The Hotel Penzance is an ivy-covered Edwardian throwback on the outside, and filled with historic atmosphere, patterns, and knickknacks on the inside. The original woodwork and architecture have been preserved, and the wicker furniture, floral upholstery, and variety of throw pillows complete the picture. The Penzance is ultra-civilized, but not in a stuffy or uptight manner. There are a number of rooms where guests can sit with a book, a cup of tea, or a Pimm’s Cup cocktail. The lobby fireplace is lovely during cooler months, and the outdoor pool and sundeck suit the warmer ones, with views across the lawn and beautiful Victorian-style flower gardens to the sea. Among the property's elegant common spaces is an indoor/outdoor conservatory area constructed from wood and stone, with comfy wicker furniture and a nearby bookshelf that would make for a cozy afternoon. The Bay restaurant is sophisticated, with dark floors and atmospheric lighting, as well as striking sea views. The Penzance has a strict no bachelor/bachelorette party policy, and is definitely not a party hotel, but it is family-friendly, although perhaps a little sedate for rambunctious kids.

The Hotel Penzance sits on the Cornish Coast and is well-located for guests who want to explore West Cornwall. It's just five to 10 minutes' walk from the town center, harbor, and train station. The hotel is up the hill from the main road to the harbor, in quiet surroundings, with beautiful bay views. Market House and the Penlee House Gallery House and Museum are about a mile away (a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk away), and St. Michael's Mount is about three miles from the hotel, an eight-minute drive. Long Rock Beach is a 15-minute walk from the Penzance.

Rooms at the Hotel Penzance are individually named and decorated, and include Classic Rooms without sea views, Single Rooms, and Superior Sea View Rooms. Decor in the standard rooms is much simpler and has far less character than the hotel's common areas. Superior Rooms capture a bit of Edwardian flavor and are fresh and clean, with period-appropriate dark-wood furniture, and pillow-top beds made with Egyptian cotton sheets. Bathrooms are clean and classic, with stall showers or deep soaking tubs, and H2K toiletries. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea facilities, bottled water, velour robes, and free Wi-Fi. Superior Sea View Rooms also have iPod docks and Nespresso machines; some have wet rooms or drench showers. Many rooms have views of the harbor or across Mounts Bay. There is no elevator, so guests with mobility issues should request a lower floor.

The Hotel Penzance offers a free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning, with options ranging from eggs benedict to smoked haddock to huevos rancheros. The Bay restaurant serves a European menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as afternoon tea. The Bay is popular with locals as well as guests, so reservations are recommended. Branwell Lounge, the hotel bar, is cozy, with an Edwardian feel. The hotel's outdoor pool is small, but good for a dip, and a pleasant place to relax in the sun. Parking is free, but there are limited spaces, and they're first come, first serve. Pets are allowed.