This wonderful hotel has a fascinating history and now a literary history too - I was drawn to it when I discovered it had partly inspired an exciting new novel, Whistling Jack, by Penzance-based writer Josephine Gardiner. A beautiful old building with lots of slightly faded glamour. I have found with hotels of this type, reviews can vary wildly because sometimes the glamour is more faded in one room than another. I was very lucky with my single room, 12, which has the best view in Penzance - over the rooftops and out to sea - and you can admire this view from on high without anyone overlooking you! There's a floor to ceiling curving window on one wall. The two smaller windows on two other walls made this an airy place during a heatwave. The room was well equipped and the shower was powerful and well-designed. The staff are exceptionally kind and helpful and the cooked breakfasts delicious. The public rooms, like the breakfast room and assembly rooms, are fascinating, full of strange statuary and paintings. Finally, the hotel couldn't be better located - in the centre of Penzance with lots of good bars, cafes, shops around you. Nearby Morrab Gardens and the grounds of St Mary's Church are lovely quiet places to sit. Ferry port and train station are both nearby too (quite a steep route with luggage, so think about a taxi). The Hypatia Trust bookshop, Women in Word, just round the corner, off Chapel Street, sells the novel Whistling Jack that led me to chose this hotel for my visit - but, don't worry, the hotel of the 1970s in the book was only inspired by the Union Hotel which is not a spooky place in real life.

I think a simple way to raise overall review scores would be either to have a hairdryer in each room - or just to make it clearer in advance that you borrow them for short periods from reception.

Everything about this hotel was perfect. If you want a bit of character, rather than your big standard premier inn, then this is the place for you! Historical building, beautiful room with original features and non ikea furniture, sea view to haze out at. I was travelling on my own and stayed at the hotel for 5 nights, all staff were super friendly, especially those on the breakfast duties. Respected my privacy whilst at the same time always been willing to help. Highly recommend and can’t wait to stay again- thank you!

Nothing really, the only slight problem was a leaky shower adapter but was still able to have a lovely hot bath and shower in morning…just old school style ;)

This is not a 'luxury hotel' but is affordable and pleasant. The staff were extremely cheerful and helpful and went out of their way to to make us feel at home. My fiend and I booked a twin room and were very pleased to find ourselves in a large family room with a twin and two singles directly opposite the Egyptian House. The hotel is right in the centre of town which makes everything easily accessible. Parking provided which was a bonus especially at the height of the season. I will certainly use it again in the future.

The interior of the hotel would certainly benefit from redecoration and new carpets but this would cost a fortune in such a large and interesting building and would almost certainly lead to less affordable prices, which would be a great shame. Our bedroom certainly was more than adequate in size and was perfectly clean with comfortable beds.

The bar was very comfortable with great bar staff. We had a snack at lunchtime and dinner before going out, both were well presented and were good value for money. The breakfast was very good. It was freshly cooked and was delivered within the time I would have expected. The location is perfect for exploring the town. The Car Park can get full, so make sure you get there as early as you can. The Car Park is around the back of the hotel - Check Google Maps!

There is not much we didn't like about this hotel. As mentioned, the Car Park could be an issue, but not for us, as we got there around 1/2pm. The only downside, which was not the hotels fault was the noise from some drunken people. As we had a room at the front and on the first floor (with the window open) we heard some fairly 'fruity' language!! If you are a light sleeper, I would suggest asking for a room towards the rear of the hotel.

Room was at front of hotel with a large window letting in lots of light. Interesting view along historic street and The Egyptian House opposite. Room had been decorated and had new carpet. Furniture very old but added to ambience of the room and hotel. Comfortable stay for a couple of days. Breakfast was very good with a variety of options, and bar in the evening comfortable if you didn't want to venture out and also sold "pub grub" which was very good. The hotel building is very old and historic. Therefore if you appreciate an old building which is quirky and interesting (but does need some maintenance), this hotel will suit you. Staff were lovely and very helpful. We also met so many friendly people also staying at the hotel. Hotel so well placed to walk around historic area and near bus and rail station. Loved Penzance.

Room was comfortable but could have done with some small additions to make it more user friendly e.g. hooks in room or bathroom to hang clothes, towels or even wet things up for drying. There were none at all. Car parking around the back was not easy to get to (one way streets etc) and very limited - we left car once parked and got buses (which suited us anyway) in case we couldn't park again. However, there is a long stay car park near hotel.

Historic building in the heart of Penzance, handy for everything and free parking included if you get there early enough. The staff were all friendly and helpful, especially the lady on reception, don’t know her name unfortunately. She sorted an issue with the heating as soon as we asked.

It is a lovely old building but the rooms do need some modernisation. The breakfast is very basic but it is cooked fresh to order so can’t complain too much.

The Union isn't a travel lodge or premier Inn. If you want a modern hotel this isn't for you. If you want a historic location and ambience you have come to the right place. We had a room with a great view of the harbour The breakfast was well cooked with great tomatoes and bacon In the evening there is a good atmosphere in the bar, and you get access to the hub of the town. The hotel is also a 5 minute walk to the harbour The staff also went that extra mile to make us feel welcome. My wife had a lovely hot bath in the morning

The decor in the room was a little tired but was not unexpected. The room was clean, and comfortable

Excellent, characterful Chapel Street location affording easy walking access to Market Jew Street; harbour & ferry port and seafront; Morrab sub-tropical gardens; Exchange gallery; etc. Well-appointed room with ample clothes storage and, although not booked, with the bonus of a roof-tops view over the harbour and Mount's Bay. Very friendly, helpful staff: chef even came in early to cook us breakfast in time for the Scillonian III ferry. Good, full-English breakfast cooked to order. Wonderfully grand Trafalgar-themed public rooms. On site parking if not already full.

Hot water not always reliable in the morning. Carpark sometimes full. Restaurant not operating during our stay - but with so much choice and good seafood elswhere hardly an issue. Breakfast choices a little limited - only American and no Continental alternative to the excellent full-English cooked to order.

The hotel is full of character and in a great location. The view from my room over the rooftops to the sea and St Michaels Mount was the best I’ve had in any hotel. Staff are all very pleasant , and they served a very nice breakfast in the charming dining room. The hotel is almost next to The Exchange contemporary art gallery where the exhibitions are always interesting. The old building obviously presents some challenges, but we loved our stay at The Union. And it’s great value for money! Some reviewers mention seagull noise. To me waking up to the sound of gulls is one of the best parts of a coastal holiday!

Nothing

The Shower fitting was old and did not work properly with the result that it was impossible to get a decent shower. The bathroom was big enough to have an up to date shower cubicle installed while leaving the existing bath as is.