Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn

The hotel offers a memorable stay primarily due to its stunning ocean views, which are a consistent highlight for guests, providing a serene backdrop to their visit. Its prime location in Kingscote, within easy walking distance of local eateries and attractions, makes it an ideal base for sightseers and explorers looking to discover Kangaroo Island. Many guests appreciate the spacious rooms and the generally friendly staff who contribute positively to the experience. While some aspects of the property are noted as being dated, the hotel is often seen as a good value option for budget-conscious travelers and couples seeking a picturesque getaway. Guests consistently praise the comfortable beds and the overall cleanliness, despite some areas showing their age. To enhance your stay, consider requesting an upstairs room for an even better vista and be prepared for the limited in-room cooking facilities by exploring the nearby dining options in town.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's facilities to be practical, though some areas reflect the property's age. The availability of ample car parking on-site, including EV charging points, is a significant convenience for those traveling by car. Most guests report strong and reliable Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, ensuring connectivity. Rooms are equipped with a bar fridge and tea and coffee making facilities, providing basic in-room convenience, though some find the fridges to be noisy. While there is no swimming pool, the hotel offers laundry facilities, which are coin-operated, though some guests experienced issues with coin availability. The presence of ramps leading to rooms is appreciated for ease of access with luggage. Many rooms feature a large, modern TV, enhancing entertainment options, and air conditioning is generally effective, though some guests noted issues with heating or cooling.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed but generally leans positive, with many guests describing rooms as clean and spacious. The beds are frequently praised for being comfortable, often with clean and well-worn sheets that provide a cozy feel. However, some guests noted issues such as creaking beds, firm single mattresses, or a need for pillow updates and protectors. While many bathrooms are described as modernized or clean with good showers and hot water, others are noted as dated, showing mold, chipped tiles, or requiring better cleaning, particularly around the shower area. Common in-room amenities like coffee makers are appreciated, but a significant number of guests expressed a desire for more power outlets, especially near beds, and the absence of bedside lamps. Noise levels are generally low, with the sound of lapping waves, though some guests reported noisy pipes or being able to hear activity from upstairs rooms or loud neighbors.

Dining & Food Quality
A recurring theme in guest feedback is the significant lack of on-site dining options. Most guests were disappointed to find that the advertised restaurant was not operating or that breakfast was unavailable, despite being offered as an option during booking. While some groups mentioned enjoying Indian food at the hotel, this service appears to be inconsistent or limited to specific arrangements. A major point of contention for many guests is the complete absence of in-room cooking facilities, such as a toaster or microwave, along with a general lack of cutlery and crockery. Some reviews even mentioned a policy against cooking in rooms, with potential fines. This necessitates guests to seek out nearby restaurants and pubs in Kingscote, which are fortunately within easy walking distance and offer various dining choices.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Kingscote is consistently highlighted as a major advantage. Guests appreciate its proximity to town, allowing for an easy and pleasant 10-15 minute walk along the waterfront to access restaurants, shops, and pubs. The hotel offers stunning views over the ocean, with many rooms directly overlooking the water, and provides convenient access to a walking track along the waterfront. For those arriving by ferry, the hotel is approximately a 45-minute drive from Penneshaw. While parking is available on-site and generally ample, some guests found the layout to be a bit disorganized, and there isn't direct access from the parking area to all rooms. Overall, the location serves as an excellent base for exploring Kangaroo Island.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor. Many guests highlighted their willingness to go "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay, assisting with after-hours check-ins, providing local advice, and addressing issues promptly. The check-in process is generally described as easy and efficient, though a few guests noted instances of vacant reception desks requiring a short wait. Staff are commended for their attentiveness to guest needs, such as providing replacement towels or helping with lost items. While some guests experienced minor communication issues regarding room servicing or amenities, the overall sentiment is that the team is dedicated to providing good service and making guests feel valued.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that room servicing is not automatic and typically requires a specific request, which some guests found surprising. A notable policy is the strict prohibition against cooking in rooms, with some reviews mentioning a potential fine, which significantly impacts guests planning to self-cater. The property, while undergoing some improvements, still has areas that appear dated, including worn furniture and some external elements needing repair, such as balcony rails and pathway gaps that could pose a hazard. Some rooms also suffer from a scarcity of power outlets, particularly near beds, and a lack of bedside lamps. Additionally, guests have noted that towels can be thin or old, and some rooms have issues with door locks or rattling doors.