Harbour Guest House

The bed was really comfortable, and check-in and check-out were very convenient. This is an utterly superb guest house, probably the cleanest I’ve stayed in. I can’t fault it. Thanks to the owner and staff for making it such a wee gem. Loved it, and I’ll stay here next time I’m overnight in Irvine.

I was relieved to find a room in such a good spot in Irvine, by the harbour, a short walk from the industrial estate and right beside a lovely pub. The room was great, with a hairdryer, ironing board and iron, television and other amenities. The walls and ceilings are thin, though, so I could hear the neighbours and people upstairs very clearly, especially when they got up at 5 in the morning. Aside from that, I was really happy. Thanks!

The location is great, the rooms are nicely decorated, and tea, coffee and biscuits were replenished each day. My colleague and I stayed four nights while working away, but getting a good night’s sleep was difficult. The old single-glazed windows did little to block people talking outside or the rumble of car tyres on the cobbles. Even with earplugs, I could clearly hear everything happening in the next room. A shame.

Best of all, Vanilla Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour is just a two-minute walk away. The property is right on the harbour, beside the Maritime Museum and beach, with a large supermarket a few hundred feet away. Buses and trains are easy to get to, even closer than the shops. There are plenty of takeaway places nearby, all recommended. When CV19 restrictions end, there’ll be pubs and other places to eat too. The adjoining Irvine Bay has larger rooms for families and such. I enjoyed my stay when I had to come home on family business, and I’d recommend the place if you need to be in Irvine. The rooms are very well appointed, and the bed was super comfy. The bathroom is small but nicely done, with a tiny but excellent shower and a hot, powerful jet to wake you up. A little shelf for shower gel or shampoo would help, but that’s a minor thing. They do laundry each day, though I said it wasn’t necessary for my three-night stay.