“Delightful family-run hotel set in a star-shaped castle on St Marys Island. The newly refurbished rooms are extremely comfortable and well decorated, with quaint details. Fresh, local, seasonal produce sets the tone for the on site restaurant. Totally charming!”

Hotel review

An absolutely delightful, family-run hotel with a magical setting (a 16thC star-shaped castle) and a truly warm atmosphere. While never forgetting its core clientele of walkers, retired couples and families, the hotel's recent refurbishment will appeal to all, with charming bedrooms and two excellent restaurants. Owner Robert Francis has two passions: lobster fishing and wine and you will enjoy the fruits of both.

Fiona Duncan
Fiona Duncan Review published: 26/02/2024

Recommended for

  • Families

    • There a whole host of activities avaialble nearby, making this an ideal location for all the family!
  • Tennis

    • The tennis court is located a short stroll away and rackets and balls are available from reception.
  • Hotel boats for hire

    • The Sea Safari offers an exhilarating two hour trip taking in shipwrecks, seals & seabirds
  • Golf

    • Guests of Star Castle Hotel receive complimentary use of the St, Mary's golf course.
  • Riding

    • Explore the coast of St Mary’s on horse-back, just a 30 minute walk away.
  • Wine tasting

    • Book a winetasting trip at the HolyVale Vineyard and Winery.
  • Views

    • Some of the best views on the island.
  • Owner managed

  • Family Suites

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Theme hotel

  • Beach nearby

  • Restaurant

  • Artworks

  • Sea Views

  • Boutique

  • Historic

  • Chic

  • Antiques

  • Child friendly

  • Remote

  • On an island

  • Traditional

  • Charming

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

  • Free wifi

Facilities

  • Rooms

    38 rooms in this hotel
  • Views

    Some of the best views on the island.
  • Swimming Pool

    Heated indoor pool
  • Airport transfer

    Free
  • Fireplace

  • Safe

  • Bath robes

  • Parking

  • Family Suites

  • Bar

  • Communal Dining

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Cots available

  • No pets

  • Bicycle hire

  • Restaurant

  • Garden

  • Child friendly

  • Sitting Room

  • Suites

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Wifi

  • Free wifi

Activities

  • Tennis

    • The tennis court is located a short stroll away and rackets and balls are available from reception.
  • Hotel boats for hire

    • The Sea Safari offers an exhilarating two hour trip taking in shipwrecks, seals & seabirds
  • Golf

    • Guests of Star Castle Hotel receive complimentary use of the St, Mary's golf course.
  • Riding

    • Explore the coast of St Mary’s on horse-back, just a 30 minute walk away.
  • Wine tasting

    • Book a winetasting trip at the HolyVale Vineyard and Winery.

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? In a nutshell, the location, the food and the warmth and friendliness of the staff... “It’s like coming home” a quote we hear frequently as we have many returning guests. “The staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive” Many of our team have been at the hotel for several years and enjoy making holidays special. “Food is magnificent, tasty and tempting whilst the service is exemplary” We have two outstanding restaurants with award winning Chefs using only the best local ingredients to create a daily changing menu that follows the seasons. What is there to do in the area? Scilly is often described as the place with little to do but never enough time in which to do it. The sailing centre is located a short walk from the hotel and offers activities for all levels in sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. Take advantage of the many guided walks and boat trips to neighbouring Islands. If you prefer to be in the water snorkelling with seals is a must. Land lovers can enjoy coastal walks and we highly recommend a gentle hack on horseback across the beach. What kind of breakfast do you offer? Breakfast is a delight with an extensive buffet featuring a range of cereals, fresh fruit, homemade pastries, preserves and muesli. The grill is cooked to order with options including Eggs Benedict, smoked Salmon and of course a traditional full English breakfast. Do you offer other meals? We serve lunch between 12 – 2pm from our Dungeon Bar and guests can sit outside on the Castle ramparts to enjoy the panoramic sea views. And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? The Turks Head on St Agnes is Britain’s most south westerly pub offering a varied bar menu including home cooked daily specials. The Ruin Beach Cafe on Tresco serves a Mediterranean inspired menu with a selection of wood-fired dishes, pizzas and salads in a rustic setting with wonderful views towards St Martin’s and the Eastern Isles. The ever popular Juliet’s Garden on St Mary’s renowned for delicious open seafood sandwiches and wide selection of scrumptious cakes. I recommend enjoying the terrace and watching the comings and goings of Scilly life in the harbour, also providing the perfect photo opportunity of the Star Castle across the water. Which are your most popular room types, and why? The grand splendour of the Castle Room proves ever popular. The eight bedrooms are hidden along narrow corridors complete with uneven creaky floors all adding to the charm of the Elizabethan Castle. The rooms have been thoughtfully designed to fit within the shape of the eight pointed star with each room individual in size, layout and design. Adorned with antique furniture and heavy drapes, guests can relax in sheer opulence. When calling to make a reservation its lovely to have a little chat about why guests have selected our hotel as this can often help us pinpoint the perfect room choice for them, if it’s because they are looking for a different experience and want to step back and feel the ambiance of the 16th Century then of course it’s always a Castle Room but if they are looking for a modern, light and spacious room with the added advantage of outdoor seating then the garden suites win hands down. What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? We know you are going to fall in love with the Islands and we look forward to welcoming you to the Star Castle Hotel.

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