Hotels in St Ives (Cambridgeshire)

Having lived in St Ives since the 1980s I can assure you it’s a wonderful and charming market town to visit, with riverside walks, historic architecture, and some true gems when it comes to pubs and cosy cafés.

But what hotel should you stay in?

This will depend on your budget, whether business or pleasure, and what you plan to do while visiting St Ives.

Below are some great recommendations, and why they may suit your needs:

The Golden Lion Hotel – Best for staying in the heart of town

Bang in the heart of St Ives, The Golden Lion Hotel has so much to offer.

Once owned by comedian Eric Morecambe of Morecambe and Wise, this 18th-century inn is a really nice place to stay.

En-suite rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a traditional pub restaurant offering decent food. It’s pet friendly as well, which it’s really nice to see.

If you want to visit the shops, market, and river, The Golden Lion is right in the middle of all of it.

This will be the hotel for you if: You want to be in the middle of town with historic charm.

Pros: Central, pet-friendly, characterful.

Cons: Limited parking; some street noise.

The Dolphin Hotel – Best for riverside relaxation

Situated right on the river and next to the historic bridge, The Dolphin Hotel is your next choice if you want to be fairly central and a short walk from St Ives.

There is ample parking but be warned the larger area of car park often floods in the winter months (don’t worry, you’ll be fine now you know).

The Dolphin Hotel doesn’t offer the same grandeur of The Golden Lion, but on hot summer days you will love sitting by the river with a cool drink, and they often have a bouncy castle for the kids.

The décor isn’t the best, but the rooms do the job, and the location is convenient.

This will be the hotel for you if: You want a quiet spot by the river with easy access to St Ives.

Pros: Riverside location, parking, conference facilities.

Cons: Décor may feel dated.

Olivers Lodge Hotel – Best for budget-conscious travellers

I have to say the 3 star Olivers Lodge Hotel has mixed reviews, but may offer a more budget friendly option which is still within walking distance to the town centre and market.

I haven’t stayed at Olivers Lodge Hotel so cannot provide any other insight, but it’s worth mentioning as the price may suit your needs.

This will be the hotel for you if: You’re after an affordable place to stay within walking distance from St Ives.

Pros: Budget-friendly, breakfast included.

Cons: Basic amenities; older decor.

Eagle Mill (Houghton) – Best for a boutique countryside retreat

Eagle Mill is slightly out of St Ives so you’ll need a car, but it offers fabulous stylish rooms and an excellent breakfast.

As an added bonus it’s also a short drive into the beautiful village of Houghton which I highly recommend for a walk along the river, visiting Houghton Mill (National Trust), and the excellent traditional pubs of The Three Horseshoes and Three Jolly Butchers around the corner in Wyton village.

This will be the hotel for you if: You want a tranquil, boutique stay and excellent food.

Pros: High-end finish, excellent breakfast.

Cons: Requires a short drive into St Ives.

The Old Bridge Hotel (Huntingdon) – Best for a luxury getaway

The Old Bridge Hotel is the furthest option from St Ives on this list, but it’s worth mentioning as it’s a very classy place to stay.

If you’re looking for a stylish room, fine dining, and riverside views, The Old Bridge Hotel offers all this and more in a beautiful Georgian building.

The Old Bridge Hotel is ideal for a special treat or special occasion, and only a short 15 to 20 minutes drive into St Ives.

This will be the hotel for you if: You want luxury with excellent food and wine.

Pros: Elegant, high-end restaurant, scenic setting.

Cons: Higher price; not in St Ives (Huntingdon isn’t as delightful as St Ives!)

Travelodge – Best for consistency and convenience

You’ll already be familiar with the Travelodge chain, which means you’ll know what to expect.

The Travelodge is just outside of St Ives on the A1307 and a great base for visiting Huntingdon and Cambridge as St Ives. It’s a bit out of the way, but on the edge of the delightful village of Fenstanton which offers pubs, cafe, coffee, and some nice rural walks.

Despite being slightly out of town, being a Travelodge means it’s budget friendly, with decent-sized rooms and free parking.

The Travelodge is only a 10 minute drive from St Ives, although access during rush hour can cause delays.

This will be the hotel for you if: You want a familiar, hassle-free stay.

Pros: You know what to expect, family-friendly, easy access.

Cons: Lacks local character.

Alternative accommodation options

B&Bs, guesthouses, and self-catering cottages offer more personal touches. Airbnb options are plentiful for longer stays or group trips.

This will be the option for you if: You’re looking for local charm or extra space.

Share your thoughts!

Have you stayed in any of the hotels mentioned above, or other air or regular B&Bs?

Please add a comment below and let us know about your experience – this will help us and others like you looking to visit the wonderful town of St Ives!