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Summary of reviewsThe Ferry Boat, situated in the charming village of Portmagee, is highly regarded for its prime location, serving as an excellent gateway for exploring Ireland's natural beauty, including the renowned Skellig Michael. Guests appreciate its proximity to local attractions like the Kerry Cliffs and Valentia Island, and its convenience for enjoying the village's cultural offerings. The hotel provides a scenic and tranquil setting, with easy harbor access for island excursions, making it a favored choice among travelers on the Ring of Kerry.
The guesthouse itself offers compact but cozy accommodations. The rooms, although small, are thoroughly clean, well-maintained, and equipped with all necessary amenities, earning praise for their comfort and value for money. Guests highlight the attentive and friendly staff, particularly the hosts Michael and Judy, who go above and beyond to provide helpful recommendations and a warm atmosphere, enhancing the experience.
Despite mixed reviews concerning the breakfast, which some find adequate but not remarkable, the overall cleanliness and comfort, including notably comfortable beds, contribute positively to the stay. There are minor mentions of issues like intermittent wifi and noise, but these do not detract significantly from the overall guest satisfaction.
Ultimately, The Ferry Boat presents itself as a practical and pleasant accommodation choice for budget-conscious travelers, offering simplicity, cleanliness, and an unbeatable location that ensures a memorable visit to this scenic part of Ireland. Show more
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Categories
Dog Friendly Guest House
Guest House for Adults Only
Small Guest House
Room Types
Double RoomA quiet Double Room overlooking the mountains at the back of the house.
Twin RoomWith an en suite shower room, this bright room is situated at the rear of the house and overlooks the mountains.
Small Double Room with Private External BathroomThis room has a full size private bathroom and smaller size double bed on the other side of the corridor.
Twin Room with Partial Sea ViewFeaturing free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The twin room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, parquet floors, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Classic Triple RoomOffering free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The triple room offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, parquet floors as well as sea views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Deluxe Double RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, a flat-screen TV, as well as a quiet street view. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double Room with Shared BathroomFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a shared bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor as well as garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Twin Room with Shared BathroomProviding free toiletries, this twin room includes a shared bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The twin room provides a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor as well as garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
Nestled in the picturesque village of Portmagee, The Ferry Boat boasts an enviable location that makes it a top choice for travelers eager to explore the island beauty of Ireland. Guests consistently praise its superb placement, which serves as a perfect springboard for trips to Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning views and ancient monastic ruins. The hotel is ideally situated close to the harbor, allowing easy access to the ferry boats heading to the islands.
Beyond its proximity to Skellig Michael, The Ferry Boat provides travelers with easy access to other local attractions, such as the mesmerizing Kerry Cliffs and the charming Valentia Island. Those looking to immerse themselves in local culture will appreciate that the location is perfect for enjoying nearby pubs, restaurants, and the vibrant village ambiance. Parking is a breeze and the central position offers convenience for exploring the quaint fishing village.
Guests also rave about the beautiful views by the water, which offers a tranquil setting for relaxation after a day full of adventure. The Ferry Boat delivers comfort and cleanliness alongside its strategic position, making it a favored stop for those traveling around the scenic Ring of Kerry. With its atmospheric village setting, this accommodation serves not only as a gateway to exploration but also a cozy retreat to return to at the end of the day.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at The Ferry Boat hotel receives mixed reviews from guests, with many highlighting the absence of a complimentary breakfast as a notable downside. While some visitors chose not to partake in the breakfast offering or sought alternatives at a nearby supermarket, there are those who appreciated the option of a light breakfast on-site. Some guests found the breakfast to be very good, despite it being an additional expense, acknowledging the practicality and convenience it provided. The overall consensus suggests that breakfast at The Ferry Boat may not be the highlight of the stay, but it offers sufficient nourishment in a prime location for those planning a visit to Skellig Michael.
Rooms
The Ferry Boat is a charming and centrally located accommodation that's well-suited for travelers looking for a cozy stay. It is a small guesthouse with only a few rooms, which are described as compact yet comfortable. Although guests note that the rooms are on the smaller side, they are well-maintained, practically furnished, and offer a very clean and welcoming atmosphere. The beds are comfortable, and the rooms provide all necessary amenities, making them perfectly adequate for short stays. The place stands out for its excellent value for money, with no significant complaints. Guests appreciate the friendly and impeccable welcome by the host, who is also noted for recommending great dining options. While there is room for improvement in certain aspects like the breakfast offerings and noise levels, The Ferry Boat remains a pleasing option for budget-conscious travelers who appreciate cleanliness and central convenience.
Beds
The Ferry Boat is a popular spot praised for its comfortable beds, providing travelers with a cozy night's rest. Many guests are satisfied with the level of comfort offered, noting that the beds are often very comfortable and contribute positively to their stay. The rooms, though at times small, maintain a high standard of cleanliness, which complements the comfort of the bedding.
The size of the beds has varied responses; some guests find them more compact than expected, with certain rooms featuring beds that might be tight for two people. However, there are mentions of larger beds available, which add to the comfort experience. The mattress firmness receives mixed feedback, with some guests finding them to be comfortably firm while others perceive them as too soft.
Despite the differing views on bed sizes and mattress firmness, The Ferry Boat's reputation for comfortable beds is reinforced by its clean rooms and lovely hosts. Overall, guests looking for a snug and restful night will find satisfaction in the accommodations offered by this well-situated location.
Cleanliness
Situated in a prime location, The Ferry Boat delivers a satisfying stay for travelers seeking simplicity and cleanliness. This quaint and quiet establishment consistently impresses guests with its impeccably clean rooms and comfortable beds. Visitors often highlight the well-maintained provisions and overall neatness, contributing to a restful experience. The diligent cleaning standards extend to the bathrooms, which are praised for their cleanliness and modern updates, further enhanced by thoughtful touches such as provided toiletries.
Despite some rooms being described as compact, guests appreciate the coziness and comfort these spaces offer. The attention to detail and the well-furnished environment create a pleasant atmosphere, making it ideal for short stays. While some reviews mention minor inconveniences such as noise from adjoining rooms or issues like leaking showers, the overall cleanliness and functional accommodations are consistently regarded positively.
The lack of elevator access is noted, though it appears typical for similar structures in Ireland, and the unbeatable central location of the hotel more than compensates for this. Free parking and excellent water pressure in the showers add to the convenience and appeal of staying here. Although some guests note smoke smells in common areas, the rooms themselves remain fresh and spotless, maintaining a high standard of hygiene and comfort that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Staff
The Ferry Boat features a welcoming and supportive ambiance primarily attributed to its exceptional staff. Guests consistently highlight the kindness and friendliness of Michael and Judy, praising them for their attentiveness and helpfulness. Mike and Alex, among the hosts, are mentioned for their warm engagement, even taking time to converse with guests about the local area and their personal experiences. Communication is a strong suit here, with guests receiving thorough instructions and advice prior to their arrival, including clear guidance on room access via lockbox.
Beyond the hospitality, the accommodation offers lovely rooms with clean sheets and towels, ensuring a warm and safe environment. The location, conveniently situated across from the harbor, adds to its appeal, along with excellent property upkeep, such as updated bathrooms. Overall, the hotel's value for price is enhanced by the sweet and responsive hosts who contribute to a memorable stay.
Wi-Fi
The Ferry Boat Hotel provides guests with free wifi, though experiences vary regarding its reliability. Several visitors have appreciated the good connectivity, which facilitates staying in touch and receiving important messages. However, some guests have encountered issues with intermittent disconnections that affect overall access. Instructions for retrieving room keys are provided via a lockbox system, which some find impersonal, but guests can look forward to a warm welcome from the host during check-in. While the wifi situation may be a mixed bag, the overall welcoming atmosphere contributes positively to the stay.
3 Star
The Ferry Boat provides an ideal base for travelers looking to explore Skellig Michael. While not a 5-star establishment, it caters adequately to basic needs. The rooms, although small and showing slight signs of wear, are equipped with essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Pricing is competitive, making it a good choice for visitors prioritizing value. However, it's worth noting that the accommodation is not smoke-free, which may be important for some travelers. Overall, The Ferry Boat offers a practical lodging option for those embarking on a trip to Skellig Island.
No, The Ferry Boat doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Ferry Boat.
Yes, The Ferry Boat welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Ferry Boat.