Blog Details

We are a Visit England Accredited Hotel with rooms situated throughout 4 floors. The hotel has no lift due to the grade 2 listed building status meaning we can't make alterations to install one. We will of course, help with luggage though.

Our food is traditional and cooked using fresh produce of fish, meats, vegetables & dairy sourced from Scilly & Cornwall where possible. Our style is not nouvelle cuisine or a fancy Michelin Star type restaurant.

Our experienced staff offer excellent & attentive service, far beyond the normal expectations for a 2 star rated hotel

Our swimming pool is 8 metres x 4 metres and so neither small, or Olympic size! An unusual extra facility compared to even many other hotels. Its size is governed by available space, and is covered in and heated.

Our rooms are comfortable & furnished to the same standard. All are en suite with either bath, shower or both, and some are compact, hence the special offer lower tariff for these.

The hotel is situated in the centre of Hugh Town, at the quieter side and is ideally positioned for easy access to the harbour for inter island boats to the inhabited islands of Tresco, Bryher, St Agnes & St Martins.

I try to post regular photographs of the islands, and you can see more of the hotel in the photo galleries on the right hand side of the page.

If you would like to contact us please feel free to email or telephone:
contact@bellrockhotel.co.uk Tel. 01720 422575

Thursday 31 May 2012

St Mary's Harbour, Isles of Scilly

Wednesday 30th May

...a couple of the view from the Garrison to the St Mary's Harbour

Wednesday 30 May 2012

Tuesday 29 May 2012

Sunny Afternoon, Warm Misty Evening

Tuesday 29th May 2012

Another sunny afternoon, followed by a bit of evening sea mist rolling in. Shouldn't be a bother for the morning flights I wouldn't think.

Guest Card of Thanks


About The Size Of It!!

I've just uploaded a couple of scanned in pictures of the visitor guest book & letters etc. It appears that the format of the blog has been changed, and therefore making it pretty impossible to read the print as it won't zoom in when clicked on, like it always used to do. I do apologise for this as it is very frustrating. I don't know if we can get around this snag? If anyone knows how to, please do feel free to let me know! www.bellrock.hotel@btclick.com
Thanks

Guest Visitor Book 2012







Guest Note of Thanks


Guest Letter of Thanks


Monday 28 May 2012

Morning Point, Garrison, St Mary's

Monday 28th May 2012

A super sunny Scilly day! We can cope with more of this please!
A stroll around the Garrison saw the Scillonian III sailing past Morning Point around 4.40pm this afternoon.

Thursday 24 May 2012

TripAdvisor Award Of Excellence

We have been lucky enough to be awarded a TripAdvisor Award of Excellence again for 2012. We are extremely proud to have been given this award; especially as it is the 2nd year in a row!
It's all a team effort here at the Bell Rock Hotel, and so my thanks must go out to our team of hard working staff who look after our guests so well. Well done everybody!
...and certainly not forgetting our important guests; may I also thank our guests who have expressed their kind words on TripAdvisor as it makes us even more pleased to help make your holiday special when we receive positive feedback. Without you, we wouldn't be lucky enough to have the award. Thanks!! :)

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Peninnis & Old Town Bay

Wednesday 23rd May 2012

Wild Flowers of Scilly Isles

Wednesday 23rd May 2012

Well, it was a warm day but mostly a little grey. However, the sun came out and clear blue skies appeared about 4pm... Just after I'd finished my walk; typically!
So, I've taken some photos today trying to concentrate more in the wild flowers flowering at the moment: whistling jacks, sea pinks and others that i'm afraid to say I can't name!!

Tuesday 22 May 2012

Access Statement & Information

Access Statement For The Bell Rock Hotel

Introduction

Bell Rock Hotel is situated on the level in Church Street, St Marys, opposite the Methodist Church. Town Beach is approximately 100 yards in front of the hotel, and Porthcressa Beach is about 150 yards to the rear of the hotel. Originally a private house built around 1830, the property has been considerably altered over the years and has been a hotel for over 100 years. The Hotel is rated 2 stars for 2008 – 3 stars expected 2009. Letting rooms are on 4 floors, and the hotel does not have a lift. Direct access to the hotel via one step is available at the rear of the hotel to bedrooms and the dining room. From the dining room there are 11 steps up to the reception area and bar/lounge. From Church Street, access from the pavement is via 7 steps up to the front door, and another step up to the door. We do have guests who need wheelchairs staying with us - however no rooms are purpose built for access, including en suite bathrooms. We consider some mobility essential for an enjoyable stay with us, and on the islands.

Pre-Arrival

• If arriving at St Marys airport by Skybus or Helicopter, you will be met by a Minibus taxi and brought to the door, with your luggage; your return pick-up time will also be confirmed with them. There is a small charge.
• If arriving by The ‘Scillonian’, the hotel is approximately 10 minutes walk from the quay - luggage labelled is delivered separately by Island Carriers shortly after arrival - the cost is £1.25 (price correct at 2012) per case which is paid by the hotel to Island Carriers on your behalf and added to your hotel bill. A taxi can be booked to meet The Scillonian if required, and the same operates in reverse on leaving.
• We do not accommodate pets.
• The hotel is non-smoking in all rooms and public areas.
• Our websites, www.bellrockhotel.co.uk & www.bellrockhotel.blogspot.com provides pictures of our swimming pool, lounge bar, dining room and bedrooms, also further information about services we provide.

• Brochures and Menus can be provided in large print if needed. We regret we do not have facilities to prepare documents in Braille.
• You can contact us by telephone, email or fax. Please see "Contact Information" section of this document for full details.
• Our manager and 10 staff intend to make your stay with us restful, relaxing and enjoyable.

Arrival & Car Parking Facilities

• Access to your room is usually from 2pm.
• Sometimes rooms are available earlier by arrangement.
• Luggage can be left and the hotels facilities used at any time.
• We offer assistance with luggage.
• It is highly unlikely that you will be bringing a car to the islands

Main Entrance & Reception

• From the pavement there are 7 steps, with a hand rail on one side, and a further step through the front door.
• The front door is open from 7:30am and locked at 10:30pm. All guests are provided with a front door key.

Public Areas - General (Internal)

• From the hallway a door opens into the bar lounge immediately after entering the hotel.
• There is an inner door and after turning left through an archway there is the reception desk.
• The reception office is manned from 8:00am until 6:00pm.
• There is a telephone to call the manager or person responsible until the bar lounge is closed, around 11:00 pm.
• Another door from the reception area at the bottom of the stairs leads into the bar lounge over a small step.
• The bar lounge can seat approximately 40 people.
• The hotel has a full licence - guests can purchase drinks anytime the bar is open, alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
• The bar lounge has a filter coffee machine and guests can help themselves after dinner at no extra charge.
• Tea is also available at no charge after dinner.
• Approximately 200 books are available for guests’ enjoyment and a small selection of DVD's, board games, playing cards and magazines are also available.
• Newspapers are available from around 9:30am at Mumfords Paper Shop, open Mon-Sat, only a 5 minute walk away. We are unable to offer a newspaper service.

Public Areas - WC
• A ladies and a gents toilet are situated in the reception area.

Restaurant / Dining Room, Bar & Lounges, Take Away & Cafe

• From the reception area leads 10 steps, with a hand rail on one side into the dining room with 50 covers.
• The dining room is approx 23 feet x 38 feet, with carpeted floor, various paintings and wall lights and windows that look out at our indoor swimming pool.
• Breakfast is served from 8:00am until 9:15 am and dinner is served from 6:15pm until 8:00pm daily.
• Guests are allocated a table for the duration of their stay.
• A full range of wines and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served at your table on request. A detailed menu is on each table, including a wine list. Sample menus can be provided on request.
• Dinners are 3 courses with coffee afterwards in the bar as well. There is a choice of each course, including vegetarian.
• Dietary requests - We can usually accommodate, subject to sufficient notice being given and local availability.
• We ask guests not to use mobile phones in the dinning room and the bar lounge, as a courtesy to other guests.
• A glass panelled door at the bottom of the stairs opens via 2 steps onto the walk around area to the swimming pool and access to rooms 17, 22, 23 and 25.

Laundry

• The nearest launderette is approximately 150 yards.

Shop

• The nearest shops are in Hugh Town, approximately 200 yards



Leisure Facilities

• Indoor Swimming Pool
• Access is via 4 steps and through a locked/self closing door. The code is given to guests when they request a towel and towelling gown from reception. There is a small circular changing area with curtains. Steps with a handle lead into the pool - overall size 12'6" x 30'6". The water depth varies from 3 feet to approximately 5ft 6".
• The water is covered by a heat retaining insulation cover when the pool is not in use.
• The pool is open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
• The water is heated to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit plus, except in the early and late season when it may be less, depending on the outside temperature.
• Children are not allowed (up to 16 years) without a parent/guardian being with them at all times.
• No diving, ball games, splashing is allowed.
• No life guard is on duty - guests use the pool at their own risk. We do not advise people to use it on their own - guests must decide if they are fit and able to use the pool. An emergency bell push is on the wall to summon help and a life ring is on the wall. Guests use the pool at their own risk and no responsibility will be accepted for use of the pool.
• There is non-slip plastic matting surrounding the pool and steps at the deep end.

Outdoor Facilities

• The hotel has a small paved garden area by the front door, with palm trees and a bench.

Conference & Meeting Rooms, Banqueting, Clubs, Entertainment

• Not Available




Bedrooms

• The hotel has 23 bedrooms.
• All have bathrooms.
• Some have showers only, without baths.
• All have WC's and wash basins.
• Nearly every room is different size and shape.
• The largest double bedroom is 21ft x 13ft including en suite.
• The smallest double bedroom is 14’6 x 12ft, including en suite.
• We have single, double, twin and triple bedded rooms.
• Some top floor rooms have indirect sea views, across roof tops, either to Porthcressa bay or across the harbour to Tresco.
• All bedrooms have either radiators or electric wall heaters with thermostats.
• Each bedroom has a direct dial telephone.
• Each bedroom has a kettle and tea and coffee making facilities.
• Each bathroom has soap, shampoo, sewing/repair kit and a hair dryer.
• Pillows are synthetic.
• Our beds are normally made with duvets, but can be made with blankets if preferred. Please specify at time of booking.
• There is a wardrobe, chest of draws and dressing table in each room and additional seating.
• A radio alarm clock and television with DVD player is in each room.
• A folder in each bedroom contains further information about the hotel, details of emergency contacts, including doctors and hospitals. Also the facilities available on the islands - shops, restaurants, boating, tours, entertainments etc.
• We have 4 bedrooms on the ground floor with direct access via one step from the rear of the hotel.
• The other bedrooms are on three floors, access via a winding narrow staircase to the top floor rooms which might not be suitable for anyone unable to climb stairs - please check before booking as each one is different due to the age and layout of the building.






Additional Information

• Fire extinguishers are in obvious places around the hotel. A full fire detection (smoke) system is fitted in each room. In the event of a fire, alarm bells will ring continuously - please follow the exit signs to evacuate the property. The alarm bell system is tested weekly
• The system was renewed in 2008 and is to the latest specification.
• All fire escape routes are clearly marked and lit.
• We are happy to refrigerate any medication for you, please ask. The tap water is of perfect quality to drink.
• Mobile Phones - reception varies on the island
(Vodafone, Orange, O2 & 3)
• Vodafone is very good almost everywhere and O2 is the next best.
• The others vary and some will work in some places and not others so please check with your provider.
• We ask that guests do not use their mobile phones in the bar lounge or the dining rooms.
• Each bedroom has a direct dial phone - 20p per unit.
• Incoming calls will be put through when reception is open.
• Guests can use the fax in reception, 50p per A4 sheet sent - no charge for incoming faxes.
• Printing of any required documents for guests is at 10p per A4 sheet


Contact Information

• Address: Bell Rock Hotel, Church Street, St Marys, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0JS
• Telephone: 01720 422575
• Fax: 01720 423093
• Email: bellrock.hotel@btclick.com
• Website: www.bellrockhotel.co.uk & www.bellrockhotel.blogspot.com
• Hours of operation: From 11:00pm until 7:30am the hotel number is on answer phone.
• Emergency number: There is an emergency only night number on reception and in all bed rooms for contacting a member of staff.




Future Plans

• We have a constant rolling program of upgrading the public areas and bedrooms.

If you require further details or have any comments about the services we provide do not hesitate to contact us.

Monday 21 May 2012

Monday 21st May 2012

After a glorious weekend weather wise, we are still on the receiving end of the fortunate spell of cracking weather as we enter the new week!

Saturday 19 May 2012

Scillonian III Has Her 35th Birthday Today

The best weather possible for sailing over & enjoying the birthday celebrations of the Scillonian III's 35th birthday.

Thursday 17 May 2012

Porth Hellick is Always Peaceful

Wednesday 16th May 2012

What a day for a walk! Glorious sunshine and a very light breeze. What I should've done was apply sun cream even though I was only out for an hour & 20 minutes... My face, forearms & neck caught the strong sun!

Monday 14 May 2012

Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor

“great place to stay”

Reviewed 13 May 2012

Just returned from a week at this hotel and have to say that it was a really great place to stay. First, it was immaculately clean. Second the room was large enough with both a bath and over bath shower, plenty of shower gel etc supplied. The food was lovely and all the staff friendly and helpful. I emailed before our stay to say that I only drank de caffinated tea and a whole box of those tea bags was left in my room which was very much appreciated. The hotel is also very well situated for the harbour, shops and the evening talks. Would definately stay again

Friday 11 May 2012

Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor

“Back to the Future”

Reviewed 8 May 2012

The Bell Rock has comfortable rooms, delicious food, and charming, old-fashioned (in the best sense) service. The Isles of Scilly are a step back in time with a slower pace of life even when overrun by a thousand or so Pilot Gig racers there for the weekend's World Championship. The hotel, conveniently located on St Mary's, is an ideal base to visit the other, even quieter islands while still close to a choice of bars and eateries.

***Thank you for your review. It's great that you have enjoyed the Isles of Scilly and your stay with us at the Bell Rock Hotel. I see you have picked up on our traditional values of customer service from attentive staff, and I'm pleased you have enjoyed our food from the daily changing menus. We hope to welcome you again in the future. Daniel***

Tuesday 8 May 2012

The Sun Is Out Again! :)

Tuesday 8th May 2012. The sun is beaming down with clear blue skies. The harbour looks peaceful at 8am with the high tide lapping up to the top of Town Beach.

Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor

“Friendly helpful staff, excellent food”

Reviewed 7 May 2012

I was part of package tour so not sure what to expect.Friend and I shared twin room,comfortable beds, one wardrobe each, bathroom included bath and shower.Great choice of food, waitresses were natural and friendly. Pleased to see we had good choice in menu each day and then sat and waited until it arrived. So many hotels now it is help yourself.Tables didnt crowd each other. Always someone around to assist. Also in central part of the town, easy access to shops , beach, public garden, churches and museum..


Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor

“great hotel”

Reviewed 6 May 2012

we stayed for four nights and had a great time-room was spotless and comfortable-
Food was excellent with plenty of choice at breakfast and dinner-
Bar lounge is well decorated with lots of books & games.
All the staff were very friendly and helpfull.
I would recomend the hotel to anyone.

Monday 7 May 2012

World Pilot Gig Championship 2012, Isles of Scilly

Sunday 6th May 2012

What a beautiful sunny day! A great day for the finals of the world pilot gig championships.
We took a picnic lunch up the Garrison & watched a little from there before walking the rest of the way around.

Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor

“Everything we expected”

Reviewed 6 May 2012

We visited the Scilly Isles recently and used Trip Advisor to choose a hotel. We were not disappointed. The Bell Rock Hotel is a traditional hotel in the town centre although not on the sea front it is only a block back. We had very little choice of rooms as the week we chose was the world championship gig racing events which made everything extremely busy. Our room was at the back of the hotel with no outlook but this was compensated for by the package that was offered for full board. The staff are excellent, the cleanliness is unsurpassed and the food is tradtional but excellent quality.
The Scilly Isles tend to be expensive however the Bell Rock Hotel offers excellent facilities at reasonable cost.



****I'm really pleased you enjoyed your stay with us at the Bell Rock Hotel on our dinner, room & breakfast tariff, and we hope to be able to welcome you back in the future. As you have discovered, the 1st bank holiday weekend in May is a very busy one with the World Pilot Gig Championship's taking place. At the same time though, it can be a very peaceful visit to the islands, as away from the crowds centered on Town Beach, you can easily find a quiet spot.
We always recommend early booking where possible.****

Saturday 5 May 2012

We've Reached Over 20,000 Hits Now

I'm pleased to say that we have now had over 20,000 visitors to this blog. This really pleases me that people are taking a look; and hopefully enjoying my posts & photos!
Thank you to all that visit :)

Friday 4 May 2012

Ships Ahoy! Friday 4th May 2012

There were 2 small cruise ships anchored in St Mary's Roads today: the Quest & the Ocean Nova.
Also in the near view, is the replica sailing ship the Matthew of Bristol, giving the islands the pirate look.

The Scillonian made 2 sailings today ferrying 900 or so passengers over for the world gig championship weekend. The planes and helicopters were constantly bringing in rowers and spectators alike all day too. I think there might've been less aircraft at Heathrow than here today?! ;)

The weather was glorious ...up until I decided to step foot out on a walk, when the clouds came; much to my dismay! Oh well, it was still warm & my walk around the Garrison was a pleasant one. The Trinity House ship was in working on the Spanish Ledge bouy when I got round that side, but I didn't get a decent enough picture to bother with that I'm afraid.

Thursday 3 May 2012

Beautiful Sunset Wednesday 2nd May 2012

I noticed the sunset from the hotel last night just in time to dash out and catch a couple of snaps. Stunning.








Wednesday 2nd May 2012

A great day for a stomp up around Peninnis. Bright clear skies and deceptively strong sun making for red guests at dinner service!! Don't forget your sun cream; it's very important.

Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor

“Brilliant from start to end”

Reviewed 29 April 2012
1person found this review helpful

This was the first time we had visited the Scillies so didn't know what to expect in terms of hotel standards. Bell Rock didn't disappoint. First impressions were of a clean and well run hotel, pleasant, friendly and attentive staff - and then the food... Wholesome, well cooked, plenty of it and good choices from the menu. Our room was 2nd floor with a lovely view of the harbour (room 2), plenty of room although the main light could have been brighter. Only a hand held shower over the bath but as we had wanted a bath anyway this was fine. We'll defininately return!

Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor

“Another excellent holiday”

Reviewed 26 April 2012

This was our fifth visit. The hotel is remarkably friendly (staff and guests) and consistent in the quality of its food. It is also a very clean hotel.

Flowers in the Park