HOTEL CONCEPT OF THE MONTH | THE STAR CASTLE
Hotel Concept of the Month:
The Star Castle
Originally a 16th Century fort built to fend off the Spanish, the Star Castle has operated as a hotel for
the past 85 years and offers guests a unique island-hopping experience
T
he Star Castle Hotel is a unique
and characterful hotel located on
the Garrison, a short walk from
the centre and harbour of St Mary’s, the
largest island on the Isles of Scilly. Built in
the shape of an eight pointed star in 1593,
it is still completely intact, including the
dungeon, moat and outer walls, which give
it its distinctive star shape. It has been a
hotel since 1933, but twelve years ago, it
was bought by the Francis family, who have
Guests can be taken on a tour of the
since turned it into an award-winning four- islands by the hotel’s own boatman who
star property. helps them plan the day island hopping. A
Inside the stone walls the ambience
team of dedicated and long serving staff
of an old castle still reigns, with a portrait are all committed to ensuring your stay is as
of Charles II on the staircase and a grand relaxing and enjoyable as possible.
fireplace within the Elizabethan dining
Renowned for its customer service, it
room, which used to be the officer’s mess. also offers two award-winning restaurants
Beyond the castle, it offers spacious featuring fresh lobster and crab caught by
seaside-chic accommodation within four the owner Robert Francis aboard ‘Gallos’ -
acres of secluded gardens. Facilities the hotel’s very own fishing boat. For drinks,
include an indoor heated swimming pool, guests can visit the unique Dungeon Bar,
tennis court, complimentary golf and formerly the prison in which Cromwell crony
courtesy transport throughout your stay. Sir John Ireton was once held. Guests can
Guest rooms also allow for commanding also sample some of the fine wines that have
views of the Archipelago and have all been been produced in the hotel’s own vineyard.
styled individually in natural fabrics, colour
and detail.
When asked the guests reaction to the
hotel the Star Castle staff said: “Visitors
return to the Star Castle again and again,
loving its history, character, warm welcome
and excellent restaurants.”
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www.hotelowner.co.uk
December 2018