 The Union Hotel is the oldest hotel in Penzance dating back to the 17th Century. Renowned for it's standards of accommodation and food
The hotel has featured in many of the important events of the United Kingdom's history. During the short-lived invasion of the Spanish in July 1595, the hotel was attacked and set on fire. Marks from the fire are still visible on the walls of the bar today. In 1786/7, a theatre was built in the hotel grounds which is still standing, making it the second oldest theatre building in the country. At about the same time, the Penzance Assembly Rooms were built in the grounds and the hotel became the centre of life in the town and the venue for public meetings, balls and soires. It was at one such ball in 1805, that the mayor, Thomas Giddy, announced the great victory at the Battle of Trafalgar and Nelson's death. Penzance was the first town in the country to hear this momentous news and the event is commemorated annually with a Trafalgar Ball held in the same assembly rooms - now the hotel dining room. In its long history, The Union has provided accommodation for Royalty, Prime Ministers and great artistes but all travellers have been assured of a good meal, a hot bath and a comfortable bed. The hotel occupies a prime position in the centre of Penzance, in what is considered architecturally to be one of the finest streets in Cornwall. Open all year round the hotel has its own undercover car park for guests, including those staying in the Isles of Scilly and is close to the harbour, railway and coach station. It's an ideal base from which to explore the beauty of South Cornwall and the Land's End Peninsula. A traditional full English breakfast is served each morning in the beautifully restored Trafalgar Dining Room, reputed to be the finest example of a Georgian Assembly Room in Cornwall. Another beautiful Georgian roomis our lounge which has also been fully restored and is ideal for reading or writing in comfort or as a perfect venue for meeting with friends. Dinner is normally served in the Hamilton's restaurant, where we offer excellent cuisine - home made soups, roast meats and fresh vegetables and fish from nearby Newlyn. An excellent range of bar food is available from The Nelson Bar where you can sit in comfort surrounded by a fascinating collection of Nelson Prints. Our Theatre Bar, patronised by Charles Dickens during his stay at the hotel, is agenuine Victorian Bar featuring an interesting collection of playbills from the hotel's theatre dating back to 1787. The Union Hotel prides itself on its reputation for retaining yesterday's standards in today's modern world. You will find crisp white sheets, fluffy white towels and above all a high standard of care and courtesy from the resident proprietors and their staff.
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