The Blue Haven Hotel

My god.I’ve stayed in some poor places in my time but this one takes the biscuit. It’s by far one of the worst places I’ve ever stayed. I stay in Kinsale quite often and have often been to the Blue Haven for lunch and drinks. But having decided to give it a shot by staying there I have to say it was a big mistake. The rooms are so noisy and dated. I couldn’t close my windows properly as they were all warped, the carpet was filthy as were the cups and glasses in the room. The walls are paper thin so you can hear everything next door and also the music from every pub. Water leaks through the roof on the landing and has the marks to show. I ate in the bar and had deep fried fish tacos and the worst chips I’ve ever eaten, I’d hate to pay the money for Rare if the hotel food is that bad. Staff were very pleasant and I feel sorry for them that they have to deal with a hotel like this on a daily basis. So I’ve been bitten this time but never again. B&B is my advice if hotels are full before this awful dated, overpriced excuse for a hotel. Avoid at all costs.

Very pleasant and attentive experience recently here in the Blue Haven. Revisiting a place after a 25 year gap can be risky but thankfully this was an unnecessary concern on my part as it has by no means sat on its laurels over the intervening years. We were greeted with an eagerness to please and the food, service and overall care we received was very pleasant and would certainly bring us back without hesitation. Look out for the incredibly helpful receptionist who went out of her way to find us space to lay our head on a very busy July Saturday and also the delightful and engaging Spanish waitress both of whom made our Kinsale visit memorable for all the right reasons. Thank You.

We were met by an unfriendly waiter but soon asserted that we need a better table. This was provided. The table was sticky. The first waiter said it was the cleaning product. She came with a cloth and afterwards it was as before. The restaurant wasn’t clean despite it being 12.30 and very few customers. When we saw the prices on the menu it was apparent. No lunch specials. Main courses were 25 euros. While we waited for our meal we had a member of staff say she was not coming in to work on Tuesday as there was no way that the staffing was adequate. Tense!! Food was good!

Hotel: Overpriced run-down room facing the street. Bowl-style sink, so no counter space in the bathroom. There are very narrow glass shelves over the toilet that serve as counter space, which is kind of gross plus inconvenient for a short person (the lowest shelf is at about five feet high). It also wastes a lot of time because every motion to put something on the shelf (toothpaste, hairbrush, etc) requires full attention so as not to drop it on the toilet or floor. Heating rack for the towels is an oddly luxurious and unnecessary addition to a bare bones bathroom. Shaver only outlet in the bathroom, so hair dryer can't be used there. Minimal floor space available for opening suitcases when the room is intended for occupancy for two people. Damaged furniture. THis trip we stayed in four different hotels in Ireland and this was clearly old and tired, way too expensive for the quality and service received. Outlets are hidden behind furniture so charging your phone requires moving furniture and long cords. Cheap misshapen foam pillows. Large unsanitary wooden key chain. No elevator. Best parts about the stay: - quality of the "full Irish" breakfast food - decor of the boat themed restaurant - lovely demeanor of the waitress - convenience to walk into town for dinner.

We visited today.., stopped at this local hotel for Al Fresco food as it was such a lovely day ! Connor served us.. we explained we didn’t have much time.. and ordered food/drinks at we had to get back on coach! Connor was amazing and looked after us so very well! We have fallen under love with this little place Kinsale and the hotel looked amazing! Thank you so much .. food and drinks perfect x

This was the worst meal we ever had in Ireland. The chowder was like cement, full of potatoes and very little fish. The catch of the day halibut was rubbery and tasteless. The sauce was milky and also tasteless. Cold vegetables and slow service. The staff were pleasant, but they need someone who can cook immediately.

Hotel is spotless clean with lovely decor staff are friendly and efficient, the bar area was very chic and Andre was a pleasure making some lovely cocktails in the late ish bar ( wouldn’t call it a residents you only get a extra half hour to 45 minutes to order but you can order a couple of drinks as your last order so even with last order at 0010 did end up closer to one finishing ) Breakfast next morning was fresh and delicious So why only three stars? The rooms first no lift which with baggage is a pain and no porter to give a hand not really necessary in my case but I can see it being a problem for older couples or guests. Then I was in a single which I am guessing are the poor man’s rooms of the hotel looking out at fans which are extremely noisy though they turn off at 2230 to be fair. The room itself is perfectly presentable small verging on cramped but again it describes the rooms as cozy on their website so not a surprise also wouldn’t be an issue if it wasn’t for the location. Since I spent a lot of time out of the room, I had lunch and dinner outside the hotel, wouldn’t be such an issue except for the price for nearly 200 euros on a Thursday night for a single room it’s a bit disappointing. Still would be willing to stay again albeit on a different room.

Really Good food, good seafood dishes , was handed the specials menu , excellent quality and great value . will defenitely return. great location centre of the town, service was ok, good selection of desserts, we had the sticky toffee and choclate delice , both wer fab. the halibut was very fresh nice portion size.