I just came back from a holiday in Ireland

JP Liz V1 · 13-06-2020 11:04pm #1

Hotels some really upping their prices, if we get 500 euros for Irish staycations from the Government

then might afford if not then Costa del my Garden

addaword · 13-06-2020 11:06pm

JP Liz V1 wrote: »

Hotels some really upping their prices, if we get 500 euros for Irish staycations from the Government then might afford if not then Costa del my Garden

Much of what we give to hotels goes to the government in various taxes anyway as the money circulates in the economy.

road_high · 13-06-2020 11:15pm

JP Liz V1 wrote: »

Hotels some really upping their prices, if we get 500 euros for Irish staycations from the Government then might afford if not then Costa del my Garden

Was always very expensive to stay in Ireland. Most people stay cationing it’s usually only a few nights in a hotel or else do self catering

JP Liz V1 · 13-06-2020 11:22pm

road_high wrote: »

Was always very expensive to stay in Ireland. Most people stay cationing it’s usually only a few nights in a hotel or else do self catering

Yes you could holiday abroad from the prices to stay here but to entice more staycations in Ireland especially for the remainder of 2020 I thought you might get some good deals or offers but so far no

I know the tourism and hospitality sector has been hit hard in this pandemic but some of prices are extraordinary

Fred Cryton · 13-06-2020 11:38pm

Ultimately the hotels will be short-sightedly shooting themselves in the foot if they try and overcharge now. They have a captive market while planes are grounded.

If anything they should offer up a once in a lifetimes sale to hook us all on Irish staycations.

Beasty · 14-06-2020 12:12am

It's down to supply and demand - there has been a significant uptick in demand as restrictions are lifted, and people will typically want to stay local rather than flying to somewhere in the sun. Hence more people are chasing relatively few deals

We've a place we let in Cornwall. It's all done through an agency and prices have not increased, although the cleaning costs and other precautions required increases the costs of providing holiday accommodation. The months of July and August have pretty much booked up over the past 2 weeks

Hotels may also have to limit occupancy to maintain social distancing

Away With The Fairies · 14-06-2020 12:36pm

I'd like to get away sometime but is there anything I can do to reduce the risk by staying in a hotel. The only thing I can think of is bringing my own wipes and ringing ahead to get them to leave the window open in my room.

is_that_so · 14-06-2020 12:57pm

Away With The Fairies wrote: »

I'd like to get away sometime but is there anything I can do to reduce the risk by staying in a hotel. The only thing I can think of is bringing my own wipes and ringing ahead to get them to leave the window open in my room.

Have you considered self-catering options?

https://www.discoverireland.ie/Where-To-Stay/Self-Catering

Away With The Fairies · 14-06-2020 1:14pm

is_that_so wrote: »

Have you considered self-catering options?

https://www.discoverireland.ie/Where-To-Stay/Self-Catering

Thanks very much for this, self catering is a good idea as well.

Beechwoodspark · 14-06-2020 1:17pm

Just on the cribbing over pricing - Supply and demand surely?

Most of my circle of family friends and acquaintances are planning to stay in Ireland until a vaccine is found or the virus is completely eradicated (which is unlikely)

So I would guess there’s big demand for Irish hotel/b+b options this year

v638sg7k1a92bx · 14-07-2020 10:55am

and it's not worth it - in the current environment.

Supposed to be a 4 star hotel and the following services were unavailable due to COVID:

No room cleaning
No new bed sheets
No new towels - get them yourself from reception
No room service
No TV
No fridge
No swimming pool
No bar

Restaurant was available at reduced capacity however the orders were mixed every day because we had to fill out the order in advance and orders were getting mixed up because staff were adjusting to the new requirements and extra steps involved.

If it stays like this, it would be better to book a dorm in a hostel or go camping and have a DIY holiday.

I expect that hotels and service providers will use COVID as an excuse to cut back on services and reduce their costs while maintaining same prices and using COVID and social distancing measures as the reason.

Royale with Cheese · 14-07-2020 10:58am

I had a night booked in the cliff house in Waterford, 5 star spa hotel. They never said anything at the time of booking or emailed me about it but if you check their website it says you have to book in the for the pool, the sauna and steam room etc. are closed. I went to book a time and asked how long we'd have and they initially ignored that question, I asked again after a few more mails and they confirmed 30 minutes. I cancelled immediately, any kind of fancy hotel is certainly not worth it at the moment.

ixoy · 14-07-2020 11:07am

Ellie Raspy Cell wrote: »

and it's not worth it - in the current environment.

Supposed to be a 4 star hotel and the following services were unavailable due to COVID:

No TV

Why on earth would there be no TV? If it's handling the remote, that's an easy clean afterwards.

14-07-2020 11:09am

This is exactly what awaits people who decide to go on holidays in Spain, etc this Summer.
Not a holiday if you ask me.

Kalimah · 14-07-2020 11:59am

We went for 2 nights last week to the Seafield in Ballymoney in Wexford. Not a bad experience to be honest under the circumstances. We had room cleaning and towel changes, and TV! We had to book our evening meal in advance, and also the breakfast which was ok. We sat at our table for the evening and were able to have a few drinks- no time limit it seemed. You had to book the spa in advance and treatments were limited, but we could use the hydrotherapy and vitality pool. No changing facilities unfortunately, so you went back up to your room in the robes supplied.
Weather was chronic, though we did get a walk in one of the days. Weather is the main reason I don't holiday in Ireland anymore!

Cape Clear · 14-07-2020 12:06pm

Royale with Cheese wrote: »

I had a night booked in the cliff house in Waterford, 5 star spa hotel. They never said anything at the time of booking or emailed me about it but if you check their website it says you have to book in the for the pool, the sauna and steam room etc. are closed. I went to book a time and asked how long we'd have and they initially ignored that question, I asked again after a few more mails and they confirmed 30 minutes. I cancelled immediately, any kind of fancy hotel is certainly not worth it at the moment.

Well said! It appears to be taking time for the penny to drop with hoteliers and some of their prospective guests. Nothing is operating as normal currently high end accommodation is no different. Keep the money in the pocket if you are not happy to pay full whack for a stripped down experience.

Stratvs · 14-07-2020 12:36pm

Kalimah wrote: »

Weather was chronic, though we did get a walk in one of the days. Weather is the main reason I don't holiday in Ireland anymore!

Have had many enjoyable breaks here in the past and yes, for a lot of them the weather was not perfect. Probably the best though which I'll never forget was a largely 'soft' week spent in Wexford in June 1990 which had one ray of sunshine on the evening of the 25th. The hotel held off on serving dinner while everyone gathered in the TV room. And yes, everyone did hold their breath. The rain didn't seem quite so bad after that.

Royale with Cheese · 14-07-2020 12:38pm

I booked two nights in a nice looking 3 star place in Kinsale instead, was actually slightly cheaper than one night in the cliff house. I'm happy to go away for the weekend but there's absolutely no point in paying the extra for anything other than the hotel room itself as that's all you're getting.

miamee · 14-07-2020 12:59pm

We're just back from a few days in Kerry and stayed in a B&B. You had to choose your breakfast, what you wanted and what time at the night before but other than that, there was no discernable difference to before Covid.
It is a lovely part of the world, we were lucky to get some good sunny weather and you can easily find a deserted beach with so many beaches down there. If it's a choice between no holiday at all or paying to head to another part of the country - I'd still head away. We've holidayed in Ireland the past few years so one more year under the circumstances is fine, there are plenty of beautiful places to explore. Always bring a raincoat :pac:

owlbethere · 14-07-2020 1:01pm

Ellie Raspy Cell wrote: »

and it's not worth it - in the current environment.

Supposed to be a 4 star hotel and the following services were unavailable due to COVID:

No room cleaning
No new bed sheets
No new towels - get them yourself from reception
No room service
No TV
No fridge
No swimming pool
No bar

Restaurant was available at reduced capacity however the orders were mixed every day because we had to fill out the order in advance and orders were getting mixed up because staff were adjusting to the new requirements and extra steps involved.

If it stays like this, it would be better to book a dorm in a hostel or go camping and have a DIY holiday.

I expect that hotels and service providers will use COVID as an excuse to cut back on services and reduce their costs while maintaining same prices and using COVID and social distancing measures as the reason.

We are in the middle of a pandemic. Hotels probably had to implement changes to the room servicing to minimise risks to the housekeeping staff. They probably don't want staff going into rooms while guests are there.

The Nal · 14-07-2020 1:02pm

I can watch TV, make my own bed and look out the window at the rain at home.

SEPT 23 1989 · 14-07-2020 1:31pm

how is a man supposed to get through a family holiday with no bar?

tobefrank321 · 14-07-2020 1:33pm

The Nal wrote: »

I can watch TV, make my own bed and look out the window at the rain at home.

The point of a holiday is you don't have to make your own bed, cook, do the wash up, vacuam, clean up, etc

tayto lover · 14-07-2020 1:34pm

Lots of hotel services not available but no drop in prices I see.
They think we’re all Americans.
I won’t be paying top money or be ripped off so I’ll stay at home.

ThewhiteJesus · 14-07-2020 1:35pm

Thanks for the thread op, it's certainly opened my eyes

wellwhynot · 14-07-2020 1:37pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

This is exactly what awaits people who decide to go on holidays in Spain, etc this Summer.
Not a holiday if you ask me.

Absolutely incorrect.

CBear1993 · 14-07-2020 1:42pm

That's crazy, and I found it strange that some of Ireland's top hotels - Powerscourt Wicklow, Lodge @ Ashford Castle, were both advertising on the radio the past few days with 20% discount.

Powerscourt had a 1 night stay for under €300 for 2 people which would have been unheard of pre-lockdown.

Now I can see why!! I was half tempted before hearing this.

Will hold out for Portugal in Sept/October. Algarve still has little to no cases.

munchkin_utd · 14-07-2020 1:42pm

wellwhynot wrote: »

Absolutely incorrect.

+1

Spain is open for business, as an example, heres one hotel's list of measures which include lots of tweaks (eg. show cooking stand now in the open air rather than indoors) but pool, sauna, room cleaning etc are running pretty much as per normal
https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/spain/majorca/innside-palma-bosque/stay-safe.htm

Its a lovely hotel btw, should anyone be still looking for a holiday in the sun !

Cuddlesworth · 14-07-2020 1:52pm

ixoy wrote: »

Why on earth would there be no TV? If it's handling the remote, that's an easy clean afterwards.

I'm going to take a guess and say they stopped paying a subscription/license fee to their provider as a cost saving measure.

reg114 · 14-07-2020 2:02pm

Ellie Raspy Cell wrote: »

and it's not worth it - in the current environment.

Supposed to be a 4 star hotel and the following services were unavailable due to COVID:

No room cleaning
No new bed sheets
No new towels - get them yourself from reception
No room service
No TV
No fridge
No swimming pool
No bar

Restaurant was available at reduced capacity however the orders were mixed every day because we had to fill out the order in advance and orders were getting mixed up because staff were adjusting to the new requirements and extra steps involved.

If it stays like this, it would be better to book a dorm in a hostel or go camping and have a DIY holiday.

I expect that hotels and service providers will use COVID as an excuse to cut back on services and reduce their costs while maintaining same prices and using COVID and social distancing measures as the reason.

Sounds like you are from out of state, which leads me to pose the question , WHY DO YOU THINK ITS OK TO TRAVEL? You are putting yourself and the people you come in contact with in harms way. We are the the middle of a pandemic how on earth people can contemplate going abroad on holidays is beyond me , let alone start moaning about their experience. Hotels have been closed for months like most businesses, expecting anything approaching a normal service is ridiculous. Prices will invariably remain the same or even go up to counterbalance the lack of trade since March. Im not saying i approve of high prices at all but i can see where the mark up is coming from . I cant however approve of foreign visitors visiting ireland at the moment. Its ludicrously irresponsible.

The Nal · 14-07-2020 2:03pm

tobefrank321 wrote: »

The point of a holiday is you don't have to make your own bed, cook, do the wash up, vacuam, clean up, etc

Exactly. So whats the point in paying a hotel so you can stay in a room smaller than your own gaff and have to do all this yourself?

pc7 · 14-07-2020 2:04pm

I've done two hotel breaks in Ireland in the last few weeks and both went great. We just had to book time for breakfast and pool which wasn't an issue and worked well. Felt very safe, were able to sit and order a few drinks, dinner was lovely, was great to get kids out of the house and feel like it was a little holiday. I've more breaks booked, great value to be had.

GooglePlus · 14-07-2020 2:05pm

Heading down the country in two weeks and staying in a 4 star.

We're really just using it as a base, so not too concerned about the perks but I certainly still paid for them.

Royale with Cheese · 14-07-2020 2:15pm

reg114 wrote: »

Sounds like you are from out of state, which leads me to pose the question , WHY DO YOU THINK ITS OK TO TRAVEL? You are putting yourself and the people you come in contact with in harms way. We are the the middle of a pandemic how on earth people can contemplate going abroad on holidays is beyond me , let alone start moaning about their experience. Hotels have been closed for months like most businesses, expecting anything approaching a normal service is ridiculous. Prices will invariably remain the same or even go up to counterbalance the lack of trade since March. Im not saying i approve of high prices at all but i can see where the mark up is coming from . I cant however approve of foreign visitors visiting ireland at the moment. Its ludicrously irresponsible.

Jesus, even a thread about holidaying within Ireland is subject to this shíte now.

finbarrk · 14-07-2020 2:21pm

pc7 wrote: »

I've done two hotel breaks in Ireland in the last few weeks and both went great. We just had to book time for breakfast and pool which wasn't an issue and worked well. Felt very safe, were able to sit and order a few drinks, dinner was lovely, was great to get kids out of the house and feel like it was a little holiday. I've more breaks booked, great value to be had.

Agree with you. We had a few days in the Fitzwilton in Waterford recently and it was fine. The bar was open. No issues with room cleaning, etc. Just had to book a time for breakfast.

fits · 14-07-2020 2:23pm

I went to a 5 star last weekend - Mount Juliet. It was about 30% cheaper than usually would be.

The pool was closed and tea/coffee facilities and minibar were gone from room. The restaurant which has a michelin star was offering a much reduced menu (suited us fine). We were upgraded to a suite and the views were amazing.

The only thing that upset me was no newspaper in the morning. Id really been looking forward to reading it with a cup of coffee. Other than that though, it was really lovely.

14-07-2020 2:28pm

Royale with Cheese wrote:

I had a night booked in the cliff house in Waterford, 5 star spa hotel. They never said anything at the time of booking or emailed me about it but if you check their website it says you have to book in the for the pool, the sauna and steam room etc. are closed. I went to book a time and asked how long we'd have and they initially ignored that question, I asked again after a few more mails and they confirmed 30 minutes. I cancelled immediately, any kind of fancy hotel is certainly not worth it at the moment.

Can you explain a bit about this please. I am booked there for a couple of weeks time.

Do you mean you only have access to the pool for 30 mins? That's not too bad. Probably less ppl in it too.

quokula · 14-07-2020 2:34pm

Royale with Cheese wrote: »

Jesus, even a thread about holidaying within Ireland is subject to this shíte now.

In reply to people recommending that you go to Spain and find a hotel that isn't taking any precautions.

Edit - actually, my mistake, they weren't replying to that, that was just the post above them. Personally I'd be much happier to go to a hotel in Ireland that is taking precautions over one abroad that isn't.

HBC08 · 14-07-2020 2:36pm

Stayed in a lovely 4star hotel last week in North Mayo just for one night.Weather was atrocious so we just enjoyed the room,it was a suite and it was class.Down for dinner and then stayed a few hours for drinks after.The place was busy and there were no over the top covid regs that impacted us at all (we just had to pick our time for breakfast,that was literally it)
Was so impressed with the room we tried to book again and stay and extra night,they couldnt accommodate us as they were full,a thurs night.
Weather was great the next day and spent it driving around 3 blue flags beaches and the sea stack at Downpatrick,also took a drive down to Blacksod,a perfect day.
I'm from Mayo myself and booked this night away for the mrs birthday when we had to stay in our own county,what a county to stay in!

stargazer 68 · 14-07-2020 2:40pm

A lot of hotels doing different things. Some pools and spas are open and some aren't. A hotel in Cavan is allowing residents to stay in the bar after dinner but another hotel isn't - you can sit in the lobby though and they will serve you there. I suppose it depends on the size of their areas.

Royale with Cheese · 14-07-2020 2:42pm

FillaName wrote: »

Can you explain a bit about this please. I am booked there for a couple of weeks time.

Do you mean you only have access to the pool for 30 mins? That's not too bad. Probably less ppl in it too.

You get to use the pool for 30 minutes only. You need to book a time, you can't just go down whenever you want. The rest of the spa facilities aren't open, although I think the jacuzzi is. There are some treatments still going if you want one but nothing massage related. If you're still planning on going I'd recommend emailing them to book your slot now so you don't get stuck with something that doesn't suit. Personally I would spend more like 2 hours using the spa in those sorts of hotels, it wasn't worth the price tag for me.

StackSteevens · 14-07-2020 2:45pm

CBear1993 wrote: »

Now I can see why!! I was half tempted before hearing this.

Will hold out for Portugal in Sept/October. Algarve still has little to no cases.

I wish you'd convince my missus of that! At her insistence, we cancelled our accommodation in Sagres recently (and lost a deposit :mad: ) as she's still unhappy about flying there. Even though we're not due to fly out until end-September.

Of course she may still change her mind, but I won't be holding my breath as that would be unprecedented!

Spanish Eyes · 14-07-2020 2:49pm

Good to see things moving a bit again. Since we have no young kids tend to avoid the July and August family rush. Not going abroad either this year.

Going to do a bit of the Wild Atlantic Way early September. Through Leitrim (the road from Manorhamilton to Kinlough would knock you out with Ben Bulben views). Undiscovered and very special. Then to Tullaghan and back down to Sligo Westport and Achill. Sounds good. Will see what the accommodation options are like mid August.

Hope it all works out for the Holistayers.

14-07-2020 2:56pm

Royale with Cheese wrote:

You get to use the pool for 30 minutes only. You need to book a time, you can't just go down whenever you want. The rest of the spa facilities aren't open, although I think the jacuzzi is. There are some treatments still going if you want one but nothing massage related. If you're still planning on going I'd recommend emailing them to book your slot now so you don't get stuck with something that doesn't suit. Personally I would spend more like 2 hours using the spa in those sorts of hotels, it wasn't worth the price tag for me.

Thanks that's really helpful. Wouldn't of been aware of that.

I'll get onto them and book everything. I hope there's availability now.

Ladylouth · 14-07-2020 3:22pm

This is a serious question - how does removing TV/Minibar/tea & coffee facilities from rooms reduce risk of transmission?

gmisk · 14-07-2020 3:25pm

munchkin_utd wrote: »

+1

Spain is open for business, as an example, heres one hotel's list of measures which include lots of tweaks (eg. show cooking stand now in the open air rather than indoors) but pool, sauna, room cleaning etc are running pretty much as per normal
https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/spain/majorca/innside-palma-bosque/stay-safe.htm

Its a lovely hotel btw, should anyone be still looking for a holiday in the sun !

Oh I stayed in a few melia hotels before they have all been lovely. The one in sitges is top notch.

Hellrazer · 14-07-2020 3:25pm

Deleted User wrote: »

This is exactly what awaits people who decide to go on holidays in Spain, etc this Summer.
Not a holiday if you ask me.

Ah stop will you - At least in Spain I can sit out on my terrace / balcony / decking in 30+ degrees heat and not have to watch pissy Irish weather while being shafted by publicans who have decided to stick a pint up by a euro because of the lost business.
In some parts of Spain a pint has come down by a euro to entice tourists in the door. Pools and bars are all open for business.

gmisk · 14-07-2020 3:28pm

I was in a hotel in cork a few weekends back no issues.
Had to book a slot for breakfast, no issues getting a drink served in the residents bar either but it was empty.
They had little santised bags with cutlery and small salt and peppers, napkin at meals.
The tea and coffee things in room were all disposable and in sealed bags plus they gave you hand sanitizer and a little set of surface wipes, again in a sealed bag.
Very impressed

BraveDonut · 14-07-2020 3:55pm

When booking a time for breakfast, do you have to order your food at the same time, or is it just a la carte ordering in the restaurant - assuming no buffets?

ThewhiteJesus · 14-07-2020 3:59pm

Hellrazer wrote: »

Ah stop will you - At least in Spain I can sit out on my terrace / balcony / decking in 30+ degrees heat and not have to watch pissy Irish weather while being shafted by publicans who have decided to stick a pint up by a euro because of the lost business.
In some parts of Spain a pint has come down by a euro to entice tourists in the door. Pools and bars are all open for business.

Have irish pubs really done that ?
That's shameful if that's the case and they should be named

bohsfan · 14-07-2020 4:36pm

Stayed in a hotel in Wicklow last weekend. Really enjoyed myself. Yes, it's not the experience it used to be, yes there are compromises- but I felt it was worth it to get away from the house and feel like an adult again after months stuck at home!

Everything was well communicated in advance. The room was as it always was. No services missing, apart from the physical book of services that usually on the table. TV was there and operational!

You had to book in for your swim session. You had an hour (which is probably as long as I would stay normally anyway) and had to change in your room. About 20 people in the pool for the session. No bothers, very relaxing.

Dinner was the same, you booked in advance but there was no problem getting drinks in advance or retiring to a common area after for another couple of drinks. The bar itself was closed but they had staff on the floor taking orders. No hassle.

Your breakfast time was booked in advance and you ordered whatever you wanted off the menu on the day. Not quite the grab a bit of everything buffet experience, but I find that very busy anyway so it was alright by me.

The Spa was open for some treatments, if that's your thing. Room service was encouraged. In fact, there was little different really. Service was patchy at times as it was the first weekend and staff were adjusting. But all in all it was very enjoyable.

I just came back from a holiday in Ireland

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