7 Virgin Street, St Ives

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about 7 Virgin Street? It’s tucked away on this narrow cobblestone street that most tourists completely miss – which is honestly part of its charm. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from the harbor and all the madness of the Wharf, but Virgin Street feels like stepping into old St Ives before it became quite so… well, touristy.

The building itself has that proper Cornish character – you can tell it’s been here forever, with those thick stone walls that actually keep the rooms cool during summer (trust me, this matters when St Ives gets packed in July and August). What I really appreciated was how they’ve kept the original features without making it feel like a museum. The rooms have these lovely wooden beams, and honestly, the beds are fantastic – none of that saggy seaside B&B nonsense you sometimes get. The bathrooms are surprisingly spacious too, which is rare for these old buildings. Actually, I was half-expecting to bump my elbows everywhere, but they’ve clearly thought about modern comfort.

Here’s the thing about the location that booking sites don’t really capture – you’re close enough to walk to Porthmeor Beach (the surfer one) in about five minutes, but you’re also perfectly positioned for the Tate St Ives if that’s your thing. And parking… well, let’s be realistic, parking in St Ives is always going to be a bit of a nightmare, but at least from Virgin Street you can easily walk to the main car parks near the train station. The staff actually gave me proper local advice about timing – apparently if you arrive before 10am or after 4pm, you’ve got a much better shot at finding a spot. The kind of insight that saves you genuine headache.

What really won me over was the breakfast situation. They don’t do the full hotel restaurant thing, but there’s this excellent little café called Porthgwidden literally around the corner that they recommended – proper Cornish breakfast, amazing coffee, and you’re eating with actual locals instead of just other hotel guests. Sometimes the best amenity is just knowing where to go, you know? Plus, Virgin Street puts you right in the heart of the old town’s winding streets, so you can explore all those little galleries and shops before the day-trippers arrive on the train from London.

The only minor thing – and this is really nitpicking – is that the street can get a bit echoey late at night when people are walking back from the pubs. Nothing terrible, just something to mention if you’re a super light sleeper. But honestly, that’s pretty much unavoidable anywhere in St Ives town center, and at least you’re not directly on Fore Street where it gets properly rowdy.

For what you’re paying, especially considering St Ives prices can be absolutely mental during peak season, 7 Virgin Street feels like finding a bit of a secret. It’s got that boutique hotel feel without the boutique hotel attitude, if that makes sense. You’re getting genuine local character, solid comfort, and a location that lets you experience St Ives like someone who actually knows the place.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $173. Holiday Home with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• William from United Kingdom – 6 April 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location and spotlessly clean
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Jo from United Kingdom – 11 November 2024 (9/10)

  The location was fantastic, beautiful clean property, great amenities close to the beach and a 15min walk from the train station.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Angus from United Kingdom – 28 September 2024 (9/10)

  The location was perfect, just off the main shopping street. The property was lovely and cosy

• Debbie from United Kingdom – 1 September 2024 (8/10)

  Excellent location
  
  What could be improved: The stairs were very steep and narrow but it was a lovely traditional fisherman’s cottage.

• Brett from United Kingdom – 27 May 2025 (8/10)

  Was lovely little place fantastic location and nice little gift on arrival
  
  What could be improved: The bed was most uncomfortable slept in mattress was cheap bad condition and left me with a bad back for the price of this should have a very good mattress such a huge let down because everything else was perfect

• Judy from United Kingdom – 5 January 2025 (6/10)

  Excellent location.
  
  What could be improved: Beware of the stairs leading down to the kitchen. The handrail is split between an upper and lower position making navigation on the uneven stairs quite dangerous.
  Some work surfaces near the kitchen hob are occasionally covered in a black dust, which appears to be coming from the floorboards above.

• Lucy from United Kingdom – 20 October 2024 (7/10)

  The location was excellent, the building had charm.
  
  What could be improved: Quite pricey

• Patrick from United Kingdom – 20 April 2025 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities