The Queens Hotel

“Typical Victorian Seaside Hotel”

I stayed at the Queens Hotel for four nights in June 2006 to enable me to take a couple of final sailings on the soon to be withdrawn Isles of Scilly Steamship Company Ship SCILLONIAN III. This wasn’t my first stay at the Queens – I did have one night there in October 1996 when a mechanical probl… more

I stayed at the Queens Hotel for four nights in June 2006 to enable me to take a couple of final sailings on the soon to be withdrawn Isles of Scilly Steamship Company Ship SCILLONIAN III. This wasn’t my first stay at the Queens – I did have one night there in October 1996 when a mechanical problem with the Isles of Scilly Helicopter resulted in passengers being sent to the hotel for the night. It was a relatively short stay arriving late and departing very early, at the time I wasn’t very impressed! But that was almost 30 years ago thus I thought it was time to give the Queens another try and I came away pleasantly surprised. It is a typical Grand Victorian seaside hotel with features common to that style of hotel there is a slightly faded grandeur about the place, but it is not unpleasant. My room 21 a single was on the first-floor front room near the top of the main staircase, there is an antique lift along the corridor which I used on arrival and departure with bags. There was an excellent view across the promenade into the bay – unfortunately for much of my stay visibility was poor due to sea mist. Unusually the room did not have a wardrobe but did have two desks! Why could a wardrobe not be substituted for the desk in the alcove? There were several clothes hangers hanging on multiple hooks the vestibule door. The bathroom looked as though it has only just been refurbished and was very clean as was the bedroom. I didn’t have an evening meal at the Queens as I tend, when visiting Penzance on day trips to visit a public house not too far away and thus decided to have my evening meals there. I did, however, have the breakfast which is included in the rate. There is a good buffet selection including cold meats and cheeses along with fresh fruit salad, prunes, pastries, croissants etc. Though I am not sure where they obtain their coissants from I found them a bit "doughy"! The main breakfast course is served and there is a good selection of cooked options. On two mornings I had the full breakfast and on the other two mornings had kedgeree an unusual dish to see offered but one which I sometimes make for myself and found the offering at the Queens to be similar to my own. Service at breakfast was prompt – important if like me you were travelling to Scilly. There is also a bar which did offer one real ale – St Austell Brewery Tribute. There is quite a large car park to the rear, when I arrived on the Monday there appeared to be quite a lot of space, but I think that was due to many guests on my first night being in a coach party. The other days the car park was busy and perhaps at times could get full. However, I didn’t move my car for the duration of my stay thus it wasn’t an issue. The hotel is located approx. 8 minutes’ walk to the harbour which makes it convenient for sailings to the Isles of Scilly – my reason for visiting – but it is also about 12 minutes’ walk to the bus and railway stations. I did use the railway on one of my days there. Overall, I enjoyed my stay and will return again. All the staff were pleasant. I thought that the price was good value for money costing less than one might pay for room only at some chain hotels particularly in the summer months. A tip would be to pay the little extra for a sea front room, the rooms to the rear only look out over the car park and houses, it was one of those rooms I had back in 1996.

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“Penzance by the Sea”

I booked this hotel because of its location on the promenade and its direct sea view. I thoroughly enjoyed looking out to sea every morning and evening. Pleasant sleeping with the window open and the cool sea breeze blowing in! I also enjoyed the shabby, chic Victorian decor of the ho… more

I booked this hotel because of its location on the promenade and its direct sea view. I thoroughly enjoyed looking out to sea every morning and evening. Pleasant sleeping with the window open and the cool sea breeze blowing in! I also enjoyed the shabby, chic Victorian decor of the hotel. All was clean except for the stained carpets in the common areas. Varied breakfast choices that has become a lost art in many hotels nowadays.

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“Bikers on tour - Friendly hotel.”

Group of four bikers staying for one night. Rooms clean and tidy, I had one at the rear of the hotel so nice and quiet. Only criticism would be that the double bed I had was very soft as if the mattress had seen better days and ironically every time you moved, the headboard creaked, this was also… more

Group of four bikers staying for one night. Rooms clean and tidy, I had one at the rear of the hotel so nice and quiet. Only criticism would be that the double bed I had was very soft as if the mattress had seen better days and ironically every time you moved, the headboard creaked, this was also mentioned by another of our party. Evening meal was had in the small area next to the main restaurant which was our choice, tables laid and very good selection. When the gentleman that runs the bar came to take our desert orders, I ordered ice cream, to which one of the group commented that he'd also need a spoon, I said that he'd also need a bandage. Guess what, when said gentleman delivered the deserts, he placed a sealed bandage on the table as well, very cool chap. Breakfast was very good, quality, choice and service. Views from the restaurant across to St Michaels Mount are amazing. Check-in and checkout very easy and efficient staff. Plenty of parking at the rear and monitored by security cameras. Certainly value for money

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