Hotel St. Eia takes its name from the saint after whom St. Ives itself was named. Legend has it that the daughter of an Irish noble, a christian girl named 'Ia' desired greatly to join the holy men and women who were setting forth from Ireland to fight heathendom in Wales and Cornwall. She had hoped to find a place in the company of two famous Irish missionaries, but they sailed off without her.

One day as Ia was walking by the waterside, there floated close to her a large leaf. It was so broad and bouyant that she, stepping daintily thereon, was wafted across the sea to the very shore she was seeking...and that place was, what is now St. Ives -
the corrupted form of St. Ia,... the leaf and lady landed!

Built by local marine artist Julius Olsson in 1901 as his home and studio, the Hotel St. Eia is situated on the seaward side, having uninterrupted panoramic views over St. Ives, the harbour and Porthminster beach.

Personally run by the proprietors, this eighteen bedroom hotel of character and charm, offers modern amenities whilst retaining a relaxed happy family atmosphere.

Enjoy a delicious meal at breakfast or dinner in our 36 cover restaurant, or relax in our lounge bar, both with beautiful picture-postcard views overlooking St. Ives bay, harbour and beaches; beautiful by day, spectacular by night.

For sun worshippers, why not make use of our roof garden, with unrivalled views over the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline of Hayle beach with its three miles of golden sands and Godrevy lighthouse; made famous by Virginia Woolf in her book,
"To The Lighthouse". The ideal spot to soak up the sun or just to while away the day!

St. Ives is one of the finest holiday destinations in Europe and the Hotel St.Eia is only five minutes walk from the town, harbour and beaches.

The area is unbeatable for outdoor activities on land or sea; such as fishing, surfing, cycling, rambling etc., but for those who prefer to browse the shops, the cobbled streets of St.Ives are a mass of curios, art galleries and coffee shops.
We are able to take most major credit cards, or cheques accompanied by cheque guarantee cards.