Carlyon Guest House
Carlyon Guest House descritpion
Carlyon Guest House sells fast on our site. Just a few feet from Porthminster Beach, Carlyon Guest House offers cooked breakfasts and impressive views of the Celtic Sea. The guesthouse has a traditional restaurant and free Wi-Fi.
The refurbished rooms at Carlyon are individually decorated, and each has a private bathroom. Rooms also feature a TV, tea/coffee facilities, and a cozy sitting area.
Hearty full English breakfasts are served daily in the dining room, with vegetarian options also available. Guests can enjoy sea views and a varied 3-course meal in the restaurant.
Just a 3 minute walk from central St Ives, the family-run hotel is a 10-minute walk from St Ives Train station. Parking is available nearby, and Tate St Ives is half a mile away.
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Facilities of Carlyon Guest House
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Food & Drink ：Breakfast in the Room | Special Diet Meals (upon request)
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and charges may apply.
Services ：Baggage Storage | Private Check-in/Check-out | Ironing Service
General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Family Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Reviews for Carlyon Guest House
Review 1：Many items in the room not working - loo seat broken, shower water wouldn't drain away, some lights in the room not working. Didn't feel particularly welcome by the staff.
Review 2：Location excellent, view from room over the bay superb. Breakfast was nicely cooked. I was provided with extra milk for the tea tray in my room on request.
Review 3：My room was cold I am a pensioner and had to sleep in my coat because a power cut the previous day had tripped the power off and the manager didn't know how to pull a simple switch despite my friend offering to do it she wouldn't let my friend in the kitchen . So we had no power or heating or shower facilities . My room stank of cigarettes and the manager offered no compensation
Review 4：Superb view
Review 5：Following a power cut 36 hrs previously the manager didn't even know how to flick a switch in the fuse box! We had no power, no shower, no kettle, no TVs , no heating nothing! No communication with the manager no compensation ! A run down guest house, not even a nice breakfast.
Review 6：The view
Review 7：The house is just not maintained very well. My mother had to sleep with a bunch of pillow under her cause the mattrass had to many slings sticking out. The carpet in the stairs and corridors was scary dirty …..
Review 8：Big full breakfast and very nice staff
Review 9：Shower didn't drain well, tv didn't work at first. Burnt out bulb in bathroom area. Loud plumbing. Spotty wifi.
Review 10：Good location near the bus and train, easy walking to the harbor and beaches. Nice view.
Review 11：the room was tiny and the curtains were see-through allowing the street light to shine directly on the bed. The ensuite and décor were very tired.
Review 12：The staff were wonderful and couldn't do enough for us. The location and sea view was lovely too.
Review 13：The hosts were lovely, very friendly and nothing was too much hassle and always happy to help. Breakfast was delicious and copious amounts of coffee and toast were offered. Waking up to a view over Porthminster Beach was unbeatable. Simple and basic accommodation but very clean and excellent value for money and had everything I needed and more!! :) I would definitely go back
Review 14：Didn't have a bad experience but parking permit should be included within the price of the stay.
Review 15：Warm and friendly atmosphere, breakfast was lovely, views are incredible and rooms were cosy and comfortable
Review 16：The condition of the room I was staying in, it was very poor, skirting off the wall,no curtains at the window and poor furniture £70.00 not good
Review 17：St Ives
Review 18：We had room 2A which was adequate but height restrictions re: sloping ceilings and beams should have been made clearer. Some previous reviews have been over-harsh e.g bed and mattress perfectly ok, although we felt this room was over-priced. We assume other rooms were much better.
Review 19：Food was good, staff were pleasant. Location was convenient
Review 20：After booking online room with sea view we were phoned next day to say the room had been booked by phone at same time but were offered a non sea view which we accepted.On arrival the room floor had been cut away to allow door access and all walls had steep slopes which meant we had to bend when moving around the bed.We felt it was of cupboard dimensions with the one wall mirror from waist level to floor which meant sitting/kneeling on floor to use it.It certainly wasn't 3 star quality and as a health Professional can say it was potentially hazardous.
Review 21：Nice to overlook beach if you had a view and nice to be in St Ives.
Review 22：Check in times limited and we didn't realise - on arrival it took a long time to raise the staff despite trying the emergency numbers given. Room was listed as small and was very small but fine for a short stay.
Review 23：Very good location and good value for St Ives. Very friendly welcome and helpfully let us have an early breakfast as we needed to catch a bus. Breakfast was nice.
Review 24：Tiny room. Grubby net curtain and the blind does nothing to keep out the light and had to be manually wound up, which a short person would be unable to do. The skirting board was coming away from the wall and you had to be standing up to watch the TV as it would not tilt towards the bed.
Review 25：Great location near to the station and easy walk to town centre. Comfortable bed. Good breakfast. Very cheerful staff.
Review 26：Steps are bit steep to carry the luggage, but I didn't have much to carry and the view was worth it
Review 27：Amazing view of the beach and good location near to the train station and bus stop
Review 28：Avoid back rooms 2A and 6, no view except parked cars and rooftops. Room 6 was also very cramped, though was fine for our purposes--on vacation, so not planning to spend much time in room to begin with.
Review 29：The Staff were extremely nice and made the stay most special, going out of their way to accommodate schedules--even arrived early to prepare us breakfast, since we were taking an early day trip and leaving before breakfast was to be served.
Review 30：I was in the top single room (which had a double bed in and was a great size) but wifi was really bad and intermittent.
Review 31：Lovely friendly staff lovely single room with double bed Lovely views (was on the top floor) Gorgeous breakfast Excellent location overlooking the sea
Review 32：Wi-Fi a bit hit or miss; the small single room is very small, although the light and the view make up for this if you don't mind the lack of space.
Review 33：Fantastic view, very clean and owners were welcoming, organised, helpful. There is everything you need for your stay in the room. Breakfasts were very good.
Review 34：Sold on the view over the bay but we had the back room without a window. Low ceiling height meant us walking around worried about hitting our heads.
Review 35：Location,friendly helpful hosts.
Review 36：To be fair we booked the small advertised bedroom and did not expect much. But is was very tiny, acceptable only for a one night stay. What we found unacceptable was the greasy food smell which came into our room very early and went through the whole building. We stayed in many guesthouses in cornwall, but this was the most disappointing and funny enough most expensive room.
Review 37：Nice staff, good location
Review 38：The actual room was way too small for a family of 4, you couldn't even open the door fully to get in, as it banged against the double bed. The bathroom door didn't close but Jenny told me this will be fixed, as it swells in the heat etc. Very steep stairs to get to room at the top of the house, very difficult with luggage and small child. Maybe make family room on a lower floor. The whole place needs decorating with lighter colours, especially the breakfast room, which does have amazing sea views.
Review 39：The staff are lovely, and will go out of their way to help you. Location is perfect, and parking is just across the road and down some steps, right by the beach. Breakfast was nice and served quickly. The whole place is also clean. I mentioned how some things need doing and was told the B&b will be updated over the winter. This will help make this b&b much better.
Review 40：Host is very nice - let me use their personal computer when I needed to send a work document. The location is excellent, right near the station and close to the beach - lovely views!
Review 41：The room was tiny-but it did have everything you needed, was clean and comfortable-just tiny!
Review 42：We liked pretty much everything about Carlyon, the staff were extremely accommodating and helpful right from arrival. Breakfast was perfect and it's in a great location.
Review 43：Minute room with less than double bed, and we were greeted by an acrid smell of the breakfast cooking when we arrived at 4.30 pm.
Review 44：Great location and someone must have had nice views- but not us! Disconcertingly, just outside our bedroom window was a staircase leading to a parking area- not ours - which was barely six feet away and three feet above our window. Quite a surprise as you get in or out of bed!
Review 45：The location was excellent, with a lovely morning sea view, and an excellent breakfast before ambling down to the shops/bars/beach. The ladies that ran it could not be more helpful or kind. I had made a mistake on my booking and they were lovely and sorted it effortlessly.
Review 46：The water in my room was cold for 3 days, thank goodness for the electric shower!!
Review 47：The view was fantastic, and it was lovely to have a 4' bed in my single room.
Review 48：Room was very small and faced back of the building so no view of any sort - ask for room with sea view
Review 49：Really good location right by train station, staff were quite helpful, nice breakfast
Review 50：Nothing we didn't like.
Review 51：The staff were really helpful and dealt with anything we asked. Enjoyed a lovely week with brilliant sea views! We purchased a parking permit from them which I would strongly advise for everybody as parking spaces are rare in St Ives and the parking permit we purchased was infront of bed and breakfast on the beach!
Review 52：a bit cramped and noisy floor boards around bathroom area and blinds too thin ( but were going to be replaced.) Very busy road outside and too warm to keep windows closed - but view and position compensated for this
Review 53：Wonderful seaside view and near station. Good hostess and clean facilities. easy access for town.
Review 54：The only car park is at the railway station and carrying the bags from the car to the hotel up the Two flights of stairs was a real pain. It is not really possible to park outside the hotel to unload as there are double yellow lines and the hotel is adjacent to a very busy corner in the road. Our room was 1A and we had the noisiest floor in our shower-room I have ever heard. Going for a sneaky bathroom visit during the night was quite impossible and would wake the dead. Our shower-room door was a wooden bi-fold door which swayed around and banged the fire door closure on our main bedroom door.
Review 55：Only approx 10 minutes walk from the town. The staff were terrific and made us feel at home and very welcome. Breakfast was perfect. The view from our bedroom was fantastic.
Review 56：Had to phone for member of staff to answer door and pay bill.
Review 57：Convenient location , friendly staff, good breakfast , clean. Finishing touches of workmanship bit rough round edges and bit overlooked with dodgy blind .
Review 58：Had great difficulty getting luggage from car park, up steep stairs, across the road and then up 2 sets of narrow, winding stairs to our room. Breakfast was greasy and cold.
Review 59：Hotel location.
Review 60：Rooms are very bright in the morning but I spoke to the owners and they are in the process of changing the roller blades to darker tones.
Review 61：Fantastic location and view from the rooms. Comfortable beds. The breakfast is delicious and the owners very kind. I have been staying at this guesthouse 3 years ago, this summer and hopefully soon again.
Review 62：- Toilet won't flush properly; - The shower was broken (burning hot water and then cold water) - Not sure if the price justifies the place. - Breakfast was not good.
Review 63：- The location was good - Free WiFi in room - Good view - Polite staff - Comfy bed
Review 64：Room very hot/airless ... quiet noisy with people in and out + up/down stairs. And bloody seagulls
Review 65：Staff very pleasant and helpful, superb breakfast.
Review 66：Wifi could have been better. Room was a little small but easy to cope with. Plenty of storage for belongings though.
Review 67：The service for special dietary needs was first class. The view from the room was superb. The staff were very helpful at all times.
Review 68：A small suggestion, a tooth mug or glass would have been helpful.
Review 69：Location, close to all amenities (although on a noisy and busy road), and wonderful sea views, friendly and helpful staff and good breakfast.
Review 70：too small double room, no suitable chair and table to work. the room photo is not same as the really room.
Review 71：well location, only need several minuteswalking to seaside. well full English breakfast.
Review 72：Stained bed base, filthy duvet, paper blinds that let the street light in, and large chair at window, where two smaller ones would have allowed both of us to watch the seaside.
Review 73：The view and the breakfast
Review 74：The accommodation was not fit to sleep in never mind, stay. In one of the 2 rooms, the toilet was in a cupboard with a hole for ventilation and this was one of the many faults. I could go on. The bed was too small. There was 40 cm around the bed. The window didn't shut. It was dirty. It was outrageously expensive for what it was. Booking.com should be ashamed for listing this property
Review 75：In the guesthouse: nothing
Review 76：The entrance is on a busy road, not convenient The light that shines early in the morning and shades insufficient Breakfast was stingy and minimal
Review 77：offered parking for 5 pounds a day Clean place Lovely beach view
Review 78：The Managers. What a great couple. So friendly, happy and helpful. Ensured I had everything I expected and checked when I missed breakfast once (rushing to be somewhere else after a fun night out). Oh and the views. Remember to pull the blinds before undressing. Bus goes past window.
Review 79：Location: busy road, double yellow lines, no facility to unload cases. Concerned at the time of booking re stairs - was told one small flight of stairs to room, BUT there was also step up within bedroom AND two further steps to bathroom with no handle to support! (It was a small room, possibly originally a single room judging by position of the light and the drop down a step at one side of the bed and no bedside table that side.) Concerned at the time of booking there was only a skylight and no window, and told we would be compensated by having the sea view at breakfast, but we were given table at rear of room with radio blaring. Had to ask for bathmat. DIY needed on split wood on step up to room +lower shower didn't work & top shower had prob. When explaining concerns to Proprietor just repeated several times they were not registered for disabled, rather than accepting that eg a handle to cope with the big steps up to the bathroom would have been helpful. (No mention of steps within bedroom when booking, although Proprietor had been told steps were a problem. Also at time of booking we had been assured of table with sea view for breakfast. The view on the website does not match the view seen from the table in dining room.) Very poor value for money and Proprietor very defensive rather than accepting the politely given constructive feedback to improve things for future guests! This response just added insult to injury, in that one would have thought that useful feedback could be received well in order to improve the business and comfort for guests. Parking disastrous, location on busy road with double yellow markings and not possible to park to unload. A permit WAS provided for the station car park, a road below and parallel to the guest house, but this involved number of steps up or long haul up a slope further away. People need to know this before booking.
Review 80：White towels.
Review 81：The view was incredible, especially a treat while reading a book in the massive chair out looking Porthminster - the room was clean, with a comfortable bed, and little but nice on-suite. Breakfast was lovely quality - really worth the money for a few days away. Really do give this place a try, really happy being such apart of St Ives in a cosy b+b for the weekend!
Review 82：Could do with a design make-over and the bathroom was tiny.
Review 83：Great view from the bedroom overlooking the beach, welcoming and friendly staff. Good value for money.
Review 84：Room very small and cold, but sorted by staff. For the size of the room it should be a single only. Pricey for what it is! Breakfast options are just ok. Walls too thin so very noisy from neighbours doors and stairs creaking.
Review 85：Great location, happy staff and nice view at the breakfast room.
Review 86：Family room bathroom door didn't close properly. Room heating appliance.
Review 87：Great location - really close to the train station. Staff were really great and very helpful. Bathroom renovation.
Review 88：It was such a reasonable stay I hardly like to put a negative on it....just a warning that if you have any disabilities or even dodgey knees! dont stay on top floor as its quite a climb. However able bodied folks will not be fussed as when you open the bedroom door the view blows you away.
Review 89：The views from our bedroom were stupendous - the little bay in St Ives. It was only a short walk to the town too. Jenny was so lovely...super helpful and polite.
Review 90：The room (2a) at the back set partly in the eaves will kill anyone over 6ft. I'm exactly that and spent more time bent double than standing up. The bed mattress was knackered and so were our backs after three days.
Review 91：Jenny the manager was very helpful, friendly and willing. The location with sea views for breakfast was welcoming.
Review 92：Location is perfect, the manager is lovely and very attentive to every guest. Breakfast is delicious and a good selection to choose from. Room was very clean and the view is absolutely divine.
Review 93：Can't find anything!
Review 94：Jenny was tremendously welcoming and helpful, room clean, comfy and great sea view, breakfast (great options) cooked to perfection. I had the veggie option and wished I had taken a picture, as it looked scrumptious. Best thing: located right opposite the stairs to the station.
Review 95：If I must grizzle .. the view from the room was not good as it looked out the back .. However we were out most of the time so it made no difference. Family room does not have a sea view .. but you can't have everything!
Review 96：Friendly staff and lovely comfy beds!! Great shower and as I travelled with two older daughters we chose the family room with adjoining bunk bed room for them. Slept great and delicious breakfast was in the window with awesome views across St Ives.
Review 97：As we were on the top floor, the WiFi was not great, but we didn't mind too much. The room had a bit of rubbish under the bed, but i only noticed as i lost my shoe under there.
Review 98：The view was insane, the location was amazing and the staff where lovely.
Review 99：Something that definately has to change are the rooms blinds :-(
Review 100：We liked the fact we had a comfy bed, hot shower, tea making facilities, lovely breakfast & not far from anything we wanted to see. We hardly spent anytime in the room as that wasn't the point in our trip. We are a well travelled family & whilst yes it may not be the best around, it had what we needed.
Review 101：The room we booked was very small and didn't have a sea view. To be fair we did know it was a small room when we booked.
Review 102：Good location. Ideal for Train and Bus stations. Clean room with descent shower. Great freshly cooked breakfast or continental if preferred. Freindy owners.
Review 103：Bedroom was rather cramped, and the shower/toilet even more so.
Review 104：Room, although small, had the most fantastic view across St Ives. The young couple running the business were very pleasant. Lovely location to St Ives town, plenty of restaurants. An excellent base for a trip to Cornwall.
Review 105：The room is a bit small and there are no seats in the room.
Review 106：Good location where is close to the rail station and the bus station. The view of the dining room is also excellent. Breakfast tastes well.
Review 107：The B&B was being run by inexperienced people, who had no idea of how to present breakfast. The cooked breakfast was served on cold plates, you were not asked if you wanted white or brown toast you were just presented with a mixed rack. One of our party didn't eat all items of the cooked breakfast, but for the items not wanted, there was nothing else offered in replacement. We requested plain bread with the breakfast and this came just plonked on top of the breakfast un-cut, which ironically filled the plate otherwise the plate would have looked almost empty
Review 108：The best thing we liked was the view from our bedroom, this we could not fault. The location for the town, carpark and beach was excellent.
Review 109：WIFI was not too strong in the room but I believe this was being looked into.
Review 110：Proprietors were warm, helpful, welcoming - but not in your face. Breakfast was delicious and set me up for the day. The location was a stones throw from the bus and train stations. The view from the room was heavenly. It was very thoughtful to pack me a breakfast for my early start on my last day. My email before arriving was answered promptly. The room was tastefully furnished and the guesthouse had lovely works of art on the walls. Toiletries were provided within the room and a well-stocked folder with local information was provided. The booking was made easy online and I only had to pay when I was in resort. I would definately recommend this accommodation.
Review 111：I visited as a group of three and enjoyed the comfort and locality to the market place in st ives. the views were excellent and going to sleep and waking to the sound of the waves was lovely.also the ensuite facilities made a difference and the level of cleanliness was excellent.the staff were polite and very helpful and pleasant.
Review 112：The room was smaller than I expected by the pictures of the hotel. The bathroon door is too short so it doesn´t allow to keep noise out to the room. Too high price at the end of August for this kind of accomodation
Review 113：I liked the location, the staff and as they take care of details serving the breakfast with style and careness.
Review 114：Good selection of breakfasts available Calm relaxed place to stay Staff were excellent ,friendly and helpful Outstanding view from our room Free wi-fi En suite in our room Affordable
Review 115：I received a warm welcome on arrival and was shown to my room and talked through everything. The room was clean comfortable with kettle and coffee, tea, milk, biscuits and towels with a nice chocolate on arrival. I especially enjoyed the lovely view from the bay window, I found myself sat in the comfy Poang chair just taking in the spectacular views of st ives. You get a choice of breakfast which are of top quality local produce. I would highly recommend the carlyon guest house, the staff are 1st class the rooms are comfy and clean,the views are breath taking.
Review 116：Room 2 (the "small double" room) simply isn't big enough to hold a double bed and two people - no where to leave a suitcase, move around etc. The room is at the back of the building with no view other than car parks and washing lines ("garden view"). The blinds did not come close to keeping-out the sunlight. Cooked breakfast was really stingy in size and quality.
Review 117：Good location, close to the bus and train station
Review 118：The matress was really uncomfortable so I wouldn't recommend anyone if they would be hoping for a good night's sleep after a long drive and need of rest.
Review 119：Staff were friendly.
Review 120：the room wasn't worth the price as it had no sea view and was not easy to manoeuvre around when 2 people are getting ready to go out
Review 121：Location was good and breakfast was lovely
Review 122：Older people may find hill that b & b is on a bit steep. Wifi a bit hit and miss, but it does tell you that for the upper rooms.
Review 123：Fantastic views. Very close to train station. Friendly helpful staff. Nice room, ensuite with tea making facilities. Close to beaches and shops. Great breakfasts included. Fabulous seating area over the road. Takeaways, post office and shops very close by.
Review 124：The room, correctly advertised as a small double, was a little pricey.
Review 125：There was a wonderful ambience to this guest house. The owners were congineal and helpful.
Review 126：The only fault if I have to pick one is that the Wi-Fi only worked downstairs but that gave me a great break from technology.
Review 127：Staff were friendly, they had a great choice of breakfast options, beautiful views and great location to everything including the train station. Loved the large single room it was perfect for my stay!
Review 128：Stairs, but to be expected, and rob was more than happy and willing to help out with luggage hauls.
Review 129：Fantastic location, fabulous views. excellent and warm hospitality, with every effort made to accomodate particular requests, and help out with local knowledge. Excellent brekfast too!
Review 130：They advertise that the office is open from 14:00 but when we arrived we found it was only open from 16:00. We were booked in the wrong room and had to move the next day. The room we then got was small and uncomfortable, leaving me to walk with my head on my chest not to bump it against the ceiling. Parking is at least 500 yards away at a daily rate of 5 pound Stirling.
Review 131：Very well located near the beach and the station. Good breakfast.
Review 132：One of the staff member had som bad days, and she showed very little flexibility when asked. The way she ansvered us made my us feel uncomfortable, with the result that my wife (beeing mor tender than me) avoided joining the brekfastroom for most of our stay. The rest of the staff was very helpfull and friendly.
Review 133：I was awoken too early by constant creaking from the floor in my room (1a), coming from movements in room 1 next door which even made my bed move (!). I guess these 2 rooms may have originally been just one room. The room appeared to be too small for twin beds and space was lacking. Bathroom - floor also creaked badly, no hooks or rails for towels or clothes, no handle inside door (it had broken off), no bath mat, and fluorescent lamp above sink didn't work. In my opinion, not worth £90 per night - more like £60 (£70 max).
Review 134：Excellent view across St Ives bay. Helpful, friendly staff. Enjoyable breakfasts. Bed reasonably comfortable.
Review 135：Great view from our room. Close to town centre and all local beaches. Friendly and obliging manager.
Review 136：N/A
Review 137：The lady who owns the b&b was delightful. I really enjoyed my breakfast and the view from my room.
Review 138：Warmth of Welcome, friendliness and consistent hospitality, always - a joy
The Fine Print
Please note that parking is limited, and must be booked in advance with Carlyon Guest House.