7 gorgeous hotels in St Ives with sea views

1. Pedn Olva

You will love the stunning scenery from Pedn Olva. The hotel is one of the most recognisable in St Ives, perched on a rocky promontory that separates the harbour from Porthminster Beach.

Rooms at Pedn Olva are decorated with a coastal theme, and adorned with large windows that let in natural light and gorgeous seaside views. You’ll be sure of a comfortable night’s sleep here too, thanks to the plush bedding.

We love the on-site restaurant, which serves local Cornish produce. Even if you don’t decide to stay here, you should definitely book yourself in for a treat meal here one night while you’re in town. The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace for al fresco dining, so you can savour your meals with those breathtaking sea views. The hotel’s bar is also a cosy spot to unwind with a drink.

You can enjoy a relaxing dip in the outdoor swimming pool, a rare feature for a St Ives hotel. Pedn Olva’s central location also makes it easy to explore St Ives. You’re just a short stroll away from cobbled streets, art galleries, boutique shops and beautiful beaches.

With its unique location on the granite rocks and its distinct white building, Pedn Olva is the most iconic hotel in St Ives with sea views.

2. The Lifeboat Inn

If you’d like some classic Cornish charm to accompany your sea views, The Lifeboat Inn is the place for you. Located in the heart of St Ives right on the harbour, you couldn’t find a more premium spot for soaking up the local atmosphere.

The inn is right next door to the town’s lifeboat house, hence the name. It’s a little slice of the town’s history; back in the 19th century the inn’s building was a fish cellar and a salt house, before eventually becoming a pub.

Rooms at the Lifeboat Inn are cosy and welcoming. Like Pedn Olva, it features large windows that will allow you to admire the stunning sea views in their full glory. With comfortable bedding and complimentary toiletries, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay.

While you’re staying at the Lifeboat Inn, make sure you tuck into a classic pub meal made with local ingredients, and washed down with a pint of local ale (it’s been a St Austell’s Brewery pub since the 1960s).

The inn is especially cosy in winter with the cosy warmth of a log fire burning. And of course, you can enjoy the lovely sea views from the restaurant or the outdoor seating area.

Thanks to its prime location, fascinating history and cosy traditional atmosphere, the Lifeboat Inn is our personal favourite choice among the hotels in St Ives with sea views.

3. Harbour Hotel & Spa

Harbour Hotel & Spa is a luxury hotel in St Ives with sea views. With its building and terrace overlooking the stunning Porthminster Beach, this hotel provides a serene retreat with breathtaking ocean scenes.

The coastal-inspired rooms at Harbour Hotel & Spa feature plush bedding, flat-screen TVs and Nespresso machines. The large windows and private balconies offer spectacular sea views. What could be more relaxing than waking up to the sight and sounds of the ocean with your own balcony view?

At the hotel’s Harbour Kitchen, Bar & Terrace you can eat delicious dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and there’s really nothing like fresh seafood in Cornwall! When the sun is shining you can dine with panoramic sea views from the restaurant’s outdoor terrace, (shown in the picture above).

If you’re looking to relax, you can make the most of the hotel’s excellent luxurious spa. The Harbour Spa offers a range of treatments and facilities, including an indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room. Perfect for a wellness escape or a workation in Cornwall.

Harbour Hotel & Spa’s location is ideal for exploring St Ives, with the town centre being just a short walk away. It also provides direct access to Porthminster Beach when you want a relaxing day by the sea.

4. The Old Quay House

The seaside town of Hayle is right next to St Ives, just a ten-minute drive away. It’s a bit more laidback and a lovely place to stay if you want calmer surroundings while still being close to St Ives. The Old Quay House is a lovely welcoming inn in Hayle, perched right on the picturesque RSPB Hayle Estuary Nature Reserve.

Rooms at the inn are cosy and stylish, featuring comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, and free wifi. Many rooms have large windows or balconies with views of the estuary and sea.

The inn also has a restaurant that serves delicious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, with panoramic estuary views from the dining room and outdoor terrace. We particularly love the Sunday carvery here, perfect with a pint of Cornish ale. The bar has a lovely relaxing atmosphere to soak up after a day of adventure at the beach.

While you’re in Hayle, make sure you stop by at Philps to try one of their famous Cornish pasties, featured in our guide to Cornish food. Among tough competition, these are some of the very best pasties in Cornwall! I’ve been going there for pasties for more than three decades now.

There is plenty to see and do nearby even if you don’t venture all the way into St Ives. Hayle Estuary is perfect for bird-watching and leisurely walks. Overall, The Old Quay House in Hayle provides a quiet escape while being close to St Ives.

5. Carbis Bay and Spa Hotel

If you’re looking for the more luxurious options among hotels in St Ives with sea views, Carbis Bay and Spa Hotel is a perfect choice. Located right on the stunning Carbis Bay Beach, this hotel offers direct beach access and breathtaking ocean vistas that will make your stay unforgettable.

Carbis Bay is nestled just along the coast from St Ives. You can take a short and scenic walk to the town on the coastal path directly from the hotel. It’s about a 25-minute stroll to Porthminster Beach, with stunning clifftop views along the way.

Back in 2021, the hotel hosted world leaders when the G7 Summit was held in Carbis Bay. You’ll soon see why it was perfect for that level of prestige. The hotel’s rooms are elegantly designed with a coastal theme, and careful touches of luxury. You can choose a room with a balcony or terrace, perfect for soaking in those stunning sea views.

Dining here is a real treat. You can enjoy formal meals at The Sands Restaurant, while the Beach Club Restaurant has a more relaxed dining experience right by the water. Both restaurants feature gorgeous sea views.

Our favourite thing about Carbis Bay and Spa Hotel is the outdoor heated pool that overlooks the sea. The hotel also has an award-winning spa, which offers treatments, a hydrotherapy pool, a sauna and a steam room. It’s the ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate.

6. The Gannet Inn

If you’re searching for a cosy and charming place to stay among hotels in St Ives with sea views, The Gannet Inn is a fantastic option. Run by the same people as Carbis Bay Hotel, this delightful inn offers a comfortable retreat with a touch of luxury.

The rooms at The Gannet Inn are designed with a unique and stylish flair. Each room features plush beds, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee facilities.

We love to treat ourselves to dinner at the The Gannet Inn. Its restaurant serves gastropub-style classic British dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s also a lovely spot to just unwind with a drink at the bar after a day’s exploring.

Carbis Bay Beach is just a few minutes’ walk from the inn, and you can reach St Ives with a short drive or walk along the coastal path. In summary, The Gannet Inn is an excellent choice for a more laidback retreat in Carbis Bay while still being within close proximity of St Ives.

7. Boskerris Hotel

Boskerris Hotel is one of the lesser-known hotels in St Ives with sea views, overlooking Carbis Bay and blessed with sweeping views right across to Godrevy Lighthouse. The vibe here is more of a peaceful haven, but it’s also less than 5 minutes’ walk to the rail station where you can take a scenic three-minute ride into the heart of St Ives.

Many rooms at Boskerris Hotel offer private balconies with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the scenery. You can also enjoy the sea views from the breakfast room, or the hotel’s honesty bar, which provides a unique and cosy spot to unwind with a drink.

Nestled in lush gardens, Boskerris Hotel offers a tranquil retreat just a short walk from Carbis Bay Beach. It’s also right on the South West Coastal Path, along a section where you’ll find some of the best walks in Cornwall.

With its stylish decor, panoramic sea views and serene atmosphere, Boskerris Hotel is a standout among hotels in St Ives with sea views.