To go straight to our selection of the best places to stay in the Isles of Scilly, click here.

There isn't a huge choice of places to stay on the Isles of Scilly but with their wonderful colourings, lush tropical plants, peerless beaches and uninhabited islands, the Scillies have a timeless appeal.

Officially part of Cornwall, but with their own clear identity, life on the islands is calm and happy: doors are left unlocked, the police have little to do, and everyone knows everyone. You may prefer to stay on upmarket, privately owned Tresco and Bryher, or on St Mary's, the islands' hub with the main town and harbour of St Hugh's.

To keep you occupied: boat trips to see seals and puffins, or simply to take you to deserted beaches, the famous gardens at Tresco, traditional gig racing at Hugh Town, plus plenty of fine walking and cycling.

As for hotels, there aren't many and all the best places to stay on the Islands of Scilly are expensive compared to the mainland due to the high cost of operating them. Bryher, Tresco and St Martins each have a hotel, as well as a pub with rooms, the New Inn, on Tresco. There are a greater number of hotels on St Mary's, of which the two included in our list below stand out.

The Star Castle Hotel on St Mary's might be one of the most unusual places you have ever stayed being a 16th Century star-shaped castle surrounded by a sturdy star-shaped castle wall. The bedrooms are comfortable and popular with walkers and retired couples and there are two restaurants. The owner is a keen lobster fisherman and his catches often appear on the restaurant menus.

St Mary's Hall Hotel in Hugh Town is a 19th Century Mansion house convewrted into a comfortable hotel with a relaxed atmosphere.

Probably the most modern of our three hotel choices is the Hell Bay Hotel on Bryher. It is also the last hotel in England. It isn't easy to get to but once there you are rewarded with beaches, an uninterrupted view of the Atlantic ocean and much much better food than is usually available somewhere this remote.

Browse through our list of the best places to stay in the Isles of Scilly and start to plan your stay. Please feel free to call or email a friendly guru for advice Contact

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  Hell Bay Hotel

  Isles of Scilly

  Remote, wonderfully sited and stylish island hotel on Bryher.

  25 rooms from $435

  Restaurant  -  3 AA Rosettes.

  Views  -  Great views out to the Atlantic

  Birdwatching  -  Good birding near the hotel.

  Romantic  -  Good for couples.

  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays, Travel Intelligence
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  Star Castle Hotel

  Isles of Scilly

  Delightful family-run hotel set in a star-shaped castle on St Marys.

  38 rooms from $309

  Exclusive offer

  Views  -  Some of the best views on the island.

  Swimming Pool  -  Heated indoor pool

  Birdwatching  -  Good birding near the hotel.

  Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.

  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays
• Enquire direct

  St Mary's Hall Hotel

  St Mary's, Isles of Scilly

  Elegant, contemporary townhouse hotel and restaurant in Hugh Town, St Marys.

  26 rooms from $209

  Beach nearby  -  2 minutes to the nearest beach!

  Fishing  -  Excellent fishing nearby.

  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.