Primrose Valley Hotel

Top choice in St Ives


Reopened after refurbishment, this chic hotel has one massive selling point – it's a one-minute walk from Porthminster's sands. But there are more pluses – such as its light, attractive rooms in taupes, greys, checks and sea blues, and quirky design touches including wicker lamps, Scandi-style dressers, wooden cladding and model ships. It feels very modern and impeccably designed throughout.

The setting next to a car park is a bit odd, though. There's a two-night minimum stay in summer.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby St Ives attractions

1. Porthminster Beach

0.16 MILES

The most impressive of the town beaches, with an attractive arc of soft golden sand that's usually sheltered from the wind by the cliffs. It inevitably…

2. St Ia Church

0.28 MILES

At the top of Tregenna Hill, St Ives' parish church dates in part from the 15th century.

3. Barbara Hepworth Museum

0.42 MILES

Barbara Hepworth (1903–75) was one of the leading abstract sculptors of the 20th century and a key figure in the St Ives art scene. Her studio on Barnoon…

4. St Ives Society of Artists

0.54 MILES

One of the town's oldest and most influential art collectives, founded in 1929, this gallery is housed inside a converted church on Norway Sq, with a…

5. Tate St Ives

0.55 MILES

After an 18-month, multimillion-pound refit, St Ives' most illustrious gallery reopened its doors, complete with a monumental exhibition space that's been…

6. Porthmeor Beach

0.6 MILES

Stretched out beneath Tate St Ives is the sandy beach of Porthmeor, a good choice for swimmers and novice surfers thanks to its gentle swells. There's a…

7. Porthgwidden Beach

0.65 MILES

Tucked under the grassy headland known as the Island is the little cove of Porthgwidden, a pleasant picnic spot and a handy paddling spot for the little …

8. Chapel of St Nicholas

0.73 MILES

On the grassy promontory known as the Island, between Porthmeor and Porthminster, is the tiny pre-14th-century Chapel of St Nicholas, patron saint of…