The hotel is built into the rocks and cliffs, overlooking the Celtic Sea, and is a quirky rabbit warren of small but perfectly formed rooms. Located in St Ives bay, just a short walk from the beach, Pedn Olva has astounding sea views.The wraparound terrace has the most fantastic backdrop as a consequence. Many of Pedn Olva’s rooms also make the most of the vista as does the outdoor swimming pool.
The interior is stylish yet minimal and all rooms have a TV and hairdryer. Bright and airy, the decor is sympathetic to the outdoor sea with a beachside chic look achieved inside. The glass fronted balconies have wicker furniture to encourage you to sit down and take in the views. There are tea and coffee making facilities so you can enjoy your morning cuppa whilst looking at the sea.
The on site restaurant has a changing menu to account for seasonal fruit and veg. Fresh fish is served in abundance and a full English is on offer at breakfast, alongside the standard cold continental fare. Locals also frequent the restaurant, which is always a good sign of a quality eatery. The bar, serving both local ales and fair trade coffee, is located at the terrace and is decorated with modern art – perhaps a nod to the nearby Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth Gallery which are just a fifteen minute walk from the hotel. Lunch at the restaurant and bar is a classic pub offering with burgers, sandwiches and jacket potatoes served. A children’s menu is available and very reasonably priced.
The hotel is incredibly family friendly given its close proximity to the beach and also its relaxed atmosphere created by a staff almost fully employed from the local area. Family rooms are available that can house up to four people, with a double for parents and bunk beds for children. Rooms for three have a single bed for the little one. A couple of rooms are dog friendly if the pooch is invited on holiday with you.
The local area is fun to explore with a whole host of activities and destinations on offer. St Ives is a popular town in itself, but there are breathtaking coastal walks, including the great South West Coast path that will take you past some plunging cliffs and vast moors. There are also the award winning beaches like Porthminster and Porthmeor that should make it on to every St Ives to do list. Harbour Beach is worth a visit simply for some traditional fish and chips. For those that are able to move without stepping foot into one of St Ives’s many cafes and restaurants, there is a surf school as well as many places where kayaks and paddleboards can be hired. St Ives also hosts many a festival throughout the year, so it’s worth bearing these in mind if you want to join in – or avoid them!
Pedn Olva Hotel, West Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2EA
Telephone: 01736 796222
Website: https://www.pednolva.co.uk
