There’s some excellent Waterville accommodation on offer.
From cosy B&Bs where you can sample a bit of Irish living to the many mighty hotels in Waterville, you’ve plenty to choose from.
Below, you’ll find our favourite places to stay – many of which boast stunning sea views!
Our favourite Waterville accommodation
The picturesque little town of Waterville on the Ring of Kerry makes a wonderful base to explore from. Below, you’ll find a mix of budget and pricey Waterville accommodation options!
Note: if you book a stay through one of the links below we may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.
1. Butler Arms Hotel
The Butler Arms Hotel is a family run hotel that has been welcoming visitors to Waterville for over 100 years.
Located just off of the Ring of Kerry (N70) and within a stones throw from Waterville Beach, this hotel has elegantly decorated rooms with seaside views.
The hotel was once the favourite haunt of Charlie Chaplin and his family and the hotel restaurant is named in his memory.
The hotel has both the upscale Charlie’s Restaurant as well as Fisherman’s Bar & Store where you can order a pint and enjoy a pizza. This is our favourite out of the handful of hotels in Waterville for good reason.
2. Sea Lodge Hotel
The Sea Lodge Hotel is a modern boutique hotel with ocean views located across from the beach along with the various things to do in Waterville.
The hotel has large family rooms perfect for a family vacation as well as well as seafront rooms with private balconies.
Each of their rooms are named after a local landmark and are elegantly decorated with a nautical theme. Enjoy specialty cocktails and local craft beers in the Lough Currane bar and restaurant.
The restaurant specialises in local seafood, most of which is sourced from the nearby fishing village Portmagee.
3. The Old Cable Historic House
If the hotels in Waterville don’t tickle your fancy, sample a bit of cosy Irish living at the Old Cable Historic House, located in a Milestone Heritage Site that was once used by the company that operated the first transatlantic telegraph cables between Ireland and Canada.
Today, this historic house is a charming family run B&B. The rooms are bright and spacious with all the amenities you need to enjoy your stay.
The house is just a five minute walk from the beach and is nearby popular restaurants and bars. If you prefer to stay in, enjoy the in house OhMaryLoo Seafood restaurant.
4. The Smugglers Inn
Few hotels in Waterville boast views like The Smugglers Inn. You’ll find it located in a 200 year old farmhouse looking out over Ballinskelligs Bay.
Renovated in 2021, the rooms are designed to emulate a ‘chic sea-side bolthole’ and feature delightful patterns contrasting with calming hues.
Just a short spin into town or a beautiful 20 minute walk along the water, this hotel has a bar, restaurant and café on site if you prefer to stay in.
The inn is situated just outside of Waterville Golf Links making it an ideal location for golfers.
5. Seaclusion Luxury Guest Accommodation
This beautiful B&B is located within 150m of the beach in the heart of Waterville on Lower Main St. The B&B is decorated in calming white and blue hues, evoking the sea.
This quiet hideaway is perfect for couples looking to get away together and located within walking distance of pubs and the various restaurants in Waterville, perfect for a night out.
Seaclusion offers an extensive breakfast menu with locally sourced produce suitable for all tastes and diets.
Co-owner Bart O’Sullivan is a graduate from Dublin College of Catering and has worked in multiple 4 and 5 star establishments before he and his wife Marie decided to open up their own B&B.
6. Lough Currane Holiday Homes
If you’re looking for Waterville accommodation that can cater for a group, this is an excellent option. Lough Currane Holiday Homes are located in the heart of Waterville off of Southview Terr just a 3 minute walk from the beach.
These homes have been recently refurbished and are perfect for a family get away. The holiday homes are 3 and 4 bedroom with a luxury 4 bedroom house that has an 8m heated swimming pool.
This self-catering accommodation has all the luxury of hotel with the addition of a kitchen, living space and BBQ area.
Free bicycle rentals are available for all guests which can make your trip to the beach that much quicker.
7. Klondyke House B&B
Our next spot could go toe-to-toe with the best hotels in Waterville! Klondyke House B&B offers the same hospitality of a 5 star hotel but with that personal touch that makes staying at a B&B so special.
This family run accommodation is located right off of the Ring of Kerry (N70) in the centre of Waterville just a few minutes walk from the beach.
Their tastefully decorated rooms offer stunning sea and mountain views. Their breakfasts are cooked with locally sourced ingredients and served with home baked brown bread.
8. Endless self-catering options
If you are looking for self-catering options for your family holiday, Waterville has quite a few to offer. Check out The Links Waterville No 8 which is a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom house located 600m from Waterville beach.
Another option is Waterville Holiday Homes which are located just an 11 minute walk from the beach. These 4 bedroom homes sleep up to 8 people and include a patio and garden.
Slightly farther from the village is Lough Currane Cottage. This 3 bedroom home is close to Hogs Head Golf Club. One of the things we love about this cottage is that pets are welcome so your four legged friend can join in on the family holiday.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.