The Old Vicarage
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The Old Vicarage

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About

#22 of 61 B&Bs in St Ives
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
The Old Vicarage is a family run charming former Victorian rectory. We provide four Star quality en suite accommodation with on-site parking and our AA Breakfast award ensures our guests are offered one of the best breakfasts in St.Ives!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TheAA: The Automobile Association.
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Residential Neighbourhood
Historic Hotel

Location

Parc an Creet, St Ives TR26 2ES England

Reviews
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Detailed Reviews
Chris Davison wrote a review Aug 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We have visited The Old Vicarage several times before and will continue to do so for as long as we can. The grounds and building are stunning and the there is ample onsite parking (a rarity in St Ives), but what really sets this place apart is the friendly and personal service from the hosts: Dianne and Martin. They go beyond the extra mile to ensure you have everything you need. On our journey to Cornwall we had some car trouble and Martin not only recommended a local garage but called them and booked us in straight away to get it looked at. They accommodated our children as though they were their own (which is not easy when you have wandering, inquisitive under 5’s!) every morning our little boy would head towards the kitchen window to see Martin, who made him feel so special and valued - he is just great with kids! Dianne was super accommodating with our fussy eaters at breakfast time and nothing was too much trouble. She still makes the best omelettes I have ever tasted and breakfasts are incredible! Dianne was also great when we needed extra towels, she just made everything feel so simple and like nothing was too much trouble.
Before we set off this summer, we were unsure about holidaying under the current Covid-19 climate; everything was a bit uncertain. Dianne and Martin reassured us and put in all the measures necessary to keep guests safe. They were professional and made new arrangements to accommodate everyone at a safe social distance and they practised what they preached, providing PPE for staff and making extra allowances with hand sanitiser and wipes around the hotel for guest use and clearly marking areas for public use and for specific guests.
We can not recommend this friendly bed and breakfast highly enough. St Ives is a stunning location in Cornwall and The Old Vicarage is a great place to stay and enjoy all it has to offer.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StacyCentralFlorida wrote a review Jun 2022
Central Florida
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We absolutely loved our stay at The Old Vicarage! We were warmly welcomed and were treated very lovingly for the 4 nights we stayed. Breakfast every morning was so very good. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel appreciated and help us with a couple of matters. It was easy to walk downhill into town to site see and eat dinner, and then grab a taxi back up to the inn. If you follow the directions from the inn vs trying to use gps,it’s very easy to find the inn as it sit up in and behind the main road you come down. Our room was very comfortable and quiet and in the mornings, we enjoyed listening to the birds sing their songs. Overall, we loved our time there!
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Follow the directions the inn sends and do not use gps. The inn sits up behind the houses on the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lukas Schatz wrote a review Oct 2023
Vienna, Austria
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A rustic furnished but beautiful B&B on the hillside of St Ives.
We stayed here for 7 nights in August 2023, there was plenty of choice at breakfast which was very good.
The staff/hotel owners were polite and courteous, Sarah in particular was very welcoming. The walk down to the town was easy and uphill back there is the option of taking a taxi.
The hotel is quietly situated on a hillside in St Ives and you don't notice anything of the otherwise busy town.
The rooms were clean and really "British" furnished, just as you would imagine as a foreign tourist. There was plenty of parking space.

We would come back at any time!
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Date of stay: August 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dianne Van Staeyen, Owner at The Old Vicarage
Responded 12 Nov 2023
We are very pleased you enjoyed your stay with us and your holiday in St. Ives this summer. We really do appreciate you taking the time to write a review about the Old Vicarage and thank you for your very positive comments. We look forward to seeing you all again next time you are planning to visit Cornwall.
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Tracy L wrote a review Jan 2025
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We love staying at The Old Vicarage! We've been coming here for nearly 12 years now, sometimes 2 or 3 times a year. It feels like our 2nd home . I know it does to other guests as we quite often see the same people at the same time of year! We just love the ambience of the place! It's an old house and decorated accordingly. It has a beautiful garden, with lots of lovely flowers, plants and trees.
There are 6 rooms and we've stayed in 3 of them, although room 3 is my favourite! Some of the rooms have multiple beds, perfect for families. Plenty of storage, with a wardrobe and a chest of drawers. Tea and coffee making facilities.
Highly recommend the full Cornish breakfast, yummy! Personally it sets me up for my swim at the beach, but if swimming isn't your thing then there lots of walks to go on, or you can sit at the harbour and watch the world go by!
We are always made to feel welcome by the owners, Dianne and Martin and nothing is ever too much trouble.
Looking forward to our next visit, swimming costume is already packed!
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Date of stay: September 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kellyv7689 wrote a review Jun 2021
Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
2.0 of 5 bubbles
This was the only place we could find with availability in St Ives and now I know why. From the name we weren't expecting a modern hotel but there are certain things that you expect. Like wifi, that we couldn't get in our room, windows that close and don't let draughts in and guttering that doesn't leak, dripping loudly outside the window that doesn't close all night. The lobby/ entrance area smelt mouldy and fusty as did the room that was cramped with unneeded furniture and soft furnishings. Looks like it's in serious need of some updating and renovations, guessing they just can't keep up with them.
They had done a good job of trying to implement Covid restrictions but this meant going downstairs via a set of narrow, uneven stairs that were quite dangerous. There was also a random shower cubicle in the back corridor, thank God we never saw anyone in there.
Breakfast was ok and serving staff friendly. Quite a walk to town and beach so not sure how suitable it is for the older folk it probably is catered for.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dianne Van Staeyen, Owner at The Old Vicarage
Responded 5 Jun 2021
Thank you for taking the time to write a review about the Old Vicarage, its quite strange that it has taken you 10 months since your stay with us to share your experience on Tripadvisor! It is also a shame that you didn't let us know about the problems you were experiencing while you were staying here so we could have had the opportunity to try and address them. As it has been 10 months since your visit, several of your grievances have already been addressed; we were aware that WiFi was an issue with our solid granite walls affecting the signal so have gone to considerable expense to have the system wired in. WiFi now reaches every room in the house. Our windows are in need of attention as they are the original frames, however they do close, you just need to apply a little more effort than you would with a new window. We were not aware of the leaking gutter and we really wish you had pointed this out to us immediately so we could have fixed it for you, also so that our future guests would not be affected, how are we supposed to know what needs servicing unless it is brought to our attention? We do mention this in our welcome folder that we appreciate being informed if anything needs repairing. There is no mould in our entrance hall nor any of the other rooms and it certainly does not smell! All areas are cleaned everyday so I reject this as unfair criticism of a problem that does not exist. As for your issue with the bedroom furniture, we only provide what is needed to meet the minimum 'AA' standard accreditation requirement. Non of it is 'unneeded', we also provide furniture for the benefit and comfort of our guests so they can unpack their clothes and belongings and relax on the chairs without having to sit on the bed! We take our guests safety very seriously so the Covid protocols we have implemented our in strict adherence with Government guidelines. The exit stairs are not normally used by our guests so this is only a temporary measure while restrictions are in place. I accept they are narrower and steeper than the main stairs but I reject that they are 'uneven and dangerous' I find it interesting that one of the properties you reviewed on the same holiday you actually complained about the lack of Covid restrictions so I find it confusing here that you are complaining because we have taken all the precautions we can. The 'random shower cubical' by the exit fire door is for beach goers to remove sand before returning to their rooms. As these stairs and exit corridor are not normally used its location is not an issue, of course we would not allow anyone to use this shower while these measures are in place and guests are using this exit! We are very honest about our location and the distance to the town centre, this information is clearly written on our website and we always provide our guests with transport info for those who do not wish to or cannot make the 15 minute walk to town. Thank you again for your input, I hope I have addressed your issues but only wish you spoken directly to us during your stay.
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blackandwhitemariner wrote a review Aug 2022
York, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Based on this visit and our 5 other visits we would heartily recommend the Old Vicarage. It is a Victorian themed B and B with the facilities u would expect from a small hotel. The breakfast menu is extensive and prepared with care to ur requirements using quality ingredients. The en suite bedrooms are well furnished and super clean and the breakfast staff are kind and friendly. We have stayed in the family rooms which are great too but this more of a quiet comfortable hotel for adults or older children. Make sure you sample Dianne’s home made yoghurt!
It is very handy for walking into St Ives which saves the hassle of parking. The downhill walk is 10 mins; uphill on the way back is harder but in our late 50s we manage!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dianne Van Staeyen, Owner at The Old Vicarage
Responded 30 Aug 2022
It is always a pleasure to welcome regular guests and familiar faces back to our Old Vicarage, especially after a couple of years of such disruption. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us again and we really appreciate you taking the time write a review with such positive comments. We look forward to seeing you both again.
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marilynstef wrote a review Sept 2024
1.0 of 5 bubbles
I am writing this while still at the Old Vicarage. Only 11 hours until I can leave. Why don't I leave now and seek better lodgings? Because I am on a Cornwall bike trip and can't move my luggage on my bike. The tour company moves it everyday. So I and my husband are trapped.

Where to begin? The small room is crammed with a queen bed and a twin. No place to put luggage except on the beds. We have to take turns walking because the room between the beds and the walls is miniscule.

After biking all day, we find that the nearest food is a mile away. And this place is scary empty. After the landlady showed us our room, she disappeared. Haven't seen an employee or another guest since.

We trudge down the hill to find something to eat. Then trudge back up another mile. Getting ready for bed, my 6'4" husband takes the queen bed, I I discover that the twin bed I need to sleep in has no sheets or pillowcase. The extra bedding in the closet is another mattress pad and pillow with no pillowcase. We try to find anyone to help us. Again, no humans to be found. Should be an interesting night.

I guess I should be grateful for a roof over my head, and there is internet. And it is fairly clean. But, please, think carefully before booking this place. And yes, I have shared this with the bike tour company.
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Date of stay: September 2024
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
1.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
1.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
1.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dianne Van Staeyen, Owner at The Old Vicarage
Responded 10 Jan 2025
We are disappointed by your very negative review and actually surprised and totally baffled by your account. Almost all the criticisms directed at us and our accommodation are completely untrue. I will address each point in order the order you made them: The room we reserved for you is a spacious 10ft x 16ft with 3 separate windows, it certainly cannot be described as small. It does not have a queen bed and a twin as you state, it has a king bed and 1 single so hardly ''crammed''! We provide all our guests with a luggage wrack so again, untrue to say there is nowhere to put luggage. To describe the space between the beds and walls as 'miniscule' is also misleading, there is 2ft one side and 3.5ft the other side of the king bed, hardly a 'miniscule' space. We are located 3/4 of a mile from the town centre where all the restaurants and cafes are situated, not 1 mile as stated above, an easy 15 minute walk or 3 minute bus ride. St. Ives is also well served by several taxi companies for guests not wishing to walk after the last buses have finished. We provide plenty of information about all the transport options available in the entrance hall. To describe our place as 'scary empty' is also misleading, all our rooms were occupied the night you stayed but as it was the middle of a warm sunny day when you checked in, I suspect that most, or all of the other guests were out actually enjoying themselves not sitting in their rooms feeling 'trapped'! You said I 'disappeared' after showing you to your room, I am not sure exactly what you expected to happen next? After checking guests into their rooms I leave them to get settled in and respect their privacy, I don't 'disappear' We are always easily contactable if needed, there is a service bell in the bar and entrance hall and our mobile numbers can be found in the welcome folder provided in every bedroom. Our employees only work in the mornings so that would be why you didn't see any of them when you arrived. We are a family run guest house not a hotel and so we do not have a 24 hour reception. Perhaps you should have stayed in a Hotel if you wanted staff available at your beck and call! You said the spare bed had no bedding, well that is because you requested a 'double bedded room' when you booked through the tour operator, if you had requested a 'twin' then the spare bed would have been made up as well as the King (again, not queen) You said you tried to find someone to help but I don't recall hearing the service bell and neither did we receive a call on our mobile phones (numbers provide in the welcome folder) so you couldn't have tried very hard to find someone to help! Also, if you were so dissatisfied with your experience, why didn't you mention your grievances to our waitress serving you're breakfast the next morning? We we were cooking your breakfast so we could have at least had the opportunity to address your complaints in person. When the bike tour operator came to collect your luggage that morning after you had left and informed us of your complaints, we showed him the room you had stayed in, he was as surprised and baffled as we were. The cycle tours company have been using us for years and we have always had excellent feedback from their customers, yours was the first complaint he has ever had about the Old Vicarage. I think that and the fact that the vast majority of our guests reviewing us on this platform are extremely happy with the accommodation and service we provide says everything any potential future guests need to know when reading your review. Dianne and Martin
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Douglas R wrote a review Jun 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We booked this accommodation in St Ives for a recent event and we could not recommend it enough. It is very clean and is in a great location. The hosts were fantastic and very very helpful and really made the stay. The Old Vicarage is a truly fantastic gem in St Ives and we would definitely recommend to anyone. The group thoroughly enjoyed their stay here. The beds were comfortable, the hotel was clean and the amenities were really great. Again, cannot recommend enough. Would definitely stay here again for either business or leisure
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Date of stay: June 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dianne Van Staeyen, Owner at The Old Vicarage
Responded 24 Jun 2021
Thank you so much for taking the time to review the Old Vicarage and we are so pleased your group enjoyed their stay with us. We very much enjoyed hosting your delightful colleagues for the G7 event, it was a pleasure to look after them and we were very happy that they were able to create their own media centre here in the hotel instead of having to travel to Falmouth daily, which would have taken a considerable amount of time out of their working day. We look forward to welcoming them all back on either business again or for a leisure holiday.
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ChilternHills27 wrote a review Sept 2020
Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed at The Old Vicarage for a long weekend in August and it was perfect. Only a short walk into town or to the beach, it was lovely to stroll down for the evening and not have to worry about parking.

The breakfasts at the Old Vicarage were great and there was so much choice! The room we had was lovely and there was plenty of space for what we needed. We also loved the garden and the outdoor space, which is perfect for when there’s nicer weather.

Would definitely recommend The Old Vicarage if you’re staying in St Ives - everyone was so friendly and welcoming, it was a lovely stay.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter O wrote a review Jul 2020
Sunbury-On-Thames, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I spoke to Dianne a couple of weeks before restrictions were lifted about staying for a few days, she is an impressive lady running an equally impressive guest house. All the reviews on here I'd say are 100% accurate except the ones that dont give them top marks for everything, it's like a little home from home. Dianne runs a well organised ship, ably assisted by the laid back Martin, the busy young Dolly and the energetic Amanda, they cannot do enough for you, if you dont get a fantastic nights sleep in the most comfortable beds then you have an issue !!! We arrived on their first day of the new Covid regulations but with little effort they work absolutely fine, go for the full English breakfast option, unbeatable!! Someone left a less than favourable review moaning that no one waved them off when they left !! Pathetic!!! Dianne Martin and Cat were all the drive waving us off as we left, almost emotional !!! Thanks guys, we will see you soon xx
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marmacita2018 asked a question Jul 2019
Wolverhampton, United Kingdom4 contributions
Are there tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms?
Answer from bevk1510
Swindon, United Kingdom15 contributions25 helpful votes
HI yes plus biscuits !
Answer from saintia
cornwall3 contributions1 helpful vote
Thank you for your enquiry, unfortunately we will be closed by then for roof renovations. Sorry we are unable to meet your in this instance, we would be pleased to hear from you again should you be able to visit us at another time. Regards Dianne Van Staeyen
Answer from Tonilab
Canberra, Australia13 contributions5 helpful votes
Hi Emma, I agree , contact the owner. They do allow dogs inside, as there were people there during our stay with dogs. Enjoy, it is wonderful,
StacyCentralFlorida wrote a tip Jun 2022
Central Florida136 contributions51 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Follow the directions the inn sends and do not use gps. The inn sits up behind the houses on the main street that you come in on."
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Suzie T wrote a tip Nov 2020
White Rock, Canada10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Room 4 at the back was peaceful"
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castaway_8 wrote a tip Oct 2018
Chilcompton, United Kingdom15 contributions10 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Room 3 lovely for a couple"
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sanneburgon wrote a tip Apr 2018
Hertfordshire, United Kingdom1 contribution1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Room 4 spacious and bright"
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JSHD2016 wrote a tip Apr 2017
Oxfordshire, United Kingdom108 contributions17 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Ring up and talk with Martin and Dianne I am sure they will very quickly match you to a suitable room."
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LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandCornwallSt Ives
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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THE OLD VICARAGE - Updated 2025 Reviews & Photos

Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Vicarage
Which popular attractions are close to The Old Vicarage?
Nearby attractions include Kidz R Us (0.6 miles), Escape Time - St Ives (0.5 miles), and Porthmeor Beach (0.7 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Old Vicarage?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at The Old Vicarage?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Old Vicarage?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Old Vicarage?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Cornish Deli, The Razor Clam, and Porthmeor Beach Café.
Is The Old Vicarage located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.5 miles away from the centre of St Ives.
Are there any historical sites close to The Old Vicarage?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Chysauster Ancient Village (3.8 miles), Zennor Head (3.7 miles), and Saint Nicholas Chapel (1.0 miles).
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