Things to know

  • Check-in is from 3pm. If you arrive a little earlier, you’re very welcome to leave your bags with us and settle in — head out to explore Penzance, grab a coffee, enjoy the bar, or relax in our lounge while you wait.

    Check-out is by 11am.

    Early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability on the day, so while we can’t always guarantee them, just let the team know your plans and we’ll always do our best to help.

    If you’d like a little extra time to relax or explore, late check-out may be available for £20 per hour, subject to availability. Some direct booking rates include a complimentary late check-out until 12 midday — this will be clearly shown when you book and confirmed in your booking email.

  • Our rooms are designed to feel comfortable, relaxed and thoughtfully put together — the kind of place you can properly settle into after a day by the sea.

    Each room includes complimentary tea and coffee, a pod coffee machine using Grind coffee pods, fresh milk in the fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, a hairdryer, a TV and a Roberts radio. You’ll also find a minibar stocked with local and artisan snacks and drinks, along with Bramley bath and body products in every bathroom. Plant-based milk is available on request.

    Beds are made up with fresh linen and fluffy towels, with feather pillows and duvets as standard. Non-allergenic bedding is available on request.

    As a historic house, most rooms don’t have air conditioning, although The Nook and selected Comfy Double rooms do have built-in air-circulation fans. Portable fans are also available on request, along with irons and ironing boards. Like all Artist Residence houses, our rooms vary slightly in size and layout — part of the charm of staying somewhere full of character.

  • Breakfast is served daily for both hotel guests and non-residents, with great coffee and freshly cooked favourites. Breakfast isn’t usually included unless your room rate states otherwise.

    Food and drink is centred around The Cornish Barn, our cosy, relaxed space for lunch, dinner and drinks. Menus focus on hearty, wholesome dishes made with seasonal, locally sourced produce, alongside Cornish beers, local ciders, thoughtfully chosen wines and easygoing cocktails.

    In the warmer months, our garden and terrace come into their own. From spring through to the end of summer, the Shack bar opens on weekends, serving a relaxed, street-food–style menu alongside cocktails and frozen margaritas. We also host seasonal garden events, including barbecues, lobster nights and live music.

    Cornwall can get busy in summer, so we recommend booking a table in advance. If you’re booking a room, you’ll be prompted to reserve a table during the booking process. If you’ve already booked your stay, tables and events can be booked online.

    Opening times and menus can vary a little with the seasons, so for the most up-to-date information during your stay, visit The Cornish Barn page.

    Book a Table
    View Upcoming Events
    The Cornish Barn

  • We’re on Chapel Street, just moments from the seafront, harbour and town centre — an easy spot for coastal walks, local shops and gentle seaside wandering.

    Penzance Train Station is around a 10–15 minute walk from us. The quicker route runs along Wharf Road and up Abbey Slip, but please note this is a steep cobbled road with steps, which can be tricky with luggage. If you’d prefer something gentler, the flatter route follows Market Jew Street before looping back around onto Chapel Street — it takes a little longer but is much easier going.

    If you’d rather not walk, a short taxi ride from the station is often the simplest option, especially with bags. Taxis aren’t always waiting at the station, so we recommend booking ahead where possible. A reliable local firm many guests use is Penzance Taxis on 01736 888 888.

    For guests travelling from London, the Night Riviera sleeper train is a lovely option, allowing you to travel overnight in single or shared cabins from London Paddington. The train usually arrives in Penzance at around 8am and departs in the evening at approximately 9.45pm on the return journey.

    We’re also just a 10-minute walk from the harbour for the Scillonian boat to the Isles of Scilly. If you’re heading off early, we’re very happy to arrange an early breakfast — just let us know in advance so we can prepare everything for you.

  • We don’t have on-site parking, but there are several public car parks within a short walk of the hotel.

    Harbour Long Stay Car Park is our most recommended option. It’s one of the largest car parks in Penzance, usually has the best availability, and is around a 5 minute walk from us. Public EV charging points are available here.

    Greenmarket Car Park is very central and just a couple of minutes’ walk away, which makes it handy for short stays, though it can fill up during busy periods.

    Parking prices and availability vary depending on the time of year and local demand. At busier times, arriving a little earlier in the day can make finding a space easier.

    You’re very welcome to pull up outside the hotel to drop off luggage first. We’d be happy to point you in the direction of parking, and will have your bags safely looked after — and ready for you in your room.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. As the building is made from thick Cornish granite in places, the signal can occasionally be a little temperamental — if you need a hand getting connected, just let us know and we’ll do our best to help.

    Our team is always on hand and happy to help — whether you need extra pillows, local recommendations, or anything else to make your stay more comfortable.

    Bedrooms are serviced daily. If you’d prefer privacy or don’t need housekeeping during your stay, just let us know.

    We kindly ask guests to be considerate of others, particularly in the evenings. Smoking and vaping aren’t permitted inside the hotel or bedrooms; if you do need to smoke, please do so outside.

    Guests are welcome to use laptops in our lounge during the day. From 6pm onwards, we encourage guests to put laptops away so shared areas can feel relaxed and welcoming for everyone. For the comfort of all our guests, video calls aren’t permitted in public areas, and phone calls are best taken outside or kept discreet.

    We also ask guests to be mindful of noise later in the evening, so everyone can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.

  • Families are very welcome at Artist Residence Cornwall, and we have a range of room options that work well for family stays.

    For larger families or those wanting more space, The Cottage sleeps up to six and offers a relaxed, home-from-home feel. The Mini Lookout sleeps up to three, with a double bedroom, a snug single bedroom and a shared living space. Both the Chapel Suite and The Lookout can also accommodate a child on a sofa bed for £30 per night.

    Cots are available free of charge in most of our room types, apart from The Snug, The Nook and selected Loft and Comfy Double bedrooms, subject to availability.

    As a characterful Georgian townhouse, the building is arranged around three separate staircases, which means some areas naturally work better for families or groups who’d like to be close together. If staying near one another is important to you, please add a note when booking online or get in touch — we’ll always do our best to help find the most suitable set-up.

    If you’re unsure which room would work best for your family, just email us at [email protected] and we’ll be very happy to advise.

  • Well-behaved dogs are very welcome at Artist Residence Cornwall.

    There’s a charge of £20 per dog, per night, which includes a comfy dog bed, bowls and a few snacks to help them settle in.

    Dogs are welcome in most of our room types. Rooms that aren’t dog-friendly include The Nook, The Mini Lookout, and selected Comfy Double and Comfy Luxe bedrooms, all subject to availability at the time of booking. Smaller room types are best suited to smaller dogs due to their size. The Cottage can accommodate up to three dogs (depending on size), while The Lookout and Chapel Suite can accommodate up to two small dogs.

    The Snug and one of our Comfy Double rooms are located on the ground floor and have easy side access onto Vandervour Lane, which can be particularly handy if you’re travelling with dogs.

    Dogs are welcome in the bar and lounge, and in parts of the restaurant. We ask that they’re kept on a lead and supervised at all times, and kindly ask that they aren’t left unattended in bedrooms.

    When booking online, please add a note to let us know you’re bringing your dog. Sharing their name and size helps us prepare everything just right. If you’re unsure which room to choose, we’re always happy to help.

  • Artist Residence Cornwall is a characterful Georgian townhouse, and with that comes charm — and the occasional bit of noise. Sound can travel between rooms, and some areas of the house are livelier than others.

    We’re on Chapel Street in the heart of Penzance, so a little street noise and the occasional seagull comes with the territory. Some bedrooms are located above shared spaces such as the bar, and during busier periods — particularly in the warmer months — you may notice a bit more background noise.

    As with many coastal buildings, rooms can also feel warmer in summer. Some rooms, including The Nook and selected Comfy Double bedrooms, have built-in air circulation or cooling units, while others rely on opening windows and fans.

    Many guests love the atmosphere and central location, but if you’re a light sleeper or have concerns about noise or temperature, please let us know. When booking online, you’re very welcome to add a note with any preferences, and we’ll always do our best to advise on and allocate the most suitable room within your chosen category.

  • Artist Residence Cornwall is set within a Georgian townhouse arranged over three floors. There are three separate staircases which do not connect, and there is no lift. The main entrance is accessed via three steps.

    Two of our ground-floor rooms have their own separate entrance with direct access onto Vandervour Lane at the side of the building, which may be helpful for guests who prefer to avoid stairs.

    Tucked away to the rear of the hotel, our Cottage has its own private entrance and a relaxed, independent feel. It offers more space than rooms in the main house and can work well for families, longer stays, or anyone who prefers a little more room to spread out. Please note that while the living and kitchen area and one bedroom are on the ground floor, the bathroom is located on the first floor.

    As a characterful Georgian townhouse, there are small steps, uneven floors and some corridors are quite narrow throughout. If you have any accessibility requirements or questions, we strongly recommend getting in touch before booking so we can help you decide whether the hotel will be suitable for your stay.

  • Artist Residence Cornwall is a lovely setting for celebrations, weddings, parties and relaxed get-togethers. Depending on the size of your group and the time of year, we can offer anything from cosy private spaces for intimate gatherings to larger house takeovers.

    To explore what’s possible, visit our Events page or get in touch via our online enquiry form or email [email protected] — we’d be very happy to help bring your plans together.

  • Artist Residence Cornwall is perfectly placed for exploring West Cornwall at a relaxed, unhurried pace.

    From the hotel, you’re just moments from the harbour, coastal paths and the historic streets of Penzance, with St Michael’s Mount, Mousehole, Newlyn and Marazion all close by. Further afield, you’ll find dramatic cliff walks, wild beaches, art galleries, gardens and some of Cornwall’s best food and drink spots.

    Whether you’re keen on coastal walks, sea swimming, galleries and studios, boat trips to the Isles of Scilly, or simply pottering between villages and cafés, there’s plenty to discover year-round.

    Our team knows the area well and is always happy to share local tips — from favourite walks and beaches to places to eat, drink and explore. Just ask, and we’ll point you in the right direction.

  • Booking directly with us means a more personal, flexible and relaxed stay — often with a few extra perks too.

    When you book direct with Artist Residence Cornwall, you’ll enjoy our best available rates and most flexible booking terms, along with more thoughtful room allocation and direct communication with our team. You’ll also be first to hear about special offers, packages and events.

    Most importantly, booking direct allows us to look after you properly from the moment you book to the moment you leave — without messages being passed back and forth through a third party.

    If you happen to spot a lower rate for the same room and dates elsewhere, just let us know — we’ll always do our best to match it.

    We also offer a small number of corporate, media and artist rates, subject to availability. If you’re travelling regularly for work, visiting as part of a creative project, or collaborating with Artist Residence, please email us at [email protected] to enquire.

  • Gift vouchers can be used towards bedroom stays, as well as food and drink at Artist Residence Cornwall, unless stated otherwise.

    For bedroom stays, please get in touch with us directly and we’ll be very happy to help arrange your booking and apply your gift voucher.

    For food or drinks, you’re welcome to book a table online as usual — just add a note to let us know you’ll be using a gift voucher and bring it with you on the day so we can apply it.

    If you have any questions or would like a hand with booking, just get in touch — we’re always happy to help. For full details, experiences and terms, please visit our Gift Voucher page.

  • Availability shown on our website is live and always up to date. If your dates aren’t appearing, it usually means we’re fully booked or that a minimum night stay applies.

    Minimum stays are most common at weekends, over bank holidays and during busier times of year in Cornwall — particularly in spring, summer and the warmer months. Any minimum stay requirements will be clearly shown when you search and book online.

    Room rates vary depending on demand, seasonality and availability. Once your booking is confirmed, the rate you’ve booked will not change.

    Cancellation terms vary depending on the rate you’ve chosen and will always be clearly shown when you book and in your confirmation email. If you’d like a little more flexibility, we recommend choosing a flexible rate, which allows free cancellation up to 72 hours before the date of arrival. Some special offers and promotions are non-refundable and non-amendable — any restrictions will always be made clear before you confirm your booking.

    If you’ve booked directly with us and need to make a change or cancel, simply email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help. If your booking was made through a third-party website, any changes or cancellations will need to be arranged directly with them.

    Cancellations made outside the applicable cancellation window, or in the case of a no-show, are non-refundable in line with the terms of the rate booked. If a refund is due, once processed it can take up to seven working days to appear in your account, depending on your bank.

    If we’re fully booked for your chosen dates, you might like to take a look at one of our other Artist Residence locations — we often have availability at another house.

  • We’re always happy to help where we can.

    If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, please let us know in advance or speak to the team when you arrive and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Our menus naturally include a range of options to suit different diets, and the team will always be happy to guide you.

    While we take allergies seriously, our kitchen handles a range of ingredients, so we can’t guarantee an entirely allergen-free environment.

    We stock dairy milk in rooms as standard — if you’d prefer oat or soy milk, just let us know when booking and we’ll happily arrange this for you.

  • If you think you’ve left something behind, please get in touch with us as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to help.

    While we’re not able to take responsibility for items left after departure, we’ll always take care to assist with their safe return where we can. Please note that any postage costs for returning items are chargeable.