly and attentive.
When I entered my room, I was greeted by a pink-and-orange color palette that instantly made me think of my days working at Dunkin’. While I thought it gave the room a quirky and playful personality, I soon realized that space had some practical drawbacks. Unfortunately, the lighting wasn’t working, and the window only cracked open slightly, making the room feel uncomfortably warm.
Thankfully, the hotel’s maintenance team was quick to respond. Not only did he fix the lighting, but he also showed me how to open the window more fully, letting in much-needed fresh air. This was helpful and reminded me of a pro tip to ask for a fan when you check in, or bring your own if you’re traveling by car during a hot time of year. Unfortunately, this hotel does not have air conditioning, so being prepared can make your stay more comfortable.
My Harbour Hotel St. Ives Room Review
My room at the Harbour Hotel St. Ives was stylishly decorated, with thoughtful touches that made it feel personal and inviting.
- Bed: A generously sized bed with crisp, high-quality linens made for a restful night’s sleep, despite some noise from the floor above. Like many European hotels, it was actually two twin beds pushed together, but the mattress and bedding were comfortable.
- Décor: From the tufted headboard to whimsical artwork featuring ice cream cones, the design leaned playful yet chic.
- Desk and seating area: The desk came with a decorative porthole-style mirror. While aesthetically pleasing, it wasn’t practical for makeup application, though the bathroom lighting helped. A cozy pink accent chair added charm to the room.
- Closet and storage: Bathrobes, a hairdryer, and a modest five hangers were provided. Storage space was limited, but fine for a short stay.
- Amenities: Complimentary bottled water was a nice touch, alongside a tea and coffee setup complete with biscuits. The mini-bar included the usual items, though I was amused to find potato chips stored in the fridge — not exactly where I’d want them.
The bathroom was a highlight, with its light, neutral colors. I also loved how it was stocked with The White Company toiletries. While the shower was modern, the shower head showed some wear from limescale. Still, it felt more luxurious than the average seaside hotel bathroom.
Amenities and Shared Spaces
One of the things that sets the Harbour Hotel St. Ives apart is its attention to design throughout the property. While the hotel grounds aren’t sprawling, there are plenty of inviting spaces to relax and take in the lovely views.
Guests can choose from two outdoor terraces that look out toward Porthminster Beach. Additionally, there are cozy indoor lounges which are perfect for reading, working, or enjoying a drink. The bar, in particular, was a highlight of my stay. With its stylish décor and warm service, it was the ideal place to linger over a cocktail. Tip: Try the Negroni!
The Wi-Fi deserves a special mention. In fact, I was able to upload a five-gigabyte YouTube video at a faster speed than my connection at home in London. For anyone who needs to stay connected while traveling, this is a major plus.
Dining at Harbour Hotel St. Ives
Breakfast at the Harbour Hotel St. Ives was excellent, and one of the highlights of my stay. Guests need to book a time slot in advance, which helps keep things running smoothly. I recommend reserving an early slot for the best chance at a window seat overlooking the sea.
Over two mornings, I ordered poached eggs on toast with avocado and a vanilla latte — a simple but perfectly executed breakfast. The room itself is light-filled and stylish, making it a pleasant start to the day. Above all, it set me up for long days exploring St. Ives.
In the evening, the hotel bar is a great place to unwind. I enjoyed a Negroni there and found the staff both attentive and relaxed, happy to let me linger while working on my laptop. It’s a sophisticated yet comfortable space, equally suited for couples on a romantic trip or solo travelers who want a low-key night in.
Location In St. Ives
Location is one of the strongest selling points of the Harbour Hotel St. Ives. It sits just above Porthminster Beach, which is about a four-minute walk down steps. The beach is family-friendly, with soft golden sand and gentle waves, making it perfect for swimming or simply dipping your toes in the water.
If you’re traveling with children or heavy gear, there’s also a longer route that avoids the steps and takes about 10 minutes. From the hotel, it’s roughly a 10-minute walk into the center of St. Ives. While the walk down is easy, the return journey uphill can feel steep. For most visitors, it’s a pleasant stroll. However, those with mobility challenges may prefer to stay closer to town.
Downsides to Consider
While I enjoyed my stay overall, there were a few drawbacks worth mentioning:
- Warm rooms in summer: Without air conditioning, rooms can become hot. Ask for a fan early, or bring your own if you’re driving.
- Noise: I experienced noise from children running around in the room above me. Of course, this may not bother guests who are deep sleepers. However, if you are sensitive to noise, I would recommend packing ear plugs. Here’s the ones I use from Loop.
- Hair-drying setup: Like many European hotels, there was no bathroom outlet for the hairdryer, and in my room, the placement of mirrors made styling inconvenient.
- Basement room views: My room looked out onto a service area. If views matter to you, request an upper-floor sea-view room when booking. I do think this would be worth the splurge and possibly also cooler in the heat of summer to enjoy the sea breeze!
Tips for Future Guests of Harbour Hotel St. Ives
To make the most of your stay at the Harbour Hotel St. Ives, here are a few practical tips:
- Test everything in your room upon arrival — lights, windows, and the safe. It’s easier to resolve issues early.
- Bring your own beach towels and gear, as the hotel doesn’t provide them.
- Reserve your breakfast slot in advance for the best seating options.
- If visiting in summer, pack a portable fan if traveling by car.
Final Verdict: Is Harbour Hotel St. Ives Worth It?
Despite a rocky start, my stay at the Harbour Hotel St. Ives turned into a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The stylish décor, friendly staff, prime location, and excellent breakfast all stood out. While my basement-level room had its quirks, the overall quality of the hotel makes it a solid choice for visitors to St. Ives.
All things considered, I would stay here again. However, next time I would request an upper-floor room with a sea view and plan ahead for the summer warmth. For travelers looking for a boutique hotel in Cornwall with easy beach access, chic design, and a lively bar, the Harbour Hotel St. Ives is well worth considering.
For more information on the hotel, please visit the hotel website or check prices on Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com.
Check out my video room tour and review below.
For travel inspiration and ideas of great things to do while in St. Ives, please check out my travel blog on The SavvyBostonian here and the corresponding travel vlogs below!
Jessica Gioglio founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker on brand storytelling (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.
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