Immaculate Studio Apartment just outside Penzance

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about this place? The name says “just outside Penzance” but honestly, you’re close enough to everything that matters without dealing with the summer crowds that pack the town center. Tolver Water Cottage sits in this quiet residential area where you can actually hear birds in the morning instead of tour buses rumbling past your window at 7 AM.

The studio itself is one of those places that makes you wonder why hotel chains even bother – everything here actually works, and I mean everything. The shower has proper water pressure (trust me, this matters more than you think in Cornwall), the kitchenette is stocked with decent coffee and real milk in the fridge, and the bed is firm enough that you won’t wake up feeling like you slept on a marshmallow. The whole space feels immaculate – hence the name, I suppose – but not in that sterile way where you’re afraid to touch anything. More like someone’s really lovely aunt fixed up her spare flat and actually cares whether you’re comfortable.

What really sells this spot though is the location knowledge you get from the hosts. They’ll point you toward the coastal path entrance that’s a ten-minute walk away (the one most tourists never find), and they know which days the farmers market in town is worth visiting versus when it’s just overpriced jam stalls. Parking is sorted right there – no circling around narrow Cornish streets looking for a space that fits your car. The 9.3 rating makes sense when you stay here because it’s all those little things done right. The Wi-Fi actually reaches the bed, there are enough plugs near where you need them, and the heating works properly (which, let’s be honest, can be hit or miss in these old Cornish buildings).

I stayed here in September when Penzance was still busy but not peak-season mental, and the cottage felt like this perfect base camp. Close enough to walk into town for dinner – there’s this brilliant fish place on Alverton Street the hosts recommended – but far enough out that you’re not hearing drunk tourists stumbling home from the pubs at midnight. You’re also positioned really well for day trips along the coast. St. Ives is doable without the nightmare of trying to park there, and if you’re into the whole Land’s End thing, you can get there and back without it eating your whole day.

The attention to detail here just keeps surprising you. Fresh towels that smell like they were dried outside, a coffee machine that’s actually been descaled recently, and – this might sound small but it’s huge – proper blackout curtains so you can sleep past sunrise if you want to. After bouncing around various accommodations in Cornwall over the years, places like this remind you why sometimes paying a bit more for somewhere genuinely good beats gambling on cheaper options that might leave you hunting for a different place to stay halfway through your trip.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $113. Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Bishoff from United States – 6 June 2025 (10/10)

  It was extremely clean and well kept.

• Sharon from United Kingdom – 30 May 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely flat, in a good location to explore area

• Sarah from United Kingdom – 25 May 2025 (10/10)

  We loved the space and homely feel – proper home from home. Martin and Emma were fab, too. We'll certainly be back!
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Longjohn951 from United Kingdom – 25 April 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment was spacious and ideal for our toddler. Loads of light and a full kitchen among the highlights.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. Everything was just excellent.

• Hyoun from South Korea – 18 April 2025 (10/10)

  We are a family of three and stayed here for 4 days and 3 nights. The host was incredibly kind and provided us with helpful local tips that truly enhanced our trip.
  
  The accommodation was spacious, clean, and very well-equipped — a fantastic place that offers great value for money. We especially loved the beautiful view of St Michael's Mount from the window, which added a peaceful and scenic touch to our stay.
  
  The location is excellent, with easy access to popular tourist attractions in the area. There are also large supermarkets and fast-food restaurants nearby, making everything very convenient.
  
  If this place is available, don’t hesitate to book it — it’s an amazing stay and we highly recommend it!

• Alison from United States – 15 November 2024 (9/10)

  Comfortable, spacious. Owners are nearby. The property is an above garage extension of their home with separate entrance and your own private space.
  
  What could be improved: Parking is very tight. Gate can be hard to squeeze through. Paying a cleaning fee and taking out my own trash/recycling and stripping bedclothes.

• Claire from United Kingdom – 28 October 2024 (10/10)

  I loved the scenery, I loved the balcony, the location, and also the booklet that showed all the great places where to go. There’s so many things to list and also the thoughtful gestures, like fresh milk in the fridge.
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing I didn’t like.

• Liz from Australia – 5 October 2024 (8/10)

  Martin was just a phone call away and always friendly and helpful. Also loved the easy parking, layout of the apartment and all the books to read. Good kitchen too.
  
  What could be improved: Two TVs but couldn't get either of them to work. Location just too far for us to walk anywhere.

• Peter from United Kingdom – 3 October 2024 (10/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Sebastian from United Kingdom – 16 September 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent location, very quite area, next to Tremenheere sculpture gardens which are amazing; hosts very nice, gave us a lot of tips on where to visit and where to eat (turned out to be very good tips); apartment is modern and spacious
  
  What could be improved: nothing

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities