The Lighthouse

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about The Lighthouse? It’s not actually on some dramatic clifftop like you’d expect from the name – it’s tucked right into The Warren, which honestly makes it so much better. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute stumble from the harbor and all those winding cobblestone streets that make St Ives feel like you’ve wandered into a postcard. The building itself has this understated elegance that fits perfectly with the neighborhood – none of that flashy resort nonsense that would stick out like a sore thumb here.

What really sets this place apart (and probably explains that 9.8 rating) is how they’ve nailed the details without making a big fuss about it. The rooms actually feel like someone lives there, not like a sterile hotel showroom. I’m talking proper Cornish touches – maybe some local artwork or fabrics that reference the sea without beating you over the head with nautical themes. The staff clearly know the area inside and out, which is huge when you’re trying to figure out where to grab the best pasty or when the tide’s right for a proper beach walk. They’ll tell you about the little gallery tucked behind Fore Street or warn you that Porthmeor Beach gets absolutely packed by 11 AM in summer, so get there early if you want a decent spot.

Here’s the thing about staying on The Warren – you’re in the thick of it without the chaos. Sure, it can get lively during peak season (July and August are pretty mental, honestly), but the location means you can duck back to your room when the day-trippers start swarming, then venture out again once they’ve all headed back to their coaches. Parking’s always a nightmare in St Ives, but being right in the old town means you can ditch the car and just walk everywhere that matters. The Tate’s practically next door, you can hear the gulls and waves from your window, and there’s something magical about stepping out your front door straight onto those narrow streets where cars barely fit. It’s the kind of place where you end up extending your stay because leaving feels like abandoning a really good secret – which, given how hard it is to find genuinely special accommodation in Cornwall that doesn’t cost a fortune or feel like a corporate chain, is exactly what The Lighthouse manages to be.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $212. Holiday Home with 2 × 1 double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Hannah from United Kingdom – 26 March 2024 (10/10)

  Loved everything about this place, absolutely fantastic. The view (from every room!) and balcony could not have been better. We will most definitely be returning, the perfect place to base yourself in St.Ives. Location great, and also appreciated the little welcome pack!
  
  Recommendation: bring slippers, as the metal stairs can be a little painful on feet without, and we didn’t want to walk up/around in shoes!
  
  The upstairs bedroom (main bedroom) doesn’t have a door so just leads directly on to metal stairs, not a problem for us at all but worth bearing in mind if you have children!

• Phil from United Kingdom – 23 August 2023 (10/10)

  Idyllic location, awesome view, just so relaxing
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Ramune from United Kingdom – 24 April 2023 (10/10)

  Everything!!!

• Sarah from United Kingdom – 26 March 2023 (10/10)

  everything 🥰
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Cousins from United Kingdom – 26 November 2022 (9/10)

  Great if slightly quirky property, but that was part of its charm. Simply the best view in town.
  
  What could be improved: It was all good

• Nicola from United Kingdom – 24 June 2023 (6/10)

  The location was really good with amazing views.
  
  What could be improved: The windows were dirty inside and out. The metal on the spiral was sticky to touch and the underside of my slippers became black. It needs a thorough deep clean.

• Reinhard from Germany – 9 June 2023 (10/10)

  Traumhafte Ausblicke aus allen Wohnräumen und vom möblierten Balkon! Eingerichtet mit allem was man benötigt, auch in der Küche.
  
  What could be improved: Alles was jetzt folgt, ändert nichts daran, dass es uns im Lighthouse sehr gut gefallen hat, man sollte es allerdings wissen, wenn man bucht!
  1. Nicht für gehbehinderte Menschen geeignet, da alle Räume übereinander liegen und durch eine Wendeltreppe verbunden sind! Man sollte Hausschuhe oder Ähnliches dabei haben, weil das Begehen der Wendeltreppe wegen des Metallgitterbodens sonst etwas schmerzhaft sein kann.
  2. Die Anfahrt zum und Abfahrt vom Lighthouse ist extrem eng. Wir waren froh, dass wir als Mietwagen nur einen VW T-Roc hatten und nichts breiteres!
  3. Der Fußweg zum Parkplatz, der zum Lighthouse gehörte, dauerte 10-15 Minuten und ging, teils über Treppen, sehr steil bergauf.
  Diese wichtigen Hinweise konnte man der Beschreibung bei booking.com nicht entnehmen.

• Richard from United Kingdom – 5 August 2023 (9/10)

• Sam from United Kingdom – 2 August 2023 (10/10)

• Stephen from United Kingdom – 8 April 2023 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities