Boskerris Hotel, St Ives

Boskerris Hotel, St Ives: A Serene Michelin Key Selected Retreat with Panoramic Views

The Boskerris Hotel in St Ives consistently receives high praise, earning a "Superb" rating of 9.2 out of 10 based on numerous reviews, and a "Wonderful" rating of 9.2 from over 360 verified guests. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it is celebrated for its elegant accommodation, exceptional service, and stunning clifftop location overlooking St Ives Bay.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Boskerris Hotel is overwhelmingly positive. Guests frequently describe their stays as "beautiful in every way," highlighting the lovely rooms, excellent food, and fantastic service. The hotel is often recommended as a perfect romantic getaway or a tranquil adults-only retreat.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about the breathtaking, panoramic sea views across St Ives Bay, which can be enjoyed from various points, including the beautiful lounge, decked terrace, and many rooms. The "fantastic" and "genuine" service, combined with the relaxing, adults-only atmosphere, are also significant draws. The hotel's tastefully redesigned interiors, which blend a breezy, Mediterranean feel with comfort, also receive high acclaim. Free private parking, including Tesla charging points, is a highly appreciated amenity, especially in bustling Cornwall.

3. Room Quality

The 15 individually designed rooms are described as airy, bright, and impeccably clean, featuring fresh, contemporary furniture with a coastal palette of white, beige, and touches of turquoise or black. Comfort is paramount, with Egyptian cotton bedding and a choice of king- or super-king-size beds. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, fitted with smart stone tiles, Grohe fittings, rainfall showerheads, and luxurious White Company or 100 Acres toiletries. Many rooms boast sea views, while superior options offer more space, roll-top tubs, and separate walk-in showers. The "Celebration Room" is a standout, featuring an in-room sunken corner bath that overlooks the ocean. Standard in-room amenities include bathrobes, slippers, tea and coffee makers (Nespresso in superior rooms), flat-screen TVs with DVD players, digital radios, and complimentary WiFi.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Boskerris Hotel is a major highlight. Guests consistently praise the food as "excellent" and "some of the best we've had, anywhere". Breakfasts are described as "lavish" and include locally sourced ingredients such as St Ewe free-range eggs and Cornish smoked salmon, with options for a full English or vegetarian meal, all served in an airy, Provençale-style dining room with sea views. Cornish cream teas featuring homemade scones are also a popular offering throughout the day. The in-house restaurant is open seven evenings a week and focuses on fresh, local Cornish produce, with typical dishes like seared scallops, grilled fresh fish, short rib tacos, baked brill, and homemade desserts. The hotel also features a bar offering a wide selection of wines, beers, and local gins.

5. Service & Staff

The staff and service at Boskerris Hotel are consistently lauded, with guests describing them as "fantastic," "amazing," "extremely friendly," and "welcoming". Reviewers frequently mention the staff's helpfulness and genuine smiles, noting their willingness to assist with local recommendations and dinner reservations.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is located in Carbis Bay, a peaceful area approximately 1.5 to 2 miles outside the main St Ives town center. This adults-only property is ideally situated just a short walk (around 300 meters or 7 minutes) from the white sands of Carbis Bay Beach. The nearby Carbis Bay train station is only a 5-minute walk away, providing an easy and scenic 4-minute train journey directly into the bustling heart of St Ives. While slightly removed from the town's immediate vibrancy, this location offers a serene refuge with stunning views of the bay and landmarks like Godrevy Lighthouse. The hotel provides ample free private parking and EV charging facilities. Nearby attractions include Tate St Ives (3.6 km) and St Michael's Mount (12 km).

7. Value & Pricing

Guests rate the hotel's "Value for money" at 8.3 out of 10. Prices for B&B doubles typically start from around £190, with nightly rates for various room types ranging between £155 and £296. Prices can fluctuate, with October often being the cheapest month and July the most expensive. The hotel operates seasonally, usually closing from early November to mid-March.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of feedback emerge. A few guests have noted that the location in Carbis Bay, while peaceful, might feel "a little suburban" for those expecting to be directly in the lively center of St Ives, and it requires "a bit of a walk into town" if not using the train. It's also worth noting that not all rooms have direct sea views, and during high season, the hotel typically has a policy of refusing one-night bookings.

Sources

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8. goodhotelguide.com
9. boskerris.co.uk
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11. hotelsinstives.com