Places to Stay in Penzance - Best Areas, Hotels & Cottages!

Are you looking for places to stay in Penzance? This blog post can help you out!

Penzance is the largest town in far west Cornwall and sees plenty of tourist traffic every year.

Cornwall is one of the most popular domestic destinations in the UK – if not the most popular – and plenty of tourists visit the western part of the region to see the famous Land’s End and other attractions.

But where is the best place to stay in Penzance? Well, there are quite a few options.

I’ve done all of the hard work for you and put together a list of fantastic properties with options for every taste and budget!

So whether you want to stay in the heart of the market town, perhaps in a central location near the busy harbour, or you’d like to find a budget hotel, you’ll find a range of accommodation in Penzance to suit your needs.

However, you could also look a bit further out.

Marazion, Newlyn, Mousehole and Lamorna are all settlements close to Penzance. They’re all a bit quieter, but have plenty of attractions and great hotels and holiday cottages.

Before booking accommodation, make sure that you think carefully about the area you’re staying in.

Then, take a look at the breakdown below and find a Penzance hotel for you!

Penzance Town Centre

Penzance town centre is a fairly popular destination, with some cheap hotels.

It’s not as iconic a tourist destination as nearby places in West Cornwall like Mousehole, but that could be a good thing – you’ll enjoy more local life here.

Pros of staying in Penzance

Cheap hotel deals when compared to elsewhere around Mount’s Bay
A more local life, with the chance to have local experiences and get chatting to people in the many pubs
Lots of rich history
Attractions within Penzance itself
Easy reach of other places in West Cornwall
Really easy to get to – there’s a train station in Penzance that connects to other destinations in Cornwall, Devon, and London.

Cons of staying in Penzance

It’s an attractive town in parts, but it isn’t as much of a quintessential Cornish destination as villages like Mousehole – it’s a bit more built-up.
There is a harbour, but you must drive to get to the beaches.

Things to do in Penzance

As well as all the things to do in the Penzance area, there are some attractions that you can enjoy in Penzance town too.

Don’t miss the outdoor lido if it’s hot, which is a cheap and fun day out.
Walk along Penzance harbour and learn stories of the ships.
Go on a historical walking tour with Anna, a knowledgeable local guide.
Visit the Morrab Gardens for a slice of nature close to the town.
Learn about Penzance’s history at the Penlee House Museum.
Drink some wine at the Polgoon Vineyard, just a short distance from town!
Here are all of the best things to do in Penzance!

Places to stay in Penzance town centre

YHA Penzance

The reliable YHA brand has a youth hostel in Penzance.

This is a fantastic place to stay for cheap, still knowing that you’re guaranteed excellent service.

You can choose from a twin room or a four or six-bed dorm room at this hostel.

It has a kitchen and social area and is family-friendly.

Click here to read all about it!

The Longboat Inn

The Longboat Inn is one of the best Penzance hotels for its great location and lovely ambience.

It is a family-run business, and a friendly welcome and high standard of cleanliness are guaranteed. Rooms have all of the conveniences you could need, including LCD TVs with Sky and tea and coffee making facilities.

The hotel is right opposite Penzance train station, and you could also take a few minutes’ stroll to the harbour.

It also has a restaurant and a spacious beer garden.

Click here for more information about the Longboat Inn.

The Dolphin Tavern

The Dolphin Tavern is a historic property with affordable prices.

With friendly staff, well-appointed rooms with comfortable furniture and an excellent restaurant, this hotel is a fantastic option in Penzance.

Their onsite restaurant can accommodate any allergies, and the meals are incredible! Sample Cornish breakfasts in the morning and hearty dinners every evening.

You can also enjoy stunning sea views from all of the rooms.

Click here to read more about The Dolphin Tavern and to reserve your stay.

Hotel Penzance

Enjoy the lap of luxury at Hotel Penzance. Set across two Edwardian Houses, this four-star hotel has deluxe features like an outdoor swimming pool.

The rooms are well-lit and decorated to a high standard, with plenty of mod cons and luxury bedlinen. Some even have panoramic sea views!

There’s a stylish restaurant on site where you can enjoy Cornish comforts like local ales and delicious food.

Click here to read more about Hotel Penzance and to book your room.

Marazion

St Michael's Mount island in Cornwall, South West England

Most famous for being the home of St Michael’s Mount, Marazion sees thousands of tourist attractions annually.

It’s a beautiful location, and its enviable position on the Cornish coast also makes it one of the best places to stay near Penzance.

It has more of a small-town feel than Penzance itself and a few quality accommodation options to enjoy.

Pros of staying in Marazion

The natural beauty of Marazion beach with spectacular views over Mount’s Bay
Walking distance to St Michael’s Mount, one of the top Cornwall attractions!
It’s also within striking distance of Porthleven and the Lizard Peninsula, so you can explore other parts of Cornwall from here.
The hotels here are generally of a high standard.

Cons of staying Marazion

Not as many options as Penzance or Mousehole
Not as many restaurants without taking the bus into Mousehole
It’s not connected to other destinations in West Cornwall with the handy Land’s End Coaster service. There are, however, buses to Penzance.

Things to do in Marazion

St Michael’s Mount, which is a medieval castle on a rocky island, is the main attraction. This is run by the National Trust and is one of Cornwall’s most popular places to visit.
Marazion beach, which is a long and expansive beach with views over to St Michael’s Mount.
Paddleboarding! There are usually paddleboarding opportunities in Marazion.
The South West Coast Path – you can do a day hike to Porthleven, a beach on the Lizard, and get the bus back.

Places to stay in Marazion

Marazion Hotel

If you’re looking for somewhere different to stay in, you’ll love this quirky boutique hotel!

The Marazion Hotel is a four-star property decorated to a stylish standard and has excellent staff ready to answer any questions during your stay.

This boutique accommodation has sophisticated rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities. There is also a guest lounge. And delicious English breakfast is served daily.

You can see the sea from some rooms at Marazion Hotel, with a beach and golf course within walking distance.

Follow this link to read more information about the Marazion Hotel and book your room.

The Godolphin Hotel

Overlooking St Michael’s Mount, The Godolphin Hotel is one of the most friendly hotels in the area.

Featuring well-decorated rooms with comfy beds and plush linen, tea and coffee making facilities and extra mod cons, you’ll have an extremely comfortable stay here.

The Godolphin Hotel also has an onsite restaurant that offers a wide range of food choices.

The beach is right outside the hotel, and St Michael’s Mount is just a short walk away!

Follow this link to read more about The Godolphin Hotel and book your stay.

Newlyn

Newlyn is the biggest fishing port on the south coast of the UK.

Although it sits sandwiched between Mousehole and Penzance – considered a suburb of Penzance by some people – it’s world’s away in atmosphere and attractions.

The area can be pretty industrial, but it’s also worth visiting to check out the new arty scene.

Newlyn has evolved in recent years, and some even think of it as the ‘new Penzance!’

Pros of staying in Newlyn

It’s cheaper than Mousehole but isn’t far away at all. The M6 bus runs every 20 minutes and connects the two places!
There are plenty of places to buy fresh, local seafood!
There’s a unique arty culture – like what you find in St Ives but at a much lower price.

Cons of staying in Newlyn

The village doesn’t have quite as many attractions as the other places on this list.
If you don’t like fish, you might find that some parts of Newlyn are a bit too – well, fishy for your liking!
The whole town is a little more industrial than elsewhere in Cornwall.

Things to do in Newlyn

See art at the Newlyn Gallery
Enjoy some mead at the Newlyn Meadery
Eat fresh seafood – Newlyn is the largest fishing port in England, and you can be the first person to try its seafood at some of the restaurants and the fish market here

Places to stay in Newlyn

Harbour Hideaway

If you want to stay somewhere luxurious, look no further than Harbour Hideaway!

Perfect for couples, Harbour Hideaway is a gorgeous luxury apartment with modern and well-lit rooms and has a garden with a hot tub.

It’s also pet friendly!

There is free parking available.

Here’s some more information – follow the link to book your stay.

Buckfield Roost

Do you need a place for a large family? Buckfield Roost is an excellent option.

It is a three-bedroom cottage with excellent facilities. The owners leave washing up liquid, tea and coffee and more to help you feel at home!

The whole house is left perfectly clean, and you’ll be in holiday mode from the minute you step in!

Click here to read more about Buckfield Roost and to book your stay here.

Places to stay in Mousehole

Mousehole, a village near Penzance in Cornwall

Mousehole is a gorgeous place to stay near Penzance. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful villages in Cornwall.

The village feels like a step back in time with historic cottages tumbling down to the seafront.

The entire settlement was rebuilt in 1595 after Spanish naval forces attacked the city and destroyed all but one building!

There are fascinating stories like this all over the village – it’s worth doing a history tour to get to grips with them.

However, it’s also a glorious place to relax and unwind.

Stay in a traditional cottage, walk down to Mousehole harbour and try paddleboarding or kayaking, and take in spectacular views across the coastline.

Pros of staying in Mousehole

It’s a wonderful location and is pretty much the type of village that springs to mind when you think of Cornwall.
There are lots of holiday cottages available for rent, which is perfect for groups or families with kids.
There are a surprising amount of things to do here, including watersports, history tours and boat trips
It’s conveniently placed between Penzance and Land’s End – you can also enjoy attractions like the Minack Theatre at Porthcurno or even drive up to St Ives
It’s very easy to reach from Penzance (just take the M6 bus, which runs every 20 minutes). You can take trains from London, Reading, Devon and other places in Cornwall to reach Penzance.

Cons of staying in Mousehole

It’s expensive – much more than Penzance and Newlyn
70% of the cottages in the village are holiday cottages. This means that it isn’t really the place to enjoy local life and can be inauthentic and overtouristy.
There are limited restaurants, bars etc. in Mousehole itself.
It’s quiet – if you’d prefer a buzzy town, Penzance is better.

Things to do in Mousehole

boats in traditional fishing harbour of Mousehole at Cornwall

Here are just a few things to do in Mousehole:

Walk around the charming village and take in the old-time cottages
Do a historical walking tour with Elaine, a local who knows the village’s history inside out!
Go swimming, stand up paddle boarding or kayaking from Mousehole harbour
Hike up to Paul and see the gravestone of Dolly Pentreath, one of the last monoglot Cornish speakers
Take in the stunning views over the water on a walk from Mousehole to Lamorna
Do a boat trip around Mount’s Bay

The Old Pilchard Works

The Old Pilchard Works is pretty much the only B&B hotel in Mousehole!

It’s a comfortable place to stay with well-furnished rooms with comfortable beds and modern features like flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and many choices of teas. It’s also ideal if you want a delicious breakfast made every morning!

The beach is right outside the front of The Old Pilchard Works, and it has accessible parking.

Click here to read more about the property and book your stay at the Old Pilchard Works.

9 Chapel Street

9 Chapel Street is an attractive one-bedroom holiday home – the perfect couple’s hideaway!

It’s a modern holiday home but has beautiful traditional features like exposed beams, hardwood floors and elegant tiles in the fully-equipped kitchen.

9 Chapel Street is within walking distance to the harbour, pub and shops.

Click here to read more about 9 Chapel Street and book your stay.

Cobbles Loft

Cobbles Loft is a two-bedroom apartment, ideal for a group or family.

Offering stylish accommodation, it is located on the first floor of a traditional granite cottage.

There is a marine theme throughout, with nautical decor and an aqua colour scheme. You won’t forget that you’re by the seaside!

The bedrooms are comfortable and spacious. One has a double bed, and one has a bunk bed. There’s also space for an additional cot if required.

Follow this link to read more about Cobbles Loft and see if it’s available on your holiday dates.

Places to stay in Lamorna Cove

Just along the coastline from Mousehole, Lamorna Cove is a quiet hamlet with very little amenities and phone signal. If you are looking for somewhere to escape and enjoy a peaceful break, staying in Lamorna Cove might be for you!

There aren’t all that many accommodation options in Lamorna, but you’ll find a few hotels and holiday cottages close by.

Lamorna Cove is actually up for sale, so holidaying here could change in the future!

Pros of staying in Lamorna

It’s a beautiful place – it was an artist’s retreat
It’s tranquil – the perfect spot for a holiday
There are limited facilities, including a popular pub called Lamorna Wink

Cons of staying in Lamorna

It’s the quietest place on the list. There’s not much other than Lamorna Wink!
Phone signal is limited.
You will definitely need a car if you’re staying here, as there isn’t much to do in the hamlet itself and bus times are sporadic.

Hotels in Larmorna

Tregiffian Farm B&B

Tregiffian Farm is located just west of Lamorna. You can make out sea views from the property, and the nature-focused setting will help you instantly feel serene and relaxed.

The elegant rooms are well kitted out with comfortable beds and gorgeous dressing tables.

This accommodation offers free private parking and daily housekeeping. The attentive staff are ready to help you with your needs during your stay.

They also offer an excellent continental breakfast.

Borah Lodge

Borah Lodge is a beautiful holiday home set in the Cornish countryside.

The lodge has rustic decor and colourful furnishings, kitted out with everything you might need during your stay.

There’s also a private hot tub outside!

Click here to read more about Borah Lodge and book your stay.

Whether you want Penzance accommodation with an award-winning restaurant, somewhere with panoramic sea views, or just a cheap hotel to rest in after a busy day of exploring, I hope that this blog post has proved useful.

Don’t forget to take a look at the rest of the Cornwall posts on this blog while planning your trip.