The Loft

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about The Loft? Walking up to Market Place, I was expecting just another converted flat above some touristy shops, but this place actually has character. The entrance is right there where all the action happens in St Ives – I mean, you’re literally steps from the Sloop Inn and those narrow cobbled streets that lead down to the harbor. But here’s the thing: once you’re inside, it doesn’t feel like you’re in the middle of tourist central.

The space itself is honestly quite clever. Someone put real thought into making this feel like a proper retreat rather than just a place to crash. The ceilings have that exposed beam thing going on (not the fake kind), and there’s enough room to actually spread out your stuff without living out of a suitcase for your entire stay. What I really appreciated was the kitchen setup – it’s not one of those token mini-fridges with a kettle situation. You could actually cook a decent meal if you wanted to, which honestly saved me a fortune since St Ives restaurants can get pretty pricey, especially during summer. The location means you’re getting some street noise during the day, but it dies down at night, and frankly, the sounds of people wandering around with ice creams and chatting is part of the St Ives experience anyway.

Here’s what makes this place work: you get that authentic “living in St Ives” feeling without sacrificing comfort. Morning coffee while watching the town wake up from the windows? Perfect. Quick pop down to get fresh pasties from the bakery on Fore Street? Two-minute walk. Want to catch the coastal path for a proper hike to Zennor? You’re already positioned perfectly. The 9.3 rating makes total sense when you factor in that you’re getting hotel-quality comfort in what feels like a friend’s really nice flat. Sure, parking is the usual St Ives nightmare (honestly, just use the Trenwith car park and walk – it’s easier), but that’s not really The Loft’s fault. The owners clearly know the area well because there’s actually useful local information rather than generic tourist pamphlets, and the check-in process was refreshingly straightforward. If you’re looking for a pool and room service, this isn’t your spot, but if you want to feel like you’re actually staying in St Ives rather than just visiting it, The Loft delivers exactly that.

Facilities