The self-catering suites at Bella Vista Hotel is the best stay on our 12-week, 14-Airbnb trip around Ireland. The fact that these suites/apts are on a hotel property is brilliant. The hotel reception staff is so helpful: carrying luggage upstairs for us, offering advice on where to go and where to eat. It’s like having your own concierge service, and they are all so friendly and welcoming. They even had fresh flowers and chocolates for us on arrival. There’s a Chinese restaurant on site and a cozy pub, and you can opt for their breakfast, for a fee, if you’d rather not cook.
We were fortunate to get the Harbour View suite with magnificent views of the harbor and cathedral from our balcony and windows that covered the entire front wall of the apt. Request it if it is available. You will love the views.
The apt is very spacious, light, airy, and very clean. Great ventilation from windows and French doors to the balcony. Great heat as well, hot water, and water pressure. Lots of storage space in bathroom. Comfortable bed (true king-size!) with lots of pillows. And they recycle! (Something you don’t see in many places in Ireland.) The kitchen had everything we needed, even a drip-style coffee maker.
Parking is right outside the building and off the street. Be aware that there is no elevator for the upstairs suites, but the staff will carry your luggage up for you. And there is no washer/dryer in the suites, but the hotel offers laundry service for a fee.
The location is walking distance to the waterfront where most of the museums and restaurants are. And it’s not a far drive to excellent grocery shopping (Super Valu, Aldi, Lidl).
If you want to go into Cork, you can take the train, or right around the corner from the hotel (Park Lane) you can catch the cheaper and more convenient Cobh Connect bus. It’s only 6 euros pp round trip, and is a comfortable 20-minute ride in a tour-style bus into the city. No parking hassles or expense!
Sorry this is so long, but this really is a wonderful Airbnb opportunity. We loved everything about our stay at the Bella Vista. We highly recommend.