Tregarthen’s Hotel Reviews, Menu & Prices for Your Stay

Tregarthen’s Hotel, perched at the foot of Garrison Hill on St Mary’s Harbour, has been welcoming guests since 1849 as the Isles of Scilly’s first hotel. This guide draws on official property records, independent editorial reviews, and recent guest feedback to help you evaluate its rooms, restaurant, and location for your island escape.

Last checked: 2026-09-15

Name: Tregarthen’s Hotel · Location: Hugh Town, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly · Established: 1849 · Accommodation Types: Hotel, cottages, lodges · Meal Plans: Dinner, bed and breakfast · Recent Reviews: Available on Tripadvisor (2026)

Tregarthen’s Hotel is the most established accommodation on the Isles of Scilly, sitting directly on St Mary’s Harbour a few yards from the main quay. The official property site describes it as having “the best views of any Isles of Scilly hotel” (Tregarthen’s Hotel About page). Its position at the foot of Garrison Hill means guests can walk to Hugh Town’s shops and restaurants in minutes, while the quay provides immediate access to boats serving Tresco, St Martin’s, and other off-islands.

Tregarthen’s Hotel: a top choice on St Mary’s

The hotel combines its 1849 heritage with modern accommodation options. Waterside lodges and many rooms face St Mary’s Harbour, and the restaurant is known for panoramic sea views and a seafood-focused menu featuring locally caught crab. Its location at the quay makes off-island exploration straightforward.

The hotel’s restaurant is highlighted by the official tourism board for its harbour views and seafood dishes (Visit Isles of Scilly).

“Tregarthen’s Hotel has long been a favourite with visitors seeking a quiet island escape with breathtaking sea views.”

The bottom line: “Tregarthen’s Hotel has long been a favourite with visitors seeking a quiet island escape with breathtaking sea views.”

— Visit Isles of Scilly, official tourism organisation

What is the best month to visit the Isle of Scilly?

The best time to visit depends on your priorities. The ferry from Penzance operates from March to October, with reduced sailings in early and late season. For the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, June through September are popular. For a quieter experience with lower accommodation prices, May and early October offer a balance of decent weather and fewer crowds.

Dog-friendly accommodation is available at Tregarthen’s in selected rooms and cottages. The official website recommends checking availability directly when booking. The hotel’s location at the quay means easy access to waterfront walks around St Mary’s Harbour and the Garrison, a circular path popular with dog owners.

What to watch: Not all room categories at Tregarthen’s are dog-friendly.

Coast Magazine’s 2026 review notes mains like fish pie and sausage and mash around £20, with desserts such as lemon posset at £8.95. This price point reflects the quality of produce rather than extreme fine-dining margins.

Location and getting there

Tregarthen’s Hotel sits at the foot of Garrison Hill in Hugh Town, St Mary’s, directly overlooking St Mary’s Harbour. The hotel is a few yards from the main quay, making it the closest accommodation to the ferry terminal on the island. From the quay, boats depart for Tresco, St Martin’s, St Agnes, and Bryher.

Getting to St Mary’s from the mainland involves either a ferry from Penzance (approximately 2 hours 45 minutes) or a flight from Land’s End, Newquay, or Exeter. The ferry operates from March to October, while flights run year-round subject to weather.

Our pick: Tregarthen’s Hotel for first-time visitors

For first-time visitors to the Scilly Isles, Tregarthen’s Hotel offers a combination that is hard to beat: the convenience of being steps from the ferry and quay, a historic setting that anchors your understanding of the islands, and a restaurant that showcases local seafood. The hotel is not the cheapest option on St Mary’s, but its combination of location, heritage, and dining reputation makes it a strong starting point for anyone new to the Scilly Isles.