Name: Union Hotel
Address: Union Hotel, Chapel Street, Penzance, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4AE
Price range: US$82+
Rating: 8.4

Key details

About the Hotel

Union Hotel, Chapel Street, Penzance, Penzance, TR18 4AE

Near Penzance Promenade Beach

Guest rating

5.9

/10

5.0

3.5

Loved by Union Hotel guests

Warm welcome

Comfortable bed

Excellent breakfast

Friendly staff

Clean shower room

"Union Hotel is on Chapel street, where is a very famous pub and at the end of the street there is a Church as well."

Ion from United Kingdom

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"The view from our room over the harbour was superb."

Anonymous from United Kingdom

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"The breakfast was the best part of the stay."

Sundncr from United States

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Historic 17th-century Penzance hotel with Trafalgar ballroom and sea views

History & Heritage

The 17th-century Union Hotel in central Penzance houses the Georgian ballroom where the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar was announced. The Theatre Bar displays 18th- and 19th-century playbills and was visited by Charles Dickens during his stay. The hotel's historic connections include Admiral Lord Nelson and significant UK events and figures.

Rooms & Accommodations

The hotel has 28 rooms with traditional style, and many rooms overlook Mount's Bay. Room types include Family Rooms and Sea View Rooms, each with traditional decor. The property is a 5-minute walk from the sea and close to Penzance Promenade Beach.

Dining & Entertainment

Hamilton's Restaurant serves homemade dishes using produce from the local area. Nelson's Bar offers live music performances on weekends. Full English breakfast is served in the Theatre Bar, visited by Charles Dickens when he stayed at the hotel.

Location & Local Attractions

The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the sea, and the town's cinema and theatre are 2 minutes away. Penzance Promenade Beach, St Michael's Mount, and the Isles of Scilly ferry terminal are nearby. The centre of Penzance has local eateries, shops, and restaurants serving Cornish cuisine and globally influenced menus.

Weddings & Events

The Georgian lounge and ballroom accommodate weddings, receptions, and functions. Meeting and banquet facilities are available for event planners. Free private parking is available on-site for guests.

Highlights

History: Georgian ballroom where Trafalgar victory was announced

Rooms: 28 traditional rooms with Mount's Bay sea views

Dining: Hamilton's Restaurant with local produce

Entertainment: Live music weekends at Nelson's Bar

Location: 5-minute walk to the sea and 2 minutes to cinema and theatre

Nearby: Penzance Promenade Beach, St Michael's Mount, and Isles of Scilly ferry terminal

Parking: Free private parking on-site

Must-do experiences

Stroll through the historic streets of Newlyn, known for its art scene.
Indulge in a Cornish pasty from Philps, a local favorite on Market Jew Street.
Visit the Penzance promenade at sunset for stunning seaside views.
Explore the unique features of the Penlee House Gallery and Museum.
Stop by the lively Exchange Gallery for contemporary art exhibitions.

Location: Great

8.3/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningHearty Breakfasts

Breakfast includes a choice of cereals, yogurts and a cooked breakfast. Sunday roast is available: a must!

Oliver from England

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Media & EntertainmentFolk Music!

Tuesdays offer Celtic folk music in the Nelson bar. The bar dates back to before the Battle of Trafalgar.

Seamus from Ireland

Review on

Room FeaturesSea View!

Ask for a room with a sea view! Some rooms offer views of St. Michael's Mount.

Noah from United States

Review on

BathroomConsistent Shower

The bathroom was good. The shower was consistent and warm, with good water flow from both taps.

Ava from Canada

Review on

Select your preferred room

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

Twin Room Sea View
2 persons
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Double Room Sea View
2 persons
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Single Room
2 persons
1 Single bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details

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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Free parking
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Services

Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Live entertainment
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Dining Onsite

Union Hotel boasts dynamic dining experiences at Hamilton's Restaurant and Nelson's Bar, blending British and international flavors in a charming setting. Guests can savor artfully prepared dishes alongside captivating live music, all while immersed in a rich historical ambiance.

Hamilton's Restaurant

British, International

Ambiance

Nestled within a 17th-century building adorned with original artwork, Hamilton's offers an inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying meals with friends and family.

Key Offerings

Diners can delight in homemade soups, roast meats, and locally sourced fish from Newlyn. The buffet menus or carvery enhance the culinary journey, complemented by a backdrop of art and history.

Reservation

Recommended.

Open for lunch daily from 12:00 to 14:30.

Nelson's Bar

British, International

Ambiance

This vibrant bar features 18th and 19th century playbills, creating a unique blend of history and warmth, ideal for both relaxation and celebration.

Key Offerings

Alongside delectable libations, the bar regularly hosts live music, showcasing diverse artists from around the globe, fostering a lively atmosphere for guests.

Reservation

Not needed.

Hours vary.

Union Hotel Location

Union Hotel, Chapel Street, Penzance, Penzance, TR18 4AE

Map view

City landmarks

Gallery

Newlyn Art Gallery Ltd

1.62 km

Garden

Trengwainton Garden

2.58 km

Landmark

The Pipers

1.61 km

Landmark

Polgoon Vineyard

1.45 km

Landmark

Round called Lescudjack Castle

870 m

Landmark

Penzance Promenade

700 m

Historic Site

St Michael's Mount

4.17 km

Landmark

Newlyn Bridge Gallery

1.61 km

Church

Gulval Parish Church

1.96 km

Garden

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

2.98 km

Nearby

Museum

Penlee House Gallery and Museum

390 m

Garden

Morrab Gardens

210 m

PenzanceEngland

Chapel Street

10 m

Western Promenade Rd

Jubilee Pool

560 m

Church

Saint Mary's Church

240 m

Morrab Road

Penlee Park Open Air Theatre

350 m

Gallery

The Exchange

60 m

PenzanceEngland

Boscawen-un Stone Circle

110 m

Treriefe House Treriefe House Trereife House Near Newlyn

Trereife House

110 m

5 Alverton Street

The Alverton Gallery

220 m

Church

St Mary the Virgin Church

250 m

Mall

Wharfside Shopping Centre

530 m

The Basement

Eureka Escape Cornwall

90 m

Penzance TR18 4HY

Penlee Park

400 m

56 Chapel Street No Longer In Chapel Street

Stoneman Gallery

30 m

Battery Rd

Battery Rocks

530 m

Gallery

Cornwall Contemporary

120 m

Bread Street

Tradstract Gallery

210 m

Gallery

Lighthouse Gallery

310 m

Penzance

Remwood Lagoon

570 m

Restaurants

Curry Corner

10 m

68 Chapel Street

The Tremenheere

140 m

4-8 Market Place

Colyers Cafe

50 m

61 / 62 Chapel Street Arcade

Full House Chinese Take Away

120 m

2 Parade Street

Warren's Bakery

250 m

11 Market Jew Street

Wetherspoons

230 m

Market Jew Street

Mounts Bay Pasty Company

230 m

8 Market Jew Street

Rosie's Tea Rooms

300 m

28 Market Jew Street

Smugglers Den

250 m

10 Causewayhead

Poppies

280 m

Belgravia Street PRC Outreach

Subway

260 m

68 Causeway Head

Explore Penzance

Local Highlights

Penlee House Gallery and Museum

5 minutes walking

Art and local heritage exhibited in a stunning Victorian house. Features regular special exhibitions and beautiful gardens.

Morrab Gardens

3 minutes walking

Beautiful ornamental gardens offering a peaceful retreat with exotic plant species and scenic views of the sea.

Saint Mary's Church

5 minutes walking

Historic church with striking stained glass windows and notable architecture. Offers a calm and reflective atmosphere.

Jubilee Pool

7 minutes walking

Unique art deco seawater lido. Ideal for swimming and sunbathing, opening summer season with stunning coastal views.

Coastal Walks

10 minutes walking

Picturesque coastal trails providing breathtaking views of the sea. Perfect for walking enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Yoga by the Sea

10 minutes walking

Relaxation sessions available in various locations by the beach. Ideal for unwinding and rejuvenation after busy days.

St Michael's Mount

10 minutes drive

Iconic tidal island with rich history and stunning gardens. Regular boat rides available for a unique visit experience.

Curry Corner

1 minute walking

Local favorite serving delicious Indian cuisine. Casual atmosphere with vegetarian options available.

The Tremenheere

2 minutes walking

Charming spot offering freshly prepared dishes using local ingredients. Ideal for a relaxed meal or coffee break.

Colyers Cafe

1 minute walking

Cozy café known for its homemade cakes and hearty breakfasts. Great for families and quick bites.

Penzance Promenade

9 minutes walking

Vibrant seafront offering a relaxed atmosphere with live music on weekends. Ideal for evening strolls and family outings.

The Acorn Theatre

10 minutes walking

Local performance venue featuring a range of shows including music, theater, and comedy. Suitable for all ages.

Getting around the city

City Centre
Penzance 3 min · 200 m
Airports
Penzance (PZE) 30 min · 2.5 km
Land's End (LEQ) 22 min · 14.5 km
Train
Penzance Train Station 8 min · 600 m
Penzance Railway Station 8 min · 600 m

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:30-21:00

Check-out

from 07:00-10:00

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

All visitors are offered a continental breakfast for a fee.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Year renovated:

2007

Number of rooms:

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Union Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Union Hotel is appreciated for its central location in Chapel Street, Penzance, making it convenient for accessing the sea, shops, and transport links like the rail and bus stations. Guests often comment on the spacious rooms, including family rooms with comfortable beds and recent refurbishments, with some rooms offering amazing sea views. The hotel boasts historical significance with original features throughout the building and an awesome function room; however, some guests have noted that the building is showing its age. A highlight for many is the superb breakfast, while the bar is known for offering drinks at good value.

Review score

Based on 5 verified reviews

8.4 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Location

8.3/10

Staff

8.0/10

Facilities

5.9/10

Value for money

6.0/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Central location

Comfortable bed

Cons

Dated decor

based on 344 reviews

3.5/5

Taylor from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 23, 2026

9.0/10

Early Breakfast a Plus!

central location early breakfast clean accommodation

I was grateful the hotel arranged an earlier breakfast. This accommodation allowed me to catch my train with minimal stress, after I miscalculated my departure time. The location was central, meeting all my travel needs. I found the cleanliness commendable.

The bathroom fixtures seemed somewhat dated.

Dining

9/10

The breakfast was enjoyable, and the dining area presented a pleasant space to start the day. The chef accommodated a gluten-free diet, offering a personal touch to the meal service. The breakfast options included a variety of choices.

Location

10/10

This hotel is centrally located, providing easy access to shopping areas. The railway station is also near the location of the hotel. This allows for convenient exploration of the surrounding areas without extensive travel.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel features a bar with folk music on Tuesdays. This is a nice touch for entertainment. On-site parking is available. It offers convenience with vehicles. The ballroom provides a glimpse into the building's history.

0 Helpful

Justin from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: January 03, 2026

9/10

historical charm and friendly staff

original features family room

the building has retained many original features throughout. the spacious family room included recently refurbished areas and comfortable beds.. the location in chapel street is very convenient. it is close to the sea and shops.

0 Helpful

Jackson from United States

Single

double room sea view

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 29, 2025

9.0/10

historic charm by the sea

simple access live music

the hotel is near the train station so access was simple. the hotel bar offered live music which added to the evenings. i appreciated the proximity to local restaurants and nightlife options so it was easy to find a place to eat. the staff assisted with storing luggage after checkout so i could continue exploring.

the stairway to my room was very grubby which affected the first impression. i had to climb several flights of stairs with no lift. the communal areas require maintenance.

Rooms

9/10

The family room accommodated three and featured recent refurbishment. It was spacious and clean. the beds were very comfortable so it was a place for a good night's sleep. the view of the egyptian building from the bedroom provided a unique touch.

Service

9/10

the staff were helpful with an early breakfast to catch my train which was very convenient. they were also friendly and accommodating so it was a pleasure to interact with them. the staff ensured i could leave my luggage after checkout.

Dining

8/10

the breakfast had an early start to accommodate travel schedules. the selection had various options with the english breakfast proving hearty. the breakfast experience was superb overall so it was worth the visit.

Location

10/10

the hotel is located in chapel street, just minutes from the sea. it is also within a ten minute walk to the rail and bus stations. several shops are very close by so necessities can be taken care of.

0 Helpful

Camila from United States

Family with children

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 16, 2025

6/10

weak pressure dust layer

The staff was helpful and the location was very convenient.

The bathroom was quite basic with an old suite. The shower dial kept falling off. The water pressure was WEAK. The shower head did not stay upright. Layers of dust were behind the beds on the skirting board.

0 Helpful

Jordan from United States

Single

Double Room

3 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: November 01, 2025

9.0/10

Comfortable Stay with Friendly Staff

friendly staff clean room convenient location

the staff demonstrated really good helpfulness and friendliness. the room was very clean and i found the bed very comfortable (it really helped me rest). the hotel's location was convenient to nearby amenities and attractions.

the bathroom sink was a bit small, making it slightly difficult to use comfortably.

Rooms

9/10

the double room had adequate space and contained tea and coffee making facilities. complimentary toiletries were provided in the bathroom. a wall-mounted tv was also included for entertainment.

Service

10/10

the breakfast service provided a full english breakfast along with toast, preserves and cereals. the bar service was quick and efficient. the reception staff offered assistance with directions.

Location

8/10

the hotel is situated close to the town center. it is near public transport links, with access to neighboring areas. there is free parking available (a great benefit).

0 Helpful

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