A 16th-century star-shaped fortress, built to guard the Isles of Scilly against invasion, now serves as a 38-room luxury hotel on St Mary’s, blending Elizabethan military architecture with subtropical gardens and modern hospitality. This review draws on verified guest data from Booking.com and editorial coverage from The Telegraph to help you decide if this unique property matches your expectations.
Last checked: 2026-06-10
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Property type: 16th-century fortress hotel · Location: St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, England · Bedrooms: 38 (castle rooms and contemporary suites) · Key facilities: Indoor heated swimming pool, complimentary golf and tennis, courtesy airport transport
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-10.
Sources reviewed: official hotel website, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, KAYAK pricing data, The Telegraph Travel review, Country Living feature, The Hotel Guru summary, GuestReservations listing.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification beyond published rates across booking platforms.
Star Castle Hotel at a glance
- Built in 1593 as an eight-pointed star fortress by Robert Adams and Francis Godolphin (The Telegraph)
- Booking.com scores: staff at 9.3/10, comfort at 9.1/10, facilities at 8.8/10 (Booking.com)
- Rates start from approximately £205 per night (B&B) in low season (Country Living)
- Occupies four acres of subtropical gardens within original garrison walls on St Mary’s (The Telegraph)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Property type | 16th-century fortress hotel |
| Location | St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, England |
| Bedrooms | 38 (castle rooms and contemporary suites) |
| Key facilities | Indoor heated swimming pool, complimentary golf and tennis, courtesy airport transport |
| Year built | 1593 |
| Architect | Robert Adams, Surveyor of the Royal Works |
| Setting | 4 acres of secluded gardens on the Garrison, St Mary’s |
| Distance from harbour | Short walk from St Mary’s harbour |
What is the history of Star Castle Hotel?
Star Castle Hotel began life not as a hotel but as an Elizabethan artillery fortress, built in 1593 under the direction of Robert Adams and Francis Godolphin. Its eight-pointed star design — a classic trace italienne layout — was intended to defend the Isles of Scilly against Spanish invasion. The fortress sits on the Garrison, the promontory guarding St Mary’s harbour, a strategic position that controlled access to the island’s main anchorage.
The structure remained a military fortification for centuries. According to The Telegraph, the building now “mixes centuries-old character with contemporary charm” within its original garrison walls. The 2015 refurbishment added king-size beds, private bathrooms with toiletries, satellite television, and tea and coffee facilities, according to GuestReservations, while preserving the historic fabric of the fortress.
The conversion into a commercial hotel is not precisely dated in available sources, but the property has operated as a hotel for several decades, gradually upgrading from a simple island inn to a 38-room luxury property. The building’s thick granite walls, arched windows, and original gun emplacements remain visible, giving the hotel a sense of physical connection to its Elizabethan past.
Who owns Star Castle Hotel?
The hotel presents itself as a family-run property. Robert Francis, a former politician, is associated with the ownership, though the exact corporate structure is not detailed in publicly available sources. The hotel’s emphasis on locally caught seafood — with lobster and crab “caught by the owner,” according to both GuestReservations and The Telegraph — suggests a hands-on operational approach.
Historical ownership mirrors the building’s military past. The Crown held the fortress until it was decommissioned and sold, eventually becoming private property. The current family ownership has run the hotel since at least the early 2000s, overseeing the 2015 refurbishment and the expansion of guest amenities.
What is the best hotel in the Isles of Scilly?
Among Isles of Scilly hotels, Star Castle Hotel is consistently rated as a top-tier option. Its Booking.com composite score — across categories like staff (9.3), comfort (9.1), and facilities (8.8) — places it above many mainland Cornwall properties. TripAdvisor reviewers frequently call out “outstanding location” and “absolutely fantastic food,” according to 2026 reviews.
However, the Isles of Scilly market includes alternatives. Other hotels and guest houses on St Mary’s and the surrounding islands offer different trade-offs: lower prices, more modern interiors, or beachfront access. For travellers prioritising historic character and service quality, Star Castle Hotel is arguably the strongest option. For those seeking contemporary luxury or lower rates, other properties may be a better fit.
Is it expensive on the Isle of Scilly?
The Isles of Scilly are generally more expensive than mainland Cornwall due to transport costs, supply constraints, and seasonal demand. Star Castle Hotel sits at the premium end of this market. KAYAK pricing data shows average nightly rates hovering around US$550 in April and US$608 in June, though entry-level bed-and-breakfast rates start at approximately £205 per night, per Country Living’s 2024 review.
The Telegraph’s rate example via Booking.com shows rooms from approximately £587 per night for certain high-season dates, reflecting substantial variation by room type and package. A two-night Cosy Double package promoted by Country Living at £395 per person (including breakfast, dinner on both evenings, and a bottle of wine) illustrates the package strategy.
“This striking star-shaped fortress is set within its original garrison walls amid four acres of subtropical gardens, mixing centuries-old character with contemporary charm.”
Telegraph Travel review
Value perceptions are mixed. Booking.com’s value-for-money score of 8.0, while respectable, sits notably below the staff and comfort scores. Some TripAdvisor reviewers criticise room decor as dated relative to high-season pricing, suggesting the hotel trades more on character than on ultra-modern luxury. Guests paying premium summer rates sometimes find the historic interiors less polished than expected.
Star Castle Hotel reviews and prices
Across major review platforms, Star Castle Hotel earns consistently high marks for service. TripAdvisor reviewers use phrases like “first class service, everyone so friendly and helpful, offering help instead of waiting to be asked.” Booking.com’s staff score of 9.3/10, verified from the platform’s 2026 listing, reinforces this pattern.
Pricing varies significantly by season and room type. Country Living’s 2024 review quotes a starting rate of approximately £205 per night on a bed-and-breakfast basis, while KAYAK averages show US$550–US$608 per night for standard rooms in spring and early summer. The Telegraph’s rate example via Booking.com lists some rooms at approximately £587 per night, likely representing larger suites or premium-view rooms.
The hotel’s complimentary amenities — indoor heated swimming pool, golf, tennis, courtesy airport transport, and children’s play area — add tangible value, particularly for families and active travellers. GuestReservations notes all of these as standard inclusions, which partially offset the higher room rates.
Star Castle Hotel afternoon tea and restaurant
Star Castle Hotel serves afternoon tea, a common offering among historic UK hotels, though specific menu details and pricing are not documented in available sources. The main restaurant focuses on locally caught seafood, with The Telegraph noting 2- to 5-course evening menus that change daily and feature lobster and crab sourced by the owner.
Guest reviews on TripAdvisor consistently highlight the food quality. One 2026 review describes “absolutely fantastic food,” while Booking.com’s facility score of 8.8/10 indicates strong satisfaction with on-site dining. The subtropical garden setting, with sea views across the islands, provides an atmospheric backdrop for meals.
Location and getting there
Star Castle Hotel sits on the Garrison, the fortified promontory on St Mary’s, the largest of the Isles of Scilly. GuestReservations describes it as a 3-minute drive from St Mary’s Airport and the Isles of Scilly ferry terminal, and a 5-minute walk from Hugh Town, the island’s main settlement. The hotel provides courtesy airport transport, a valuable perk given the Scilly Isles’ reliance on small aircraft and ferries.
Access to the Isles of Scilly is by fixed-wing aircraft from Land’s End, Newquay, or Exeter (Skybus), or by helicopter from Penzance (Penzance Helicopters). The Scillonian III passenger ferry sails from Penzance, taking approximately 2.5–3 hours. KAYAK confirms free parking and free airport shuttle as standard inclusions, simplifying logistics for guests arriving by air.
Alternatives in the Isles of Scilly
Other accommodation options on St Mary’s include the Karma St Martin’s (a former convent turned hotel) and several guest houses and self-catering cottages. On Tresco, the Island Hotel offers beachfront luxury at comparable price points. Star Castle Hotel’s primary differentiator is its fortress setting and subtropical gardens — no other Isles of Scilly property offers a comparable historic environment.
For travellers who prioritise modern amenities or lower rates, smaller guest houses in Hugh Town or self-catering cottages on St Mary’s may represent better value. The trade-off is losing the on-site pool, complimentary activities, and restaurant that make Star Castle Hotel a self-contained destination.
Star Castle Hotel: pros and cons
What works well
- Service quality consistently rated among the highest on Booking.com (staff score 9.3/10)
- Unique historic setting: a genuine Elizabethan fortress with subtropical gardens
- Complimentary amenities: indoor pool, golf, tennis, airport shuttle
- Strong dining reputation, especially for locally caught seafood
What to consider
- Value-for-money score (8.0/10 on Booking.com) suggests premium pricing vs. room quality
- Some rooms feel dated relative to high-season rates, per guest reviews
- Remote location means higher total travel cost and booking complexity
- Not ideal for travellers seeking ultra-modern luxury or minimalist design
Pricing bands
Based on available data from Country Living, KAYAK, and The Telegraph, Star Castle Hotel rates fall into approximate bands:
- Low season (winter, shoulder): from approximately £205 per night (B&B) — Country Living’s quoted starting rate.
- Spring (April): average approximately US$550 per night — KAYAK sample data.
- Early summer (June): average approximately US$608 per night — KAYAK sample data.
- Peak season / premium rooms: from approximately £587 per night — The Telegraph’s example via Booking.com.
Package deals, such as the two-night Cosy Double at £395 per person including dinner and wine, often provide better per-night value than room-only bookings. These figures are illustrative; confirm live rates directly on booking platforms.
Our recommendation
For history enthusiasts and couples seeking a unique stay, Star Castle Hotel delivers an experience that mainland hotels cannot replicate. The building’s authenticity — a 430-year-old fortress with genuine garrison walls, gun emplacements, and subtropical gardens — is the core draw. The service quality (Booking.com staff score 9.3) and included amenities (pool, golf, tennis, shuttle) add tangible value.
Travellers who prioritise modern room design, minimalist luxury, or the lowest price should look elsewhere on the Isles of Scilly. For everyone else — especially those booking a package deal outside peak summer — Star Castle Hotel offers one of the most distinctive hotel stays in the UK.
Timeline: key dates at Star Castle Hotel
- 1593: Fortress built by Robert Adams and Francis Godolphin as an Elizabethan star-shaped artillery fort.
- 2015: Major refurbishment of guest rooms, adding modern amenities while retaining historic character (GuestReservations).
- 2024: Country Living publishes a feature review positioning the hotel on the “most tropical archipelago” in the UK.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the history of Star Castle Hotel?
It was built in 1593 as an eight-pointed star fortress designed by Robert Adams to defend the Isles of Scilly against Spanish invasion. The building became a hotel in the modern era and underwent a major refurbishment in 2015.
Who owns Star Castle Hotel?
The hotel is a family-run property associated with Robert Francis, a former politician. The hotel’s seafood is supplied by the owner, reinforcing the hands-on management approach.
How many bedrooms does Star Castle Hotel have?
The hotel has 38 bedrooms, including castle rooms and contemporary suites.
What facilities does Star Castle Hotel offer?
Free Wi-Fi, indoor heated swimming pool, complimentary golf and tennis, children’s play area, free airport shuttle, and free parking.
Does Star Castle Hotel serve afternoon tea?
Yes, afternoon tea is offered. Confirm pricing and booking requirements directly with the hotel.
How do I get to Star Castle Hotel?
Fly to St Mary’s Airport (Skybus from Land’s End, Newquay, Exeter, or helicopter from Penzance) or take the Scillonian III ferry from Penzance. The hotel provides a free airport shuttle.
What is the best time to visit the Isles of Scilly?
May to September offers the warmest weather and longest daylight hours. Shoulder months (April, October) provide lower rates, though some facilities may have reduced hours. Winter services are limited.
Sources cited
- Booking.com – Star Castle Hotel listing (guest review scores, address, facilities)
- KAYAK – Star Castle Hotel pricing data (seasonal averages, check-in/out times)
- Country Living – Star Castle Hotel review (2024) (GBP starting rates, package details)
- The Telegraph – Star Castle Hotel expert review (fortress history, pricing, garden setting)
- TripAdvisor – Star Castle Hotel reviews (2026) (guest quotes, service and food praise)
- GuestReservations – Star Castle Hotel amenities (2015 refurbishment, facility list)