Name: The Dolphin Tavern
Address: Quay Street, Penzance, Cornwall
Price range: US$168+
Rating: 9.2

The Dolphin Tavern Penzance People photo

Key details

About the Hotel

Quay Street, Penzance

Close to Penzance Promenade Beach

Perfect

9.2

9.9

/10

4.5

Loved by The Dolphin Tavern guests

Warm welcome

Delicious food

Friendly staff

Comfortable beds

Great breakfast

"The room has relexed comfort, excellent shower and binoculars to get a closer look at St Michaels mount, birds etc."

Lydia from United Kingdom

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"We booked two rooms, one for my husband and I and the other for mum."

548JoR from United Kingdom

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"Excellent location right opposite the quay, nice to sit and watch the world go by."

steven

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The Dolphin Tavern: 5-Room Harbour-Front Historic Inn with St Michael's Mount Views

Location & Views

The Dolphin Tavern sits directly opposite the Scillonian ferry terminal in Penzance harbour. Guest rooms, including the Deluxe Double Room with Sea View, overlook Mount's Bay and St Michael's Mount. Penzance Promenade Beach is a 2-minute walk away, and St Michael's Mount is 6 km from the property.

Accommodations

The hotel has five guest rooms, including Standard Double Rooms and the Deluxe Double Room with Sea View. Each room has a private bathroom with walk-in shower, soundproofing, and a TV. Complimentary snacks and beverages are provided in every room, and family accommodations include extra beds and cots on request.

Dining

The Dolphin Tavern restaurant serves British cuisine made with local ingredients, and the bar offers St Austell ales, wine, and champagne. Breakfast includes full English/Irish, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options with warm dishes, juice, and cheese. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are on the menu, with kids' meals available for younger guests.

Family-Friendly Stays

The hotel provides family accommodations with extra beds and cots available on request. Kids' meals are served in the restaurant, which offers brunch, lunch, and dinner. Penzance Promenade Beach is a 2-minute walk from the hotel, and The Egyptian House is 500 metres away.

Pet-Friendly Policies

The Dolphin Tavern is a dog-friendly inn and provides dog treats for pets. Dogs can accompany guests in the restaurant and bar, and water is provided for dogs. The hotel has a terrace and outdoor seating area for guests with dogs.

Highlights

Location: Opposite the Scillonian ferry terminal and 2 minutes from Penzance Promenade Beach

Views: Guest rooms overlook Mount's Bay and St Michael's Mount

Rooms: Five guest rooms with private walk-in showers and complimentary snacks and beverages

Dining: St Austell ales, wine, champagne, and full English/Irish breakfast options

Pet Policy: Dog treats and water provided for dogs

Family: Extra beds and cots and kids' meals in the restaurant

Must-do experiences

Visit the iconic St. Michael's Mount at low tide for stunning views.
Savor a slice of Cornish pasty at the Penzance Pasty Co. nearby.
Take a stroll through the tranquil Morrab Gardens for a peaceful escape.
Explore the Penlee House Gallery & Museum for local history and art.
Catch a live show at the historic Minack Theatre overlooking the sea.

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

View hotel location

Highlights from guests

DiningBest breakfast ever

The Cornish breakfast included a wide selection and my customized order was accommodated. The food was delicious and the portions were generous.

Emily Carter from United Kingdom

Review on

BathroomSpotless and Modern

The newly remodelled bathroom was spotless and included a great shower. The fluffy white towels were a plus after a long day.

Hans Müller from Germany

Review on

Room FeaturesHarbour view!

The bay windows offered superb views of the harbour. It had a nice window seat to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Isabelle Dubois from France

Review on

Guest ParkingConvenient Location

It is conveniently positioned near the train station and the Scillonian ferry, making it easy to walk over.

Kenji Tanaka from Japan

Review on

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates

Standard Double Room
2 persons
23 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Deluxe Double Room Sea View
2 persons
25 m²
1 Queen-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
25 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details

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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay

Facilities: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
No parking
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Golf course
Fishing

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Services

Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Children

Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Beach access

Room features

Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

The Dolphin Tavern features a delightful dining option that brings comfort and authenticity through British cuisine. Family-friendly and accommodating of various dietary needs, this inviting spot ensures that every meal can be enjoyed in a warm atmosphere.

Restaurant #1
British
Ambiance
Family-friendly, cozy setting perfect for gatherings
Key Offerings
A diverse menu catering to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences. Enjoy hearty brunches, lunches, and dinners in a welcoming atmosphere that encourages relaxation and connection.
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily from 12:00 - 09:00

The Dolphin Tavern Location

Quay Street, Penzance

Map view

City landmarks

Museum

Penlee House Gallery and Museum

910 m

Garden

Morrab Gardens

650 m

Landmark

Chapel Street

630 m

Landmark

Penlee Park Open Air Theatre

670 m

Mall

Wharfside Shopping Centre

600 m

Landmark

The Alverton Gallery

620 m

Gallery

The Exchange

710 m

Landmark

Boscawen-un Stone Circle

760 m

Historic Site

St Michael's Mount

3.8 km

Landmark

Penlee Park

760 m

Gallery

Newlyn Art Gallery Ltd

1.65 km

Landmark

Penzance Promenade

710 m

Garden

Trengwainton Garden

2.99 km

Landmark

Eureka Escape Cornwall

740 m

Landmark

Round called Lescudjack Castle

1.09 km

Gallery

Lighthouse Gallery

700 m

Nearby

Western Promenade Rd

Jubilee Pool

290 m

Church

Saint Mary's Church

160 m

Church

St Mary the Virgin Church

160 m

Treriefe House Treriefe House Trereife House Near Newlyn

Trereife House

510 m

Battery Rd

Battery Rocks

210 m

Penzance

Remwood Lagoon

180 m

56 Chapel Street No Longer In Chapel Street

Stoneman Gallery

380 m

Gallery

Cornwall Contemporary

500 m

Bread Street

Tradstract Gallery

530 m

Restaurants

Harbourside Cafe

450 m

Wharf Road

Jubilee Pool Cafe

170 m

Battery Road

The Pirates Rest

490 m

62 Daniel Place

Curry Corner

640 m

68 Chapel Street

Colyers Cafe

680 m

61 / 62 Chapel Street Arcade

Warren's Bakery

660 m

11 Market Jew Street

The Terrace

630 m

15 The Terrace Market Jew Street

Mounts Bay Pasty Company

790 m

8 Market Jew Street

Wetherspoons

550 m

Market Jew Street

Station Buffet

600 m

Wharf Rd Penzance Railway Station

Zebra Crossings

640 m

Morrab Road

Explore Penzance

Local Highlights

Morrab Gardens

8 minutes' walk

Victorian gardens featuring exotic plants and seasonal blooms, perfect for a leisurely stroll and picnics.

Penlee House Gallery and Museum

11 minutes' walk

Art gallery showcasing local artists and historical exhibits, offering free admission on certain days.

Jubilee Pool

4 minutes' walk

Iconic art deco lido with seawater and stunning ocean views, ideal for a refreshing swim and sunbathing.

Chapel Street

8 minutes' walk

Historic street filled with charming shops, cafes, and galleries, offering a taste of local culture.

Water Sports at Marazion Beach

9 minutes' drive

Thrill-seeking water sports such as windsurfing and paddleboarding available for rental along stunning coastline.

Trengwainton Garden

8 minutes' drive

Relaxing garden with subtropical plants and tea room, perfect for unwinding amidst nature.

Penzance Promenade

9 minutes' walk

Scenic waterfront walkway ideal for leisurely strolls, jogging, and enjoying ocean views.

Harbourside Cafe

6 minutes' walk

Casual dining with a focus on fresh seafood and local produce, offering delicious daily specials.

The Pirates Rest

6 minutes' walk

Family-friendly eatery serving hearty pub dishes and a wide range of beverages in a cozy ambiance.

Jubilee Pool Cafe

3 minutes' walk

Charming cafe with a selection of light meals and snacks, perfect post-swim treat with sea views.

Penlee Park Open Air Theatre

10 minutes' walk

Family-friendly venue hosting outdoor performances throughout the summer, including concerts and plays.

Eureka Escape Cornwall

9 minutes' walk

Fun escape room experience with themed challenges great for families and friends, perfect for rainy days.

Getting around the city

City Centre
Penzance 8 min · 600 m
Airports
Penzance (PZE) 27 min · 2.2 km
Land's End (LEQ) 22 min · 14.4 km
Train
Penzance Train Station 9 min · 700 m
Penzance Railway Station 9 min · 700 m

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 13:30-22:00

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The Dolphin Tavern from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise the hotel's prime location, especially its proximity to the ferry for the Scilly Isles and the railway station. The rooms are frequently described as spacious with great views of the harbor, often featuring modern walk-in showers; many appreciate the comfortable beds. While the food generally receives positive comments, some guests have found the meals to be of average quality. The pub's historic charm is often mentioned, alongside the convenience of on-site dining.

Review score

Based on 7 verified reviews

9.2 /10

Perfect

100%

Recommend

Staff

9.7/10

Location

9.6/10

Value for money

9.0/10

Free Wi-Fi

9.1/10

Pros

Helpful staff

Harbour front location

Clean room

Cons

Limited soundproofing

Georgia from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe Double Room Sea View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 17, 2026

9.7/10

harbour stay

harbour location warm welcome comfortable room

the location is perfect for getting to the harbour , a very short walk. the staff welcomed me warmly , it was nice to have a meal and chat with them. my room had a harbour view and felt both spacious and comfortable. i found the breakfast excellent , a satisfying start to my days.

Rooms

10/10

the room had binoculars , perfect for closer views of st michael's mount and the birds. the shower worked excellently , a great way to refresh after a long day. breakfast was served punctually , a detail i appreciated.

Dining

9/10

i enjoyed homemade chowder with local cider , both tasted amazing. the portions were generous , maybe shareable next time. the staff provided attentive and friendly service , it created a nice atmosphere.

Location

10/10

the hotel is very close to the jubilee pool , about 50m. it is convenient for ferry access to the isles of scilly. i easily reached everything i needed , because the location is central.

0 Helpful

Matthew from United Kingdom

Single

Deluxe Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: January 15, 2026

9/10

excellent stay at quayside

quayside location great choice spacious room

the location is excellent near the quayside. i found a great choice of meals on the evening menu. the room was spacious and also spotlessly clean.

0 Helpful

Ethan from United Kingdom

Single

Deluxe Double Room Sea View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 24, 2025

9.0/10

FANTASTIC stay

great location close proximity nearby train station

I enjoyed the great location OPPOSITE the ferry check-in. the close proximity to a long-stay car park was also a huge help. the train station is near. I DIDN'T need a long walk.

the road below HAD some traffic, but i quickly got used to it.

Service

9/10

the staff WAS wonderful, AND allowed me to store my bags. they also helped with dinner reservations, which i REALLY appreciated. EVERYONE was friendly and helpful .

Facilities

10/10

the room WAS super clean and cozy, with a GREAT view of the harbor. the shower was AMAZING and really made a difference to my mornings. the building's history added character.

Dining

8/10

i HAD a very good breakfastwith a full Cornish breakfast. the quality WAS nice and the size just right. there WAS a great atmosphere in the pub.

0 Helpful

Mia from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe Double Room Sea View

2 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 20, 2025

9.5/10

a romantic getaway by the sea

attentive staff immaculate shower comfortable bed

The staff were great. Our room overlooked the scillonian ship. the shower room was immaculate with a large, clean shower. the bed was comfortable. I had a lovely night's sleep. the fresh paint smelled good. the breakfast was excellent. I will remember the taste for a long time.

the room was perhaps slightly smaller than i anticipated, still very cosy though.

Location

10/10

the hotel is less than two minutes walk from the harbour. it is also near the jubilee pool, approximately 50 meters away. the proximity to the quay is a huge advantage.

Rooms

9/10

Our beautiful double room offered a fine view of the sea. the room was a good size with a comfortable bed and quality bedding. binoculars added an extra touch. I used them to watch the ships all day.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel provided safe luggage storage during the day. This was so helpful. the hotel has a charming, traditional atmosphere. it felt very cosy and cute. i loved the quirky details throughout the building.

Dining

10/10

I enjoyed pub food at a reasonable price. the manager was kind and considerate, helping non-english speakers. water was provided for our dog. This was very thoughtful. the food was AMAZING!!!

0 Helpful

Joshua from United Kingdom

Single

Deluxe Double Room Sea View

3 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: September 17, 2025

9/10

convenient stay

great view clean decor large shower

The staff was helpful. My room had a great view of the harbor. the room was clean. I also liked the large shower. breakfast was good too.

0 Helpful

Aiden from Australia

Couple

Deluxe Double Room Sea View

3 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: September 09, 2025

9.5/10

Really good Stay!

freshly cooked breakfast relaxing location bedroom binoculars

The included breakfast offered many choices. Everything was freshly cooked, it was a lovely start to the day. The location is fantastic, it is right opposite the quay. Watching the world go by was relaxing. Binoculars are provided in the bedroom, it is perfect for dolphin spotting.

The stairs creaked a little.

Facilities

9/10

The building retains its 1585 charm, it has plenty of character. This historic tavern offers a unique and nice atmosphere. A bus stop is directly across the road. Day trips are easily accessible for exploring the surrounding areas.

Rooms

10/10

The Beautiful Double Room Sea View offered excellent views. The room had lovely fresh smell and it was very clean. This detail contributed positively to the overall experience. Binoculars were available in the room. Dolphin spotting was possible directly from the window.

Location

9/10

The hotel is directly opposite the quay. Ferry terminal access for the Scilly Islands is convenient. A bus stop is located just across the road. Various day trips are easily accessible. The Jubilee Pool is only 50m away. This offers additional recreation.

Service

10/10

The staff was genuinely friendly and happy to help. Staff shared their knowledge of the local area, this made planning excursions much easier. The staff maintained fresh, clean premises. This ensured a very comfortable stay.

0 Helpful

Daniel from United Kingdom

Single

Deluxe Double Room Sea View

3 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: August 09, 2025

9/10

sea view comfortable bed free coffee

The room faces the sea and had binoculars. The bed provides great comfort. They offer free tea, coffee, and water was in the room.

The street near the pub is a little noisy.

0 Helpful

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