Name: Irish Cottage Inn & Suites
Address: 9853 US Highway 20, Galena, Illinois, United States of America, Galena, Illinois, US
Price range: US$106–US$423 per night
Rating: 9.05

What guests think

Irish Cottage Inn & Suites delivers a warmly Irish-themed stay with clean, comfortable rooms, a popular on‑site pub with live music, complimentary hot breakfast, and a convenient shuttle to downtown Galena, earning frequent praise for friendly service.

Several reviews mention a daily amenity fee and occasional shortcomings like inconsistent breakfast quality or supply, limited shuttle hours, firm or uncomfortable furniture, and sporadic maintenance issues (e.g., elevator outages, hot tub closures, or noisy HVAC). Guests also appreciate the Irish décor, cozy library, afternoon tea, and quiet setting just outside downtown. Expect a charming, convenient base with character, plus a few trade‑offs.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Most guests enjoy the attached pub with live music, free shuttle to downtown, and amenities like pool/hot tub, library, walking trail, and ample parking. Some reported closures or issues (hot tub/pool downtime, elevator outages, gym ventilation/closure) and occasional spa unavailability.

Related guest reviews

10

Gail

14 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The shuttle service was an excellent option to have available.

6

Kimberly

20 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The gym was u bearable-no AC or ventilation. Breakfast was good, but the ran out of fruit and bacon an hour before the buffet closed. There was no en-suite bathroom

6

shelly

11 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Read the excellent reviews before we booked...so maybe too hyped and was disappointed. It is a very dark hotel which is kind of depressing to me. Room overlooked a parking lot and had no overhead lighting. The extra amenity fee pays for tea, breakfast, shuttle, pool/hot tub, etc...Afternoon tea was self serve and a choice of a scone and the smallest cucumber sandwich you have ever seen. The breakfast was so gross. Like a bad buffet. We took one look and left and got breakfast in town. And it only goes till 930 and the pub doesnt reopen till 11. So on the weekend when you want to have a leisurely breakfast, you have to be done by 9:30 am. Ridiculous. The shuttle is a nice service for sure. Everyone raved about Brian, I think he was having an off night when we were there, sort of grumpy. The hot tub was dirty at the bottom and lukewarm. Also, the beautiful photos of the outside tables, no flowers in all the pots and kind of depressing. We were underwhelmed for the price for sure. We're really excited about staying there and it did not remotely meet our expectations.

8

Kerry

22 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very disappointed that there was no spa available. Called on a Tuesday and never received a return call. Was told the spa was not part of the hotel.

10

Debbie

5 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Live music and atmosphere of pub and character of building

10

Teresa

16 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful hotel wuth lots of great woodwork, free breakfast was top notch! Rooms were clean and comfy! Great location, great live Irish musicians, so good. Fun stay, a little different (Better!) than the ordinary hotel stays. Pool looked nice, but we didn't have time to use it. We will definitely book this hotel again!

10

Patricia

12 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Clean room. Plenty of parking. Shuttle to town.

6

Anna

13 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

I gave the hotel 3 stars due to elevator not working for our entire stay, 4 days. I was excited about breakfst, they used to have excellent choices, but not anymore. Tasteless eggs, bacon and orange juice mix from the bar. I beli e that rooms were remodeled 2 yrs ago but the hotel kept old furniture. Scrached, faded headboards and night stands. It looks shabby. On a positive side music at the restauramt was nice and lobby clean. I don't plan on booking there again. Sadly, the hotel is not what it used to be.

10

Karine

19 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The attention to detail was very impressive! I especially enjoyed the afternoon tea! Unfortunately the pool and hot tub were closed due to unforeseen circumstances. The complimentary breakfast was the best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had! I would also recommend the spa! My guest and I both had a facial and they were great 👍!

10

Sandra

24 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful hotel. Spa experience was fantastic.

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Cleanliness

Reviews frequently praise very clean rooms and well‑kept common areas. A few note missed details or policy limits (housekeeping by request, occasional dirty hot tub or bathroom corners, and carpets needing a deeper clean).

Related guest reviews

10

Carolyn

13 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Conveniently located a few miles from downtown Galena. Staff was friendly during check in and the room was spacious and very clean. The food at Frank O'Dowd's pub was delicious

10

Lucas

2 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room itself was spotless. Staff was friendly. I loved the theme of the hotel and all the decor. There is a pub attached and the food was absolutely delicious.

6

shelly

11 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Read the excellent reviews before we booked...so maybe too hyped and was disappointed. It is a very dark hotel which is kind of depressing to me. Room overlooked a parking lot and had no overhead lighting. The extra amenity fee pays for tea, breakfast, shuttle, pool/hot tub, etc...Afternoon tea was self serve and a choice of a scone and the smallest cucumber sandwich you have ever seen. The breakfast was so gross. Like a bad buffet. We took one look and left and got breakfast in town. And it only goes till 930 and the pub doesnt reopen till 11. So on the weekend when you want to have a leisurely breakfast, you have to be done by 9:30 am. Ridiculous. The shuttle is a nice service for sure. Everyone raved about Brian, I think he was having an off night when we were there, sort of grumpy. The hot tub was dirty at the bottom and lukewarm. Also, the beautiful photos of the outside tables, no flowers in all the pots and kind of depressing. We were underwhelmed for the price for sure. We're really excited about staying there and it did not remotely meet our expectations.

10

Mary

12 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff was very efficient and friendly and the room was spotless We loved the restaurant on the property.

10

GALINA

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was very clean

4

Kim

19 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Food was good but our room had stuff behind the end table. The tv was not working, staff knew but didn’t tell us and when we complained, did not offer discount. For price we paid, it was a disappointment!

8

Magda

30 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk staff was very nice. Breakfast space was good. 24 hr coffee available. No ice machine nearby. Could use carpet cleaning. Did not like the room layout--toilet/shower away from the sink.

10

WENDY

1 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very comfortable and very roomy. Everything was very clean and in great condition. Breakfast buffet was very good and there were great choices and MUCH better than breakfasts that I’ve had at chain hotels. Very nice hotel and we wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.

4

Brandon

1 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice place, Resort Fee is a little much and surprising. Additional charge for a pool that we didn't even use. Only clean your room if you request it. Need to go each day for new towels and carry them up.

8

Holly

28 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The property was nice. The only complaint I had was the cleanliness of the bathroom

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Rooms

Rooms are generally spacious, quiet, and decorated with Irish touches, with many finding the beds comfortable. Downsides noted include very firm seating, occasional uncomfortable mattresses/pillows, layout quirks (sink outside bath), HVAC or noise issues, and some suites facing the parking lot.

Related guest reviews

10

Ann

14 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I liked everything except the bed comfort mattress.

10

Bill

19 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very nice place, clean rooms, Breakfast was great with plenty of options the two mornings we were there. Staff was very helpful. Downtown Galena is only minutes away. Beware - it's like Las Vegas there's a Resort Fee per Day :( - Also 2Q rooms don't have a private bathroom. Sink is outside the stool/shower. Makes it tough when Mom needs to use the hir dryer and turn on the lights above the sink and wake up everybody in the room.

10

Margie

31 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The library was amazing and the overall decor was authenticly Irish!

8

Mike

18 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property is nicely renovated but the suite’s furniture is stiff and uncomfortable. Also the air vent is situated so it blew cold air directly at the bed. We really loved that they provide a great free hot breakfast… in the Irish pub that has music in the evening, offers a nice dinner menu and a great selection of beer.

10

William

15 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Quiet, clean and comfy!

4

Jodie

10 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We booked this hotel to try to enjoy a restful weekend after a very long week. We enjoyed all the touristy events in town shopping, dining etc. When we checked into the hotel we were given a room above the restaurant on the fourth floor. We weren't told on hotels.com nor by the staff they host live music on the weekends until 11pm. The base from the band was so loud and obnoxious that we couldn't even enjoy a movie. I contacted management to see if we could move rooms but they said it wasn't possible. I contacted Hotels.com to explain the entire situation and was told to bad. The problem is we weren't informed therefore we couldn't make other arrangements. If I were in the restaurant until 11 I'm sure the music would've been enjoyable but only listening to mumbling and base wasnt. The response from management is below. Irish Cottage Inn & Suites sent you a message: Dear Jodie, Thank you for your feedback regarding the live music at our hotel. I want to clarify that we do have live music every weekend, which continues until 11:00 PM. Many of our guests enjoy this feature, and it contributes to the vibrant atmosphere that our hotel is known for. We also observe quiet hours from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM to ensure a comfortable stay for all our guests. I understand that you need to rise early, and while I respect your decision, this is a lively tourist town where weekend entertainment is a significant aspect of the experience. Sincerely, Tammy Diffenbaugh, General Manager

6

Julie

4 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very cute place. Clean rooms and friendly staff. The chairs in our room were the most uncomfortable things I’ve ever tried to sit on.

10

WENDY

1 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very comfortable and very roomy. Everything was very clean and in great condition. Breakfast buffet was very good and there were great choices and MUCH better than breakfasts that I’ve had at chain hotels. Very nice hotel and we wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.

6

Brittany

24 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Pros: Offer complimentary shuttle and breakfast, front desk staff was nice. Convenient to have the pub, live music and restaurant on site. Opportunities: The king bed was VERY uncomfortable (needs new mattress for sure), the lighting is awful (super bright lights like a surgical area everywhere), the walls were so thin that it was super loud when people were having fun or closing doors.

10

Chelsie

7 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Such a cute hotel! We got a two room suite and holy SPACE!!! Absolutely wonderful!

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Service

Staff are widely described as friendly and helpful, with the shuttle service often praised. A minority report inconsistent front‑desk experiences, rigid policies (early check‑in or amenity fee surprises), and occasional unresponsiveness.

Related guest reviews

10

Brandon

10 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wonderful staff, excellent room cleanliness, wonderful transportation options for downtown Galena and shopping.

8

Cecily

12 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Had an odd conversation with whom I presume was the hotel manager. My husband and I were waiting for the elevator to go up to our room after checking in. The elevator was occupied by a housekeeper with 2 large carts. No big deal as we would wait for the elevator to clear. While waiting, a woman I assume was a manager (wearing a black suit) came up to us to ask if the housekeeper didn't "let us" on the elevator. I said the elevator was full but we didn't mind waiting because we'd been in the car for 3 hours and wanted to stretch our legs. The "manager" then insisted that she wanted to know which staff member to "reprimand". I said that was unnecessary and that waiting a few more minutes wasn't a big deal to us. She wouldn't let it go until I finally had to say, Do not reprimand any staff member on our behalf. If this manager was so intent on reprimanding staff in front of guests, I worry how she treats staff when guests aren't around. By the way, all the staff were pleasant and helpful. The manager? Not so much.

10

Javier

24 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean and great service in the front desk.

6

Michael

13 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was fine, the restaurant great but upon checking in I was told I had to wait until 3:00 unless I wanted to pay $25 for early check in. The room was ready, the parking lot empty, they just wanted my money to check in one hour early. Lousy customer service. I’ve been there about 10 times but will not return

10

Sarah

23 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Easy check in and check out. Very clean and friendly. The shuttle driver Brian was awesome!

4

Sergio

2 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was very clean. Staff was not friendly.

10

Joanne

28 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location, very friendly staff & shuttle transportation. Nice rooms & amenities. Definitely come back!

8

Andrea

25 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff was very friendly and helpful

4

Michael

5 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was nice in person but very misleading on Expedia and not willing to work with us on a room discrepancy for my wife and I's 10 year anniversary. Decent place, just don't book through Expedia because the hotel will essentially put you in whatever room they want that's the lower value.

10

Nitza

4 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The service was great. Front desk was very friendly. The restaurant was really good and the room was really comfortable and very clean. There was tea and coffee offered in their little library area. It was a really nice place to stay.

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Location

Short drive from downtown Galena with a quiet setting; many rely on the complimentary shuttle and appreciate plentiful parking. A few wished it were walkable or closer to the main strip.

Related guest reviews

10

Jacqueline

14 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location was walkable to town and the country market.

10

Eric

12 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very charming place, friendly staff and convenient location to downtown Galena.

10

Terry

26 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Location was good to be close to town, but far enough away to avoid traffic.

10

Carolyn

13 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Conveniently located a few miles from downtown Galena. Staff was friendly during check in and the room was spacious and very clean. The food at Frank O'Dowd's pub was delicious

10

Lori

31 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place - fantastic staff close to Main Street

10

Esther

18 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful unique place. Staff was great, rooms were clean! Loved that they had a shuttle service to & from the downtown area too!

10

Jennifer

9 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It's conveniently located to downtown Galena and has a wonderful restaurant attached.

10

Thomas

8 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice place, good location

10

Jason

26 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location, nice place, breakfast was good. Quiet as well.

10

Nikola

21 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location just outside downtown Galena is perfect. The design of the hotel is unique and enjoyable.

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Dining

On‑site dining gets strong feedback: the pub’s food, drinks, and live music are widely enjoyed. Breakfast is included and often praised, though multiple reviews report inconsistency (early end time or items running out, bland options, or limited variety on some days).

Related guest reviews

10

Robert

7 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We have a beautiful room close to Galena without being on top of the crowds. The breakfast buffet was one of the best I have had on the road. Just far enough out of town not to deal with the traffic, and we were glad to hear the hotel ran a shuttle.

10

Cory

8 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This a is such a unique property. They’ve paid a lot of attention to the Irish heritage, and it shows.The food in the restaurant is fantastic.

6

Darya

1 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This hotel is cute but quite average when it comes to value. We stayed 1 Sunday nicht over the Labor Day weekend and it was way too overpriced for what it was. The place was clean. Nice pool, gym and hot tub. Breakfast was a very basic buffet with some scrambled eggs; bacon; potatoes; toast and some fruit. Definitely not anything to write home about. The Breakfast set up did not include decaf coffee so i had to get it from the lobby. Our so called VIP room for $320 per night was facing the parking lot and the extremely loud exhaust fan system in the front of the hotel. The room had very uncomfortable chairs but the bed and bedding were good. So it was sort of a hit or miss stay for us. I would not stay there again. I'm sure it's way less expensive during regular days so might be a better value then but for the holiday weekend it really wasn't.

6

Michael

17 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel itself is very clean and comfortable. The food was below average. My wife couldn't eat the chicken on the salad,it was rubbery. No bacon or sausage with breakfast 1st day. Second day there was sausage but they were off. Beautiful hotel just a pity about sub standard food

10

Jim

21 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great value and easy drive to downtown Galena. Breakfast was outstanding and first class.

8

Robbie

15 May 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wonderful location and the outside decks are very nice. We stayed two nights, while we didn't eat dinner either night in the restaurant, we did get the most wonderful limoncello cake the first night. However, the breakfast on both mornings was nothing to be excited about. Coffee was out on the first day and the staff didn't care when told, French toast was cold, and the scones almost raw; bacon was the only redeeming item. The second morning was no better, pancakes were cold and scones still mostly raw dough; there was coffee but no bacon:(

10

Jamie Gisi

29 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great spot - love the rooms all the way to the restaurant / bar with great entertainment!! The food is exceptional and the service is outstanding.

10

Kelly

20 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, nice rooms, great pub and restaurant on site.

10

WENDY

1 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very comfortable and very roomy. Everything was very clean and in great condition. Breakfast buffet was very good and there were great choices and MUCH better than breakfasts that I’ve had at chain hotels. Very nice hotel and we wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.

8

Ahmed

2 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The rooms are wide and comfortable. The only complaint we had was that the breakfest buffet was supposed to be 7:30-9:30 AM. On Saturday morning, August 30, they ran out of almost all the items by 8:50, including coffee. The restaurant manager said they did not expect so many guests to show up.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$120
February	US$113
March	US$109
April	US$114
May	US$138
June	US$145
July	US$152
August	US$142
September	US$142
October	US$178
November	US$141
December	US$132

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15 $126	16 $133	17 $191	18 $423	19 $406
20 $135	21 $106	22 $122	23 $127	24 $137	25 $397	26 $397
27 $145	28 $150	29 $150	30 $133

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $116	2	3
4 $135	5 $135	6 $135	7 $136	8 $136	9	10
11 $256	12 $131	13 $131	14 $131	15 $132	16	17
18 $130	19 $132	20 $133	21 $131	22 $136	23	24
25 $136	26 $135	27 $137	28 $137	29 $136	30	31

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Deluxe Room

Premium Suite

Superior Room

Traditional Room

Guest reviews

Superb

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

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