We spent one night at the Genesta House B&B in Cowes, mid-September of 2010. Our room was small but adequate. The room was cool, but there was a heater to warm things up. There was a large lounge area which we could use to have a cup of coffee, edit our pictures, etc. The continental breakfast had a variety of cereals, a selection of teas, yogurt and toast and jams. The B&B is located in a quiet part of town within walking distance of restaurants and the beach.

Genesta House was inconspicuously tucked away down a side street and except for the signboard, could have been a well established local residence behind a white wooden fence and gate. Our first impression was that it was very cool and green. The gardens were lush with a tinkling fountain in front.

Host Susan was very warm and welcoming. I want to add a special word of appreciation to Susan for being accommodating with our booking and allowing us a single night's stay when everyone else demanded 2 or 3 nights minimum during Easter.

Susan personally showed us to our room in the front of the property ("Lilly Pilly") which had a shared porch with rattan furniture. The room was of average size but elegantly decorated. The bed was extremely comfortable (I had my best night's sleep out of a week here) and had the added benefit of an electric blanket. Being at the front of the house we were worried about road noise, but it turned out to be very peaceful. The room had TV, coffee and tea making facilities, biscuits and for the season, a packet of easter eggs. There was a fridge and wardrobe in the antechamber of the bathroom. The bathroom itself was the only minor problem. It was very small and with a shower cubicle retrofitted into it, there was no room to swing a cat. Two people inside was a squeeze. The sink was also tiny. But the shower was strong and hot. Importantly, everything was spotless and fresh. The back of the house outside the dining room was a large decked garden with a gazebo and a hot tub (closed for the season). Taking breakfast outside was delightful.

Breakfast was continental, filling but not particularly special, with juices, fruit, yogurt, cereals, a variety of hot beverages, bread, English muffins and and buns. It was all packaged items and nothing was freshly baked. But breakfast was made a pleasant affair by Susan who spent time chatting with her guests and offering travelling tips.

The location of Genesta was perfect. It was literally 2 minutes' walk to the beach and another 3 minutes to the restaurants and shops of town or to the ferry jetty. So convenient, yet so secluded. Parking was free on the street in front and there was always space. Overall we found it a very pleasant and friendly little B&B and we are glad we discovered it.

The Genesta House is a lovely oasis in the middle of Cowes, which can seem crowded with all the visitors in the town. Genesta is quaint and quiet....but only a block from the beach, as well as the center of town. I traveled in from Melbourne via bus...and could easily walk to Genesta from the bus stop in town. Susan, the owner, is very gracious, friendly, and helpful. And make sure you take a dip in the backyard spa....it is a cool respite from the heatwave!

My wife and I stayed at the Genesta in the 1st of Jan. We arrived in the 3pm+ after a long drive from GOR and Susan is friendly & hospitable to welcome the tired us. Room is prefect and my wife like it the most. Breakfast is great too. It is homely & cozy.

Landlady Susan even lend us two jackets for Penguin Parade as we are under prepared. Even though it is summer, the wind is strong and the temperature drop to 14C that night.

It is close to all the restaurant too.

and found everything about it excellent.
The bed and breakfast is now run by new management and the lady owner could not
have done more to make our stay more pleasant. Each room was spotlessly clean
with beautiful bedding and even port provided should you like that particular tipple.
Each room has its own veranda which isn't overlooked by any other room, therefore
affording peace and quiet as well as privacy.
To conclude should we ever visit Philip island again we would have no hesitation in staying here again. website is www.genesta.com.au
Margaret and Malcolm Harrogate England