Business Details
Luxury 4-Star Accommodation at Star Castle Hotel
Established in the historic Garrison Hill location since 1593, Star Castle Hotel combines centuries of heritage with modern luxury to provide exceptional hospitality. Our family-run establishment offers 38 unique accommodations blending original Elizabethan architecture with contemporary country cottage comforts, all within four acres of secluded gardens. With two award-winning restaurants showcasing fresh seafood caught daily from our own fishing boat Steren Gwyn, we deliver gourmet experiences that have earned us culinary acclaim. Our dedicated team, many with years of service, ensures every guest enjoys seamless access to island adventures through complimentary boat transport, golf and tennis facilities. As stewards of this iconic landmark, we maintain its historical integrity while offering modern amenities including an indoor heated pool and wedding venue capabilities for special occasions.Our commitment to local provenance extends beyond food to include organic vegetables grown in our kitchen garden and wines from our Holy Vale Vineyard estate. Through generations of collective experience in hospitality management, we've developed exclusive packages for family stays, romantic getaways and corporate retreats. The 2012 family discount initiative demonstrates our ongoing commitment to making luxury accessible, while our dog-friendly policy reflects understanding of modern travel needs. Each service delivery adheres to strict quality standards evidenced by our consistent recognition as a top hospitality destination in Cornwall.
Services
Accommodation
Award-Winning Dining
Wedding Venues
Island Exploration
Gift Vouchers
Family Discounts
Dog-Friendly Stay
Complimentary Activities
Courtesy Transport
VAT-Exempt Stays
Highlights and features
- We are a family-run hotel with centuries of hospitality heritage
- We offer fresh seafood caught daily from our own fishing boat
- Our property includes a historic Elizabethan castle building
- We specialise in bespoke wedding celebrations
- We maintain traditional gardening methods for fresh produce
What people say
Exceptional customer service
Breathtaking views
Award-winning gourmet food
Spacious country cottage garden
Dedicated long-serving staff
Services
Award-Winning Dining
Our two Michelin-recognized restaurants showcase fresh seafood from our Steren Gwyn fishing boat and vegetables grown in our kitchen garden. The team creates seasonally inspired menus that highlight local Cornish produce and Holy Vale wines. Guests can enjoy formal Castle Dining Room experiences or the light-filled Vine Restaurant specialising in seafood.
Historic Accommodation
38 individually designed rooms combine centuries-old architecture with modern comforts across 4 acres of private gardens. Choose between traditional castle chambers with historical features or contemporary cottage-style accommodations with private verandas. All rooms maintain the property's heritage while offering modern amenities.
Wedding Celebrations
Bespoke wedding packages featuring three unique licensed venues within our 16th-century fortress. The Castle Dining Room, Vine Restaurant and Castle Lounge offer different atmospheres for ceremonies of various sizes. We provide complete coordination including catering, floral arrangements and guest accommodations.
Island Exploration
Daily island-hopping opportunities guided by our expert boatmen, allowing exploration of the Isles of Scilly's unique geography. Complimentary transport services connect guests with local attractions while our concierge team provides curated itineraries for cultural and natural experiences.
Seasonal Packages
Tailored holiday packages including family discounts, gift vouchers and late availability deals. The 20% family discount on second rooms benefits larger groups while gift vouchers offer flexible gifting options. Seasonal promotions align with local festivals and natural events.
People
Robert Francis
Proprietor
Owner of Steren Gwyn fishing boat personally supplying fresh seafood to the hotel restaurants. Manages daily fishing operations and ensures quality control of marine ingredients.
Rafe
Boatman
Experienced island navigator assisting guests with breakfast-time island-hopping planning. Provides local knowledge and coordinates transportation logistics for guest activities.
Questions
How far is Star Castle Hotel from the harbour?
The hotel is a short walk from St Mary's island harbour and centre.
What types of dining options are available?
Two award-winning restaurants with fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables from our garden.
Can we book a wedding at the hotel?
Yes, we offer bespoke weddings in three unique venues within our historic property.
Are pets allowed at the hotel?
Yes, we are a dog-friendly hotel with special arrangements available.
What local attractions are nearby?
We offer island-hopping adventures and courtesy transport to nearby attractions.
Is parking available at the hotel?
We provide courtesy transport as no cars are on the main island.
Reviews (6)
John Brown
Dec 01, 2021
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We've stayed at the Star Castle three times now. I can't recommend it highly enough. The staff are extremely helpful and the food is fantastic. The building itself and the location are very special. My one gripe on this trip is that one member of staff couldn't be bothered to get up and turn the lighting on for the swimming pool, insisting that the pool was closed. Luckily the next night someone else was staffing reception, and all was OK.
Suzanne Cunningham
Sep 02, 2021
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Hotel is a 16th century garrison and we stopped in the main castle, although there are also garden rooms in the grounds. The whole experience was amazing, the food was delicious, room was spacious and comfortable, staff were really attentive and helpful. The hotel is in a perfect location on the headland above the harbour in St Mary's, so easy to access all the amenities of Hugh Town or pick up a boat trip to the other amazing islands. Beautiful scenery, coastal walks, beaches and sunsets. We loved every minute and can't wait to go back.
Mike O'Shea
Jul 27, 2021
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Although we have been walking past this place for years we didn't know that the dungeon bar was open to non residents.
Going inside the Castle it was interesting to see how cramped it must have been for the 200 soldiers who were garrisoned there after it was built by Queen Elizabeth the first as a precautionary response to the Spanish Armada. The dungeon bar was really small with room for maybe 20 people. It was a bit pricey, but that was to be expected in a high end hotel like the Star Castle.
Whilst we were there we went up onto the battlements which afforded stunning views across Hugh Town
Going inside the Castle it was interesting to see how cramped it must have been for the 200 soldiers who were garrisoned there after it was built by Queen Elizabeth the first as a precautionary response to the Spanish Armada. The dungeon bar was really small with room for maybe 20 people. It was a bit pricey, but that was to be expected in a high end hotel like the Star Castle.
Whilst we were there we went up onto the battlements which afforded stunning views across Hugh Town
Lionel Rishi
Jul 25, 2021
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Beautiful location, get a drink at the infamous dungeon bar, just below the hotel reception then head up to the roof, just outside the entrance on the right for some great panoramic views of St. Mary's from one of the highest vantage points on the island. Grat staff and service.
Philip Johnson
Jul 17, 2021
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Excellent location and food set in an extraordinary tudor castle. Views exceptional on a sunny evening
Simon Wells
Jul 15, 2021
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Conservatory restaurant! food was gorgeous and so fresh, lobster was caught by their own boat and was beautifully cooked as was everything. The staff were very good and friendly too!
