Genesta House
Location: 18 Steele Street, Cowes, au
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Property Type: Guest houses
About this Property
Secluded Garden Setting:
Experience tranquility at Genesta House with its secluded garden setting, providing a peaceful escape for guests looking to unwind amidst nature.
Charming Boutique Accommodation:
Step into a piece of history with our boutique accommodation housed in a beautifully restored 100-year-old home, offering a unique and cozy stay for all visitors.
Convenient Location:
Located just a 5-minute walk from Cowes Beach and local dining options, Genesta House provides easy access to the beach and nearby eateries for a perfect blend of relaxation and convenience.
Book now to indulge in a delightful stay at Genesta House, where comfort and serenity await you.
Important Information
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Room service
- Terrace
- Luggage storage
- Express check-in/check-out
- Ironing service
- Car hire
- Non-smoking throughout
- Private check-in/check-out
- Grocery deliveries
- Adult only
- Outdoor furniture
- Fruits
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Physical distancing rules followed
- Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
- Cashless payment available
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Contactless check-in/check-out
- Invoice provided
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Smoke alarms
- Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
- Guest room sealed after cleaning
- Physical distancing in dining areas
- Key access
- Food delivered to guest room
- Process in place to check health of guests
- Access to health care professionals
- Screens / Barriers between staff and guests for safety
- Face masks for guests available
- Delivered food - securely covered
- Thermometers for guests provided by property
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Express check-in
- Free wired internet
- Golfing on site
- Snorkeling on site
- Tennis lessons on site
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
- Concerts/live shows
- Private picnics
- Japanese garden
- Secured parking
- Fishing nearby
- Beach club nearby (surcharge)
- Beach toys
- Vegetarian menu options available
- Paddle boating nearby
- Accessible train station shuttle
- No accessible train station shuttle
Rooms Available
-
Deluxe Queen Room A
Featuring access to the front veranda that overlooks the garden and a fish pond, this room has a seating area with a flat-screen TV. It includes complimentary port wine, chocolate, tea and coffee. The kitchenette includes a refrigerator, kettle and toaster while the private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and toiletries. Please note there is no capacity for additional guests.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toaster
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Pool towels
- Bottle of water
- Fruits
- Chocolate or cookies
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Shower cap
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Window
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
- Hand sanitiser
-
Lilly Pilly Room
1 Queen Bed
Furnished patio with garden views
Layout - Dining area and sitting area
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, and toaster
Sleep - Egyptian cotton linens and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Desk, iron/ironing board (on request), and local maps
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request
Non-Smoking, renovated in May 2022
Connecting/adjoining rooms can be requested, subject to availability
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Interconnected room(s) available
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toaster
- Daily housekeeping
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Free tea bags/instant coffee
- Local maps
- Guidebooks or recommendations
- Restaurant dining guide
- Freezer
- Mobile key entry
-
Fernery Room
1 Queen Bed
Furnished patio with garden views
Layout - Dining area and sitting area
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, and toaster
Sleep - Egyptian cotton linens and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Desk, iron/ironing board (on request), and local maps
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request
Non-Smoking, renovated in May 2022
Connecting/adjoining rooms can be requested, subject to availability
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Interconnected room(s) available
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toaster
- Daily housekeeping
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Free tea bags/instant coffee
- Local maps
- Guidebooks or recommendations
- Restaurant dining guide
- Freezer
- Mobile key entry
-
Maple Room
1 Queen Bed
Furnished patio with garden views
Layout - Dining area and sitting area
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, and toaster
Sleep - Egyptian cotton linens and bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Desk, iron/ironing board (on request), and local maps
Comfort - Daily housekeeping and climate-controlled heating and air conditioning
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request
Non-Smoking, renovated in May 2022
Connecting/adjoining rooms can be requested, subject to availability
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Interconnected room(s) available
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toaster
- Daily housekeeping
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided
- Free tea bags/instant coffee
- Local maps
- Guidebooks or recommendations
- Restaurant dining guide
- Freezer
- Mobile key entry
-
Deluxe Queen Suite
Featuring a private veranda and garden area, this room has a seating area with a flat-screen TV. It includes complimentary port wine, chocolate, tea and coffee. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and toiletries. Please note that the price is based on 2 guests.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Interconnected room(s) available
- Private entrance
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toaster
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Pool towels
- Bottle of water
- Fruits
- Chocolate or cookies
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Shower cap
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Window
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
- Hand sanitiser
-
Deluxe Queen Room B
Featuring access to the front veranda that overlooks the garden and a fish pond, this room has a seating area with a flat-screen TV. It includes complimentary port wine, chocolate, tea and coffee. The kitchenette includes a refrigerator, kettle and toaster while the private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and toiletries. Please note there is no capacity for additional guests.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Interconnected room(s) available
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Toaster
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Pool towels
- Bottle of water
- Fruits
- Chocolate or cookies
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Shower cap
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Window
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
- Hand sanitiser
Guest Reviews
- Michael (7/5): Characterful guesthouse - Very pleasant guest house with character. There was a shallow step which was difficult to see at the entrance of the bathroom
- Sophie (10/5): - Beautiful, warm hospitality from Genesta House. The room was spacious and the amenities were excellent. Couldn't recommend more highly.
- Stefan (10/5): The owner (Simonne) is a great person, very friendly and helpful. I can only recommend Genesta house to everyone visitin - Very nice location, the friendliest host imaginable, very cosy, very nice and super clean.
- Maria (10/5): Our second time and still loving it! - Simonne as always is a delight as a host. They make sure you feel welcomed with every little detail. The rooms are cozy, clean and spacious. The breakfast is fresh, varied and homemade or local-produced where possible. The verandah is such a relaxing spot! And last but not least, the location is 10/10.
- Kerry (10/5): Lovely old house with grst location - Lovely and well appointed accommodation with gorgeous verandah & garden to enjoy with fabulous location to the beach. Nothing all good
- Deborah (9/5): -
- Michelle (10/5): -
- Archie (10/5): Great spot lovely accomodation would recommend! - Amazing service beautiful stay!
- David & Robyn Kimpton (9/5): Close to beach and shops - Lovely presentation of foods for our continental breakfasts. Extremely comfortable bed and great bathroom. Fabulous staff who were easy to contact and very professional and pleasant to deal with.
- Rupert (10/5): -
- Joe (10/5): -
- Mylène (10/5): - Tout est parfait! L’accueil, la chambre, le petit déjeuner !
- Mathews (10/5): - I loved the breakfast and the granola was delicious. The room was very comfortable. I loved walking through the stunning garden as well!
- Bernhard (6/5): - Die Lage Etwas in die Jahre gekommen.
- Nick (8/5): -
- Shiratori (9/5): 快適、安らぎ！ - とてもフレンドリーで、気さくなオーナーさんでした！ コンチネンタルブレックスファストも食べ切れないほどの量でした。
- Angelika (10/5): - Ein unglaublich entzückendes Zimmer, sehr funktionell eingerichtet , das Frühstück war sehr vielfältig. Eine ausgesprochen freundliche und zuvorkommende Gastgeberin. Direkt gegenüber ein Restaurant, sonst fußläufig ca 10 Minuten ins „ Zentrum“. Zu wenig Zeit, um länger bleiben zu können.
- Jeremy (8/5): -
- Morganne (10/5): Must Stay!! - Everything about Genesta House is amazing! The room was very cute and the bed was comfortable. The breakfast was great and the hosts had great recommendations for restaurants, hikes and other activities. None
- Victor (10/5): Fabulous place - Hosts were perfect, even procuring tickets for us to go to Penguin Parade at short notice. Food provided was a great selection. We weren't able to eat it all!
- Debra (10/5): - Genesta House was a wonderful stay in all respects. Simone was so helpful and such a gracious host. Highly recommend!
- Tuppy (8/5): Very good -
- Andrew (10/5): - Fantastic
- Melissa (10/5): Absolutely fabulous in all respects!!! - What a perfect little oasis Simmone and Marcus have made here !!! From the moment we walked through the gate and into the garden I knew this was something special. We got the most warmest welcome and informative run down of everything to do in the area from Simmone and Max (furr baby) and the best places to eat (Palms Restaurant) straight across the road was amazing, friendly and quality food made with love! The 1st thing I noticed upon entry of checkin was the smell of fresh baking 😋 Simmone made the most amazing granola for breakfast I have ever tasted! The room was beautiful and clean with so much attention to detail. Beautiful new bathroom, every little detail thought of. The bed, pillows and linen were 1st class. 11/10 from us, would definitely recommend this place to everyone! Not a thing to fault!!! Thankyou Simmone and Marcus 💐
- David (10/5): Perfection - Beautiful old property in lovely well kept gardens. Helpful and kind host. Tasty breakfast package and great bathroom. Good coffee and even a glass of Port was provided.
- William (9/5): Superb - Excellent touches throughout. Close to the beach and downtown areas
- Michael (9/5): Would not hesitate to stay again. - Nice touch in flask of port left in room. Also wonderful to have bread and milk in the room to save us going shopping straight away. Simone the host was very helpful in advising us what to see and where to eat. Lovely quaint place. Easy parking. Nothing.
- Antje (10/5): Beautiful and perfect accommodation to explore Phillip Island - Lovely & helpful hosts, beautiful setting, close to beach & town
- Stephanie (10/5): Hosts were amazing. Lovely room, breakfast included was great. Location great. Max the dog super cute. Lovely gift for o - A beautiful place, comfortable, close to town and beach. N/A
- Leo (9/5): Superb -
- Sirdeshmukh (10/5): Exceptional -
- Angela (9/5): Superb -
- Pauline (10/5): Exceptional - Very clean and comfortable
- Theo (10/5): Exceptional - very nice breakfast
- Alison (10/5): Relaxing 3 nights at Genesta House. - A very comfortable and relaxing stay at Genesta House, we loved the breakfast provisions and special treats. The room was delightful. Everything was great.
- Andrew (10/5): Exceptional -
- Mary (10/5): Lovely ,happy place to stay on gorgeous Phillip Is. - Friendly host,excellent help with recommendations,comfy room,delicious food for breakfast and snacks.
- Julia (9/5): Relaxed and content. - Perfect, quiet location, very clean and nicely presented. Leaving..
- Megan (10/5): Exceptional -
- Triona (10/5): Exceptional - The little extra touches made all the difference! The host orientated us to the room and gave us tips on where to eat and what to do. The room itself was so cute and exceptionally clean. The bed was comfortable, and the location was ideal with lots of parking and close to great bars and restaurants! Thanks for a lovely stay and kind welcome. It felt like home away from home. Nothing.
- Lloyd (10/5): Exceptional - Great breakfast provided. Simonne is a wonderful host.
- sydney (10/5): - Great stay!
- Robert (10/5): Very enjoyable night away - The homey feel
- Dave (10/5): Exceptional - Fantastic B&B with a very friendly and helpful landlady. Small walk to the beach and town centre and a great location to see Phillip Island. We wish we had booked for longer here.
- Tiffany (10/5): Exceptional -
- Kathy (9/5): Nice - the room is nicely decorated and the host prepared lots of little food for guests. The host suggested places to be visited and that's useful tips for the travellors. the room is a bit dim and not much hook for hanging clothes in the washroom. The shower is only from top.
- Liam (9/5): Superb -
- Patrick (10/5): An oasis of calm, with great hospitality. - An extremely warm welcome and overall amazing attention to detail. Simone provided an exceptional breakfast, including homemade granola. The property is set in beautiful gardens, very relaxing sitting on the verandah outside our room. Perfect hospitality. Nothing.
- Paul (9/5): Superb - Location Comfort
- Christopher (10/5): Exceptional -
- Baker (8/5): Very good -
- Amy (9/5): Perfect spot for a weekend getaway with homely touches and amazing hosts. We will be back! - We really enjoyed our stay here. You can’t beat the location, walking distance to all the action and beach. The rooms and garden were cute - it’s like an old cottage feel. We also loved the small touches like the breakfast and sweet treats that were provided. Simonne was an incredible host and provided some amazing recommendations for places to visit and activities to do on the island. You can hear guests in other rooms, however it didn’t bother us too much.
- Julie (10/5): - Just like a little cabin in an English garden
- Kate (9/5): Peaceful, relaxing and regenerative - We had a great stay - it was very relaxing and felt like a home away from home. I liked the garden setting and all the treats that came with the room. It’s very thoughtful.
- Antonietta (10/5): Amazing and relaxing - Quite and beautiful place
- Hiroyuki (7/5): Good -
- David (10/5): Exceptional -
- Madison (10/5): Beautiful gardens, decor and location - Location was perfect. The breakfast provided was a lovely addition and tailored to dietary requirements. Simonne was a lovely communicator and pleasure to deal with. I really loved the interior design and garden - both were so beautiful.
- Brian (8/5): Very good - Lovely old world charm set in beautiful gardens and within walking distance to esplanade and Cafe precinct.
- Ashlie (10/5): We had a lovely stay, on a beautiful property! The little personal touches were amazing - Beautiful property, lovely hosts, clean room, beautifully renovated bathroom and personal touches everywhere little chocolates, little decanter of port, a bottle of bubbles to celebrate our anniversary and the best conversation I’ve had with a property owner in a long time. The walls were a little thin and could hear some muffled talking from the room next door
- Melinda (9/5): Superb -
- Anthony (9/5): Superb -
- Aylin (10/5): Exceptional - We stayed at Genesta in Philip Island, where we went to celebrate Father's Day. We loved the facility for the cleanliness of its rooms, attentive staff, and proximity to Cowe Beach. They made us very happy with the little surprise they made for Father's Day. It was a place that I definitely recommend and we can't wait to go again.
- Muji (10/5): Perfect - It was very clean and comfortable and our hosts were very welcoming. The location was perfect- close to the beach and town. Couldn’t ask for anything more. We’ll definitely be returning.
- Jan (8/5): Very good -
- Hayzie (10/5): Excellent people and so friendly and welcoming, The room was perfect and so cozy. -
- Upeksha (9/5): Superb - I could have chosen a cheaper accommodation but they had gone above and beyond with little value additions.
- Sean (10/5): Exceptional -
- Mark (10/5): would highly recommend! - everything about the property was great! Marcus and Simone are definitely  what you hope for in the hospitality industry. They’re so welcoming and they have such a beautiful property. . Simone spent quite a bit of time with us detailing what we should know and places to go. 
- Riste (10/5): Exceptional - Upon our arrival we were greeted with a warm welcome, my partner and I were informed about the town and must see places by the host. The overall experience was amazing we enjoyed our stay and it felt like home. Nothing everything was well presented we really enjoyed our stayed and had nothing to fault
- Scarlett (9/5): Superb - The bedrooms decoration! The bathroom floor was a bit dirty
- Bridgette (10/5): Lovely quiet area close to the venue we needed to be at for the wedding - Lovely breakfast Nothing
- Kathryn (10/5): Old world charm. - Welcoming and comfortable. A little pricey.
- Warisa (9/5): Superb -
- Svetlana (9/5): Beautiful weekend - Very clean and comfortable place with basic breakfast ( bread, yogurt, cereal, fruits, sweet pastries). We enjoyed our stay. Simonne is a warm welcoming host .
- Bridie (10/5): Exceptional - The host was lovely and we had the most beautiful time celebrating our marriage. This is the best bed and breakfast we’ve stayed at. Thank you so much for making us feel so special. everything was perfect
- Anonymous (10/5): A relaxing, comfortable and peaceful getaway. - Beautiful quiet location. Tastefully decorated with attention to detail. Walking distance to the esplanade and various shops and eateries. Very relaxing and homely atmosphere with the most comfortable bed! We wished we could have stayed longer! There was nothing that could be faulted.
- Deb (10/5): - This property has a old world charm with convenient access to the main street. The staff are very helpful and provided great hospitality. The only draw back is off street parking which is always full outside the property.
- Qiaochun (10/5): Exceptional -
- Jo-ann (9/5): Our stay was very relaxing. - Both the setting and our room were beautiful. The verandah and grounds gave a feeling of tranquility. The breakfast was very good. Simonne was an excellent host who recommended a beautiful place for our large family to meet for brunch…and left us tasty treats!
- Kerrie (10/5): Exceptional - Genesta House is by far the best B&B we have stayed in. The host, Simmone was such a delight to meet, extremely knowledgeable about everything on Phillip Island and very generous with extra surprise goodies for our room.
- Ursula (10/5): Friendly and comfortable accommodations. - Warm welcome. Comfortable room and beds. Lovely breakfast and the sherry and chocolates were a lovely touch.
- Christopher (9/5): Superb -
- Terry (8/5): Very pleasant place to stay in for our short visit to the island, Simonne is a terrific host. - Very pleased with the location and ease of access to Cowes CBD. Surprisingly (and pleasantly) quiet leading to a great night's rest. Simonne was a great host and happy to help with anything we needed at all. Lighting in the room was a little on the dim side for reading, otherwise all was fine.
- Margaret (9/5): Looking forward to returning. .Have already recommended this property to others - Lovely suite with very thoughtful additions. Simonne was a fabulous host. Great location Nothing
- Lyudmila (10/5): Exceptional - An amazing place, great hospitality. A place that transports you far and makes you dream.
- Garry (10/5): Honeymoon - Simone was brilliant as hostess looking after us , nothing was to hard . Only thing was my pillows not real good very hard .
- David (10/5): Exceptional - Fantastic place to stay.
- Sebastian (10/5): Very relaxing and great way to escape city life and recharge. - Accommodation was fantastic, clean and very calming. Awesome location and surroundings. Could not fault.
- Emily (10/5): Beautiful location and amazing host - The host was super sweet and helpful. She gave us suggestions and went above and beyond for us. Everything was perfect!
- Brett (9/5): Beautiful place to stay, fantastic host, great location - Superb host - very friendly, helpful and responsive Brilliant little touches, such as the breakfast / cheese and crackers Pillows could have been a little softer - but that may be personal preference
- Jane (10/5): - Lovely period home in beautiful garden setting
- Dale (10/5): Exceptional - Loved the room, the outdoor space, how close it is to the centre of Cowes and how accessible the rest of Phillip Island is. The host was great showed us through the room and recommended lunch and dinner spots. The brekky supplied was fresh and delicious.
- Emilia (10/5): lovely Bed and Breakfast with BEAUTIFUL garden - we stayed at Genesta House for our Honeymoon-Trip to Australia and absolutely loved it! the House and ESPECIALLY THE GARDEN is BEAUTIFUL! We almost didn’t want to leave the veranda at all Beschuss it was so tranquil and peaceful. Simonne was a wonderful host - so helpful and nice! I cannot recommend Genesta House enough.
- Robert (7/5): superb🍷👍 - Simone is a star🙏🙏 lovely and stunning location
- Helen (10/5): Exceptional -
- Kimberly (10/5): Beautiful BnB with exceptional service - Genesta House was a beautiful homestead with newly renovated bathroom. The property was a lovely mix of modern comfort and heritage beauty. Simonne provided exceptional service that included recommendations, and even gave out her ski jacket for the penguins and helped us store our IVF medication while we explored the island on our check out day. Highly recommended! NA
- Adam (10/5): Exceptional -
- Grace (10/5): Exceptional -
- Victoria (10/5): The perfect place for our short beach break - The setting is very relaxing. It was close to the beach and very beautiful.
Photos
