100 Years of
Carlyon Bay Hotel
Celebrating a Century of Timeless Hospitality
In 2025, we are proud to celebrate 100 years of the Carlyon Bay Hotel. Built in 1925 as the St Austell Bay Hotel, it was the very first hotel at Carlyon Bay and quickly became a fashionable retreat for movie stars and celebrities. Renamed the Carlyon Bay Hotel, it has remained a much-loved destination for generations of guests.
In 1982, the Carlyon Bay Hotel became part of the Brend Collection, and this year we’re thrilled to announce that we have won Small Hotel Group of the Year 2025/26, for the second time in a decade, at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards, an accolade that makes The Carlyon's centenary even more special.
Director Matthew Brend said: “It’s amazing to think that the Carlyon Bay has been welcoming guests for 100 years – a century of stories, memories and dedication from everyone who’s been part of its journey. Seeing so many of our regular guests and long-serving team members come together for such a joyful weekend was really special, and a wonderful reminder that Carlyon Bay is so much more than just a hotel."
A Century
Of Stories
For more than 100 years, Carlyon Bay Hotel has stood proudly on the Cornish coastline, and with it comes a history as rich and dramatic as the views it overlooks.
In 1931, the hotel faced one of its darkest chapters when a devastating fire tore through the building. Locals rushed to the scene, witnessing the dramatic sight of furniture being hurled from windows in a desperate attempt to save it from the flames.
The Second World War brought another extraordinary period. Two Canterbury boys’ schools, The King’s School and St Edmund’s, were evacuated to Carlyon Bay to escape the Blitz. The hotel became not just a place of refuge, but also a hub of resilience and community. In March 1944, General Montgomery himself visited to inspect the schools’ cadet force, a moment etched in the hotel’s wartime legacy.
By the 1950s, the hotel was welcoming distinguished guests from across the world. In 1953, Sir Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine stayed here. Today, we honour that chapter of history with the Churchill Suite, where photographs of Britain’s wartime leader grace the walls, a lasting reminder of his visit.
From fires and wartime evacuations to hosting world leaders, Carlyon Bay Hotel’s story is one of endurance, transformation, and timeless charm.
100 Years of
Famous Faces
Discover Carlyon Bay’s Legendary Guests
As we celebrate a century of history at The Carlyon Bay, we look back not only at the milestones of the hotel itself but also at the many remarkable people who have passed through our doors. Over the decades, our hotel has become a cherished retreat for royalty, musicians, actors, and countless other public figures.
Walking through the hotel today, you’ll find walls adorned with photographs of these distinguished guests. From the unforgettable voices of Elton John and Amy Winehouse, to beloved icons like Cliff Richard and Paul Walker, their presence forms part of our living history. Members of the Royal Family, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana and Prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales, have also graced Carlyon Bay with their visits, adding to its prestige as a true landmark of British hospitality.
For a fleeting moment, these famous figures made Carlyon Bay their home away from home. And now, their stories live on within our walls.
The Heart of the Carlyon Bay
Throughout the century, nothing has ever been more important to us than our guests. All of our awards and accolades would mean little without the incredible people who have stayed with us year after year. From familiar faces who have become part of our story to new guests discovering us for the first time, we welcome you with open arms.
It is your presence, your memories, and your experiences that make Carlyon Bay Hotel truly special, and we look forward to continuing this journey of hospitality, warmth, and timeless charm for many years to come.
Carlyon Bay Hotel: The Early Years
Carlyon Bay Hotel: The Present Day
Centenary Weekend Celebrations
