MARITIME

The friendly staff make up for some flaws in this hotel The lift from the car park to reception was out of order, which wasn't the best start. However, the receptionist at check-in (?Jill) was so friendly and helpful, that we soon forgot any issues making our way from the underground car park to the lobby, on a very rainy day. The room itself was spotless, and had a balcony overlooking the harbour. Breakfast was a buffet style and there were plenty of staff on duty to replenish the various food options available. The receptionist at check-in had suggested we reserve a table in advance and there was absolutely no waiting to be seated. Dinner in the bar the evening before was enjoyable and the staff looked after us very well, and were all so helpful and attentive. The hotel could probably do with a few updates to the decor (peeling paint on the balcony wall, and dark internal colour scheme) but we enjoyed our short stay despite the dismal weather! Bantry itself made a good base for travel to other parts of West Cork but the town didn't seem to cater well for tourists. There were very few dining options available on a Monday evening. Some buildings looked rather neglected and dog owners didn't seem too bothered to pick up after their pets. It's a shame because the town has so much more potential.

We enjoyed a return three night stay in the Maritime, with its excellent waterside location, within walking distance of Bantry House and everywhere in the town a tourist might wish to visit, and with a car park integrated into the hotel. There are no EV chargers on site but some – including hi-speed - are available nearby. Our double room was spacious and well equipped and everything worked. Breakfast was a well-stocked buffet with staff support and some items cooked to order. The hotel offers dinner in its dining room and a good selection of bar food throughout the day, with (noisy) music in the evening. All the staff we met were friendly and helpful. We thought the cost - c. $265 b and b - reasonable in context. Overall, a good four star experience. Recommended.

One could overlook the fact that the hotel garage is very cramped and the hotel management apparently tolerates vehicles being parked outside the marked spaces and preventing regularly parked cars from pulling out. One could also overlook the fact that the elevator from the garage to the reception was out of order for the entire duration of our stay and we had to lug our suitcases up the stairs. And one could also overlook the fact that the line at check-in was so long that we had to line up on the sidewalk outside the hotel. We cannot, however, overlook the fact that on the first night at 10:45 PM (!!!) we received a call from the reception because there had allegedly been a complaint about noise disturbance and the lady at the reception wanted to know if we had caused the noise. We were in bed at that time and were reading (!!!). Such an impertinence to be bothered for no reason at such an ungodly hour has never happened to us before!!! Otherwise, the hotel is in a good location; restaurants, the harbor, and a large supermarket are within walking distance. Our room was functionally furnished, albeit very worn. The breakfast was very good and the dinner at the hotel bar was excellent. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend this hotel.