The Golden Lion Hotel, St Ives, Cambridgeshire - The Coaching Inn Group

Hotels
8.6 (1506 reviews)
Market Hill , St Ives , gb

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Packed lunches
Non-smoking throughout
Kid meals
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Good breakfast
Cons:
Noise issues
Parking difficulties
Some cleanliness concerns

Categories

Cleanliness
8.11
Mixed sentiments, with some guests noting a dirty room with cobwebs and another mentioning exceptionally clean.
Service
9.08
Guests frequently mention friendly and helpful staff, contributing positively to their experience.
Location
9.12
Multiple reviews highlight the hotel's excellent location, both convenient and central.
Room Quality
8.07
General sentiments indicate satisfactory room quality, though some reports mention issues such as noise and cramped spaces.
Amenities
8.6
Guests appreciate amenities like comfortable beds and breakfast, but some report a lack of complimentary water.
Value for Money
8.56
Many reviews mention good value for money given the location and amenities.
Food and Beverage
8.61
Consistently positive mentions of the breakfast quality and dining experience.
Overall Experience
8.68
Overall, guests express satisfaction and willingness to return, despite some minor issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-20 15:12

Property Description

Charming 18th Century Coaching Inn
Located in the heart of St Ives, Cambridgeshire, The Golden Lion Hotel is a charming 18th Century Coaching Inn exuding history and character.

Comfortable Accommodation
The bright and airy bedrooms at The Golden Lion Hotel offer en suite bathrooms, tea/coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs. Perfect for a cozy and relaxing stay.

Delicious Dining Options
Indulge in a full English breakfast and a varied menu of freshly prepared dishes using local seasonal produce. Pair your meal with a selection of wines, spirits, and local ales.

Experience the historic charm and modern comforts at The Golden Lion Hotel, St Ives, Cambridgeshire. Book your stay now for an unforgettable experience.

Important information:

When booking 8 rooms or more, different policies and additional supplements will apply.

Children are allowed on request. Contact property with your requirements. Additional fees apply.

Pets are allowed in the classic rooms upon request. Additional fees apply, please contact property in advance to ensure a pet-friendly room is allocated.

The hotel is a popular venue at weekends with various events and can have live music playing until late, they do their best to ensure this is kept to a minimum.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 8 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    No parking available.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for £10 per person per stay when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Adults stay for £10 per person per stay when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.6
Based on 1506 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.11
Service: 9.08
Location: 9.12
Room Quality: 8.07
Amenities: 8.6
Value for Money: 8.56
Food and Beverage: 8.61
Overall Experience: 8.68
S
Scott family_with_children us
8
Overall a pleasant stay
Pros:

Bed was very comfortbale and clean, staff were very friendly, food in tge restaurant was excellent

Cons:

WiFi was not very good, would lile a mini fridge in the room to keep snacks and drinks in.

2026-02-14 via Nuitee
S
Sian couple gb
8
2026-02-13 via Nuitee
S
Stenly solo_traveller gb
10
2026-02-12 via Nuitee
N
Nicki couple gb
10
2026-02-11 via Nuitee
J
Jason extended_group gb
6
Pros:

good breakfast, room clean

2026-02-10 via Nuitee
O
Olivia extended_group gb
8
very comfortable stay, conveneint for town ammenities
Pros:

didn't have breakfast

2026-02-09 via Nuitee
P
p solo_traveller nl
8
2026-02-09 via Nuitee
C
Carole couple gb
7
Good location and meal, small room
Pros:

The location in St Ives is perfect for our trip
This is the second time we’ve stayed here.

Cons:

The room was very small and could hear some noise from a fan of some kind well into the night. I didn’t complain about it, but mentioned it to the man when I checked out, his response wasn’t how I expected and quite unprofessional. I would stay again but make sure it was a different room.

2026-01-31 via Nuitee
J
Jean solo_traveller gb
9
Comfortable and great value for money
Pros:

Lovely atmosphere, well decorated and comfortable

Cons:

No car park

2026-01-31 via Nuitee
G
Graeme solo_traveller gb
9
2026-01-29 via Nuitee
J
Jessica family_with_children it
10
2026-01-28 via Nuitee
H
hazel couple gb
9
In all very pleasant the rooms were exceptionally good
Pros:

Very good varied choice

Cons:

The dining chairs were quiet stained

2026-01-28 via Nuitee
J
Jessica family_with_children it
10
2026-01-28 via Nuitee
R
Roger couple gb
8
Very enjoyable stay in a comfortable hotel with excellent staff
Pros:

Very professional and pleasant staff .Had an issue with the bath , which was resolved very quickly. Room comfortable and the hotel is in a great location .

Cons:

Everything was fine . We have booked to come back in March!

2026-01-27 via Nuitee
C
Chapman couple gb
10
Excellent value. Perfect stay.
Pros:

The room was excellent value for money. There was a bath as well as a shower. Everything was perfect.

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-01-26 via Nuitee
P
Paula couple gb
10
2026-01-26 via Nuitee
S
Sally couple gb
9
Great stay.Comfortable attractive.Would recommend.
Pros:

Fantastic location.Ideal for exploring the local area.Nicely decorated and comfortable room.Attractive bar and restaurant.Great service.

Cons:

Our room was over the restaurant which ment it was noisy at breakfast time.Could hear music,talking and chairs scrapping the floor.My husband slept through it l didn’t.It may not affect everyone.

2026-01-26 via Nuitee
D
Douglas extended_group gb
9
2026-01-25 via Nuitee
J
John couple nl
9
Mooi hotel, goede bar en zeer goed eten , vers.
Pros:

Sfeer

Cons:

Niets

2026-01-24 via Nuitee
D
David solo_traveller gb
8
Great location, staff and potentially a diamond. Just a speedier breakfast and it would have been fabulous.
Pros:

Great location and friendly staff.

Cons:

Breakfast service was incredibly slow despite staggered arrival times and a few of the cooked breakfast items were unavailable. Probably just a blip.

2026-01-22 via Nuitee