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 Isles of Scilly Hotels
With their wonderful colourings, lush tropical plants, peerless beaches and uninhabited islands, the Scillies, officially part of Cornwall, but with their own clear identity, have a timeless appeal. Life here 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 accommodation on the islands 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 we list below stand out. The hotels are listed by price category, and their order bears no reflection on our preference.
 Reviews by Fiona Duncan |
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| Luxury: Remote, wonderfully sited and stylish island hotel |
| Location: Facing the Atlantic on Bryher, next to Tresco |
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| It takes commitment to reach Bryher's only hotel and England's last (helicopter, ferry, jeep) but when you do you’ll find nothing but grass, golden sand, a jumble of rocks and the vast ocean between you and America. Bedrooms are suites, sleeping up to four, and the hotel is filled with a scintillating collection of modern art. Stylish and unstuffy: sophisticated comfort in the wild, and a fine chef, Glenn Gatland, at the helm. |
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| Luxury: Tresco's luxury seaside hotel, a well-established favourite |
| Location: Tresco, overlooking Old Grimsby Sound |
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| The most luxurious place to stay in the Scillies, The colonial-style Island Hotel stands in a low-slung waterside setting on delightful Tresco, privately owned by Robert Dorrien-Smith. Run like clockwork and in harmony with its seaside setting (all the rooms have sea views) the hotel has the discreet, nostalgic feel of a bygone, more elegant age. In the dining room: wonderful fresh fish and local Tresco beef. |
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| Mid Price: Delightful family-run hotel set in a star-shaped castle |
| Location: The Garrison, St Mary's |
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| An absolutely delightful, family-run hotel with a magical setting (a 16thC star-shaped castle) and a truly warm atmosphere. While never forgetting its core clientele of walkers, retired couples and families, the hotel's recent refurbishment will appeal to all, with charming bedrooms and two excellent restaurants. Owner Robert Francis has two passions: lobster fishing and wine and you will enjoy the fruits of both. |
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| Mid Price: Elegant, contemporary townhouse hotel and restaurant |
| Location: Hugh Town, St Mary |
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| For contemporary style look no further than this newcomer in Hugh Town, the Scillies' pretty and gentle hub. A fine 19thC mansion with original staircase and panelling now contains very well equipped guest rooms, contemporary or traditional in style, three large suites with kitchenette (perfect for families) and a stylish restaurant/bar, Ferrari's, for good food and a laid-back atmosphere. |
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