Perched on the western edge of Mount’s Bay, Penzance blends sea views, a lively port and a refreshingly authentic Cornish vibe. Perfect for hotel-hunters, the town offers everything from quirky design stays to welcoming family-friendly B&Bs. If you’re after luxury with style, head towards the seafront, while budget options cluster closer to the historic centre. With easy ferry links to the Scilly Isles, Penzance makes a brilliant base to sleep, explore and soak up Cornwall’s energy.

The Best Places to Stay in Penzance

For Ocean Views

• Tucked just a block from the coast, Chapel House blends Georgian charm with coastal calm. Its eight airy rooms and suites, dressed in whites and Cornish-inspired hues, all offer sea views for a serene seaside stay.
• Set directly on the Promenade, Sophia's B&B offers four stylish rooms in breezy blues, whites, and greys. The highlight: a bright top room with a sweeping sea view, perfect for waking up to the coast.

For Families

• In central Penzance, Artist Residence offers 19 one-of-a-kind rooms styled with vintage finds and eclectic art. Some boast lounges and free-standing tubs; families love The Cottage, sleeping six. A lively lounge-bar serves all day, with restaurants and cafes just steps away.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to Penzance is Cornwall Airport Newquay, which is about 50 minutes away by car or taxi, or about two and a half hours away by public transport. Exeter Airport is closer than London’s, about two hours away by car or taxi, but still around three and a half hours away by public transport. London is a five hour direct train journey leaving from Paddington.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Penzance is busiest during the summer months, partly because Cornwall is glorious at this time of year, but also because this is the UK school holidays. If you’d prefer to avoid the peak season, our Gurus recommend September if you still want to go in the sea, otherwise there’s not really a bad time to visit, with Penzance’s temperatures remaining mild through most of the year. If you do visit out of season make sure you check to see what is and isn’t open, and whenever you visit it’s a good idea to pack your wet weather gear.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all our recommendations for the best places to stay in Cornwall,
• Explore our lists of the best places to stay in Marazion, Mousehole or St Ives,
• Refine your search by accommodation type and consider the best hotels in Cornwall for families, Cornwall’s best pubs-with-rooms, the most romantic hotels in Cornwall or Cornwall’s best sea view hotels,
• Or you contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.