Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa

This was our second time to Bells Killcare my husband and I went two years ago for a similar two night retreat. The positives are the beautiful setting and grounds of Bells Killcare. The rooms are cosy and there was a nice welcoming gift of $50 voucher to pick any treats from the local shop which was a nice way to start our trip. The Poolside is beautiful and quaint. When we went it was very quiet and we managed to get one of the comfortable beds. There is a row of comfortable sun beds and a row of chairs that aren’t as comfortable. The last time we came we loved the concept of the Honor bar which means you can help yourself to beverages while at the pool as they don’t have anyone taking orders. It was a shame that this time they only offered beer as last time you could make Aperol and other drinks which were more catered to females. I’m not sure if the reason for this is because guests were taking advantage of the spirits and not being “honourable” but at the least they should stock some of their cans of drinks that they sell in the shop which aren’t much different from the beers they offer. Seems a shame they don’t have anyone coming to the pool to offer drink orders and or lunch options because I feel that’s a bit of a missed opportunity to make money. The restaurant has lovely and welcoming staff. We enjoyed the breakfast options and had lovely staff be very attentive. Unfortunatley we didn’t feel the quality of the food for the Wildflower dinner matched up with the prices charged. Very expensive prices for the quality you get for the food. We decided to go to a local restaurant in Ettalong for our second night which had food of the same level but much more affordable and fair. The reception staff were fine but a bit cold. The younger lady was more attentive and approachable than the other lady. They could work on a more welcoming experiance. Overall Bells is definaltey a nice place to visit and stay and we enjoyed our stay but some of the elements could definatley be improved on. We enjoyed our stay two years ago more than this time.

Christmas lunch was disappointing. The staff were attentive but the food underwhelming. An expensive exercise at $250 a head not including drinks and coffee. Table service, a wait of an hour after complementary introductory drink before the first course, one oyster and one scallop per person, arrived. Then a salad, a stuffed zucchini flower liberally coated in batter so pretty tasteless, then the turkey, ham, roast potatoes, greens. The expected Bombe Alaska was off because as explained 'the ingredients weren't available' to be replaced with something described (from memory) as a 'cassata' which was largely left untouched. Again, not the fault of the staff, but an experience not to be repeated.

High expectations but the food and service highly disappointing. It's like they forgot about us. We just wanted to feel special. We came from all over the coast and the food was soggy sad and unappealing. I wouldn't normally leave a review like this, but talk to the staff so they know the problem and give them a chance to help,but no. The female Chef took insult and we paid and left. Would have live to talk but we're ignored from kitchen t door. We had our 80 yo matriarch with us and felt extremely embarrassed. We've had lovely moments before here, but something changed for the worse. Chef appalling.

Such a memorable experience. The rooms are beautiful. The food in the restaurant for dinner and breakfast was wonderful with plenty to choose from. We had the pleasure of having Kim as our waitress for both dinner and breakfast. She was amazing at looking after us and suggesting alternate meals due to my allergies. My friends and I have stayed before and each time it has been a weekend to remember. Can't wait to come back soon.

We have stayed here many times over the years. Just had a wonderful Sunday night. Peaceful vibe pervades the property. We had the degustation with premium matching wines. Chef did himself proud. Friendly and professional staff. Lighting and music could have been softer over dinner. Breakfast options were excellent including shakshuka. Fruit platter would be good. We will return soon. Thank you and bravo.

Attentive customer service, beautiful grounds, lovely accomodation and generous package. Breakfast and daily welcome drink at the bar, free welcome hamper in the room. Daily room service and free shuttle back on return from bush-walk. Chefs degustation menu well worth the money.

My wife and I visited Bells for our (big!) wedding anniversary staying in a Lake Villa for three nights. It’s a great set up - a really relaxed vibe, good facilities, great staff and set in a beautiful area of the NSW central coast which is easy to navigate around - everything is close. With the Bouddi national park on your doorstep as well as fantastic scenery, walks and beaches (Putty, Avoca, to name but two) it’s a great spot to relax and unwind. The look and fit out at Bells is very “Hamptons” - but it works. The restaurant was great for dinner and breakfast. A couple of our mains were good not great, but overall we found it hard to really fault. The great little bakery by the reception is a bonus - full of great treats from cheeses to bread, chocolate, meats and beer/wine. Bells is not cheap but not expensive either for what you get. And only 90 minutes from Sydney. Check it out!

We went to Bell’s for a family celebration. We were allocated the separate function room, which at the time was also occupied by another group, but this did not intrude on our function. The food, which was excellent, consisted of shared plates - varied, plentiful and of the highest quality (as expected of this restaurant. We have been here on several occasions, for dinner, for a Christmas lunch and for this family get-together. The service and food are always of the highest quality. Expensive experience - but one that should be indulged in, at least once!!!

My wife and I just stayed at Bells at Killcare in a package that included a hamper with a lovely message, dinner and breakfast and a nights accommodation. Front desk staff on arrival were also fantastic. As you would appreciate not cheap but for our 30th wedding anniversary something nice to go to. Bottom line hamper and accommodation were terrific and we enjoyed a large studio style cottage with a large bathroom. Dinner at Wildflower was a mixed bag. Service by the bar and wait staff was terrific. That said we ordered a mix of entrees including a delightful mix of Stracciatella and a tomato and basil salad with Mooloolaba split prawns with chilli and lemon. The first two were bought to the table soon after ordering but we had to ask for the prawns and then told they would be 5 or so minutes. So my guess forgotten. Bit strange as we wanted them altogether. Unfortunately the prawns were over cooked and dry which was unfortunate as the mixture of the tomatoes and cheese was delightful. The main on the other hand was sensational which comprised a slow cooked lamb shoulder for two with potatoes and broccolini. Wine list was sensational and we also had a nice desert. Except for the prawns and having to ask where they were it was overall pretty good. But just missed it. Breakfast on the other hand was a disaster. We wandered up about 9am (breakfast between 8-10) and while we were seated quickly and my wife’s coffee order was very quickly delivered we then had to wait 15 mins for someone to take our order - only after we asked. Albeit there was only about a doz people in the restaurant. Pastries and fruit terrific. Unfortunately the poached eggs on both dishes (Benedict and the big breakfast) was a disaster. While I usually suck it up in normal circumstances at a cafe when poached eggs turn up over cooked - the eggs delivered were at best almost hard boiled and when we showed the wait staff even she was disappointed and removed them. What was surprising when we left was we weren’t asked how we were enjoyed our stay which was unusual. Overall a lovely experience but a couple of areas to improve based on our short stay.