Monart or Cliff House Hotel?

ManannanMacLir

Hi everyone. I'm looking at booking a romantic night away for my girlfriends birthday in September and the two outstanding places within reasonable distance seem to be the Monart and the Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore. Both are pretty expensive but I'd like to treat her. I'd love to hear from people who have been to both/either of these and what they think. Thanks!

g'em

Is it a spa treat you're looking for?

I used to think Monart was the be-all and end-all of spa's and - while it's nice - I don't know that it's worth the very high prices.

I was in Seafield resort a couple of weekend ago though and I was absolutely blown away by it, and it's in the South East if you're looking at that area specifically.

ManannanMacLir

Not necessarily a spa treat. More so just a really nice place to spend some time together.

g'em

In that case Marlfield outside Gorey, Kilgraney Country House just outside Kilkenny and Dunbrody House in Arthurstown (Co. Wexford but very near Waterford) would all be fabulous. Very romantic and quiet and you'll be in modest luxury for your stay

rgiller

Dunbrody is excellent, with luxury rooms, lovely grounds and great food. The tasting menu there is excellent and walking around their veg garden is a good way to spend some time. There's a great beach at Duncannon closeby too

ManannanMacLir

Dunbrody is looking like a contender now. A room there is coming in at €260 as compared to €310 for Monart and €365 for the Cliff House hotel. The food seems to be praised for all 3. The rooms do look nicer in the two more expensive ones though and I want it to be special. Anyone else want to weigh in?

naughtysmurf

Monart is where we go when we can, yep expensive enough, food is good, rooms are grand, nothing too fancy but the people that go to Monart don't spend their time in the bedroom.

If it's a birthday treat FOR your girlfriend, then I'd suggest Monart and if you can stretch to booking her a treatment in advance well then I'd imagine you will both have a lovely time

tatli_lokma

Monart is all about the treatments and Spa - if you are not specifically looking for a spa break then it is too expensive to just use as a hotel base.

Unshelved

I've stayed in both. As other posters have said, Monart's spa is second to none. The rooms are beautiful and the grounds are lovely. There is no bar as such - you can order drinks to your room, or from the staff circulating around as you sit in one of the sitting rooms. As a result, people tend to turn in early at Monart, and for that reason it's the perfect place to chill out and relax. You don't even have to get dressed - plenty of people spend the whole day in their bathrobes and pyjamas/swimming gear. It's a good distance from the nearest town so once you're there, you're there for the duration.

The Cliff House has a fabulous location with gorgeous views over Ardmore Bay. It's within walking distance of Ardmore village - so you could nip in there for a pint in the evening or a meal if you fancy. There is also a beautiful cliff-top walk that you can do - you can even borrow wellies from the hotel if it's muddy (you can do this in Monart too). Cliff House has a Michelin Star so the food is fine dining and just fantastic. It does have a bar - the drinks are expensive - but as I said you can go into Ardmore for a pint if you're gagging for a drink.

Overall, for the views, location and dining I'd opt for the Cliff House - although Monart isn't too shabby either. Whichever you choose she'll be delighted.