Best hotel you've stayed in, in Ireland

dee_mc · 24-05-2013 01:34PM

Cromlech Lodge, Sligo
Beautiful rooms (especially in new part of hotel), lovely surroundings, nice spa, helpful staff, gorgeous food, amazing showers!
It's a couple of years since I stayed there, but was seriously impressed on all counts

Slattsy · 24-05-2013 01:35PM

dee_mc wrote: »

Cromlech Lodge, Sligo
Beautiful rooms (especially in new part of hotel), lovely surroundings, nice spa, helpful staff, gorgeous food, amazing showers!
It's a couple of years since I stayed there, but was seriously impressed on all counts

My gf lives 30 mins from here !!
Totally agree, smashing place but alas, i can not bring her here

kennyb3 · 24-05-2013 01:41PM

How Strange wrote: »

Aghadoe Heights in Killarney.

+1, amazing hotel

missingtime · 24-05-2013 01:45PM

Castlemartyr was a great experience I have to say. It was an Rewarding Times deal that we bought and included a junior suite, breakfast both mornings and a dinner one of the evenings. It was very very good.

helimachoptor · 24-05-2013 01:48PM

Hayefield in Cork

Yamanoto · 24-05-2013 02:04PM

Slattsy wrote: »

Is The Europe a very busy hotel though ?

During the Summer, it's particularly popular with Americans, Germans & the British (a pattern replicated across all Killarney properties no doubt).

We tend to visit in the Autumn, as you'll often find decent enough rates for their lakeside rooms.

If you've a date in mind, I'm sure reservations could give you an idea of what their projected occupancy may be. Tourists do tend to get out and about down there - horse riding, hiking or pottering around town & like most great hotels, there are plenty of spots on-site to find seclusion, read a paper or have an afternoon doze

.

It'd certainly be wise to nail down dinner reservations when booking, but that aside, the property's size and design should ensure you don't end up feeling cramped.

Slattsy · 24-05-2013 02:20PM

Yamanoto wrote: »

During the Summer, it's particularly popular with Americans, Germans & the British (a pattern replicated across all Killarney properties no doubt).

We tend to visit in the Autumn, as you'll often find decent enough rates for their lakeside rooms.

If you've a date in mind, I'm sure reservations could give you an idea of what their projected occupancy may be. Tourists do tend to get out and about down there - horse riding, hiking or pottering around town & like most great hotels, there are plenty of spots on-site to find seclusion, read a paper or have an afternoon doze .

It'd certainly be wise to nail down dinner reservations when booking, but that aside, the property's size and design should ensure you don't end up feeling cramped.

Thanks for that.

The Europe was on my list, then i removed it as it strikes me as a very popular and obvious place for the masses(tourists) and I dont really want that.

Thinking of going September/October, so it shouldnt be as busy.

cgarrad · 24-05-2013 05:28PM

The Europe is one of the best hotels in the world imo.

sweetie · 24-05-2013 07:39PM

The old convent co tipp. Here today as a birthday surprise with my wife. So far it's excellent.

Twee. · 24-05-2013 09:56PM

Seafield in Wexford. Went there last week with my OH and we had a wonderful time

Restuarant quality: Breakfast, lunch and dinner all delicious. The dinner was very good, excellent service but without fuss. We ordered prosecco and the glasses came chilled which was a lovely touch. The desserts were divine.

Rooms: GIANT bed, incredibly comfortable. Balcony with table & chairs, view of golf course and just about able to see the sea. I believe you can request a sea view. The bathroom was spotless. The shower had a rainfall type head which was gorgeous. Only issues - the bath/shower was actually a little tricky to get in to as the side was very high. I'd worry about an older or injured person having trouble, especially as bathroom floor can be wet. The room was very warm at night, but I didn't wake up enough to try change the dial on the wall.

Grounds: Didn't do any walking on the grounds, but from what we saw they were well maintained. The seating area in the lobby was really comfy and cosy. We took our drinks out here as the bar was fairly busy.

Staff: Very polite, no issues here at all.

Service: Attentive but not fussy.

Cleanliness: 100%, no problems seen.

Spa/Romance: The spa is completely worth the trip! Hydro pool, different types of saunas/steam rooms, rain showers, ice for cooling down, heated loungers to relax on. We had a mud treatment together that was really nice, my skin was glowing! The best part though is the outdoor heated pool with jets and that. It was steaming as it was cold outside. Fab!

Slattsy · 24-05-2013 10:35PM

Twee, best reply so far. Indept analysis!!

I see a long and prosperous future for us. On boards. Thanks :-)

ToxicPaddy · 24-05-2013 10:40PM

I stay in a lot of top hotels when travelling with work and the Ritz Carlton in Powerscourt is the only one I've found that comes close to what you find in Europe when it comes to facilities, staff, food etc.

Have stayed there 3 times now and really do enjoy it.

Was at a wedding last NYE in Castlemartyr, while it was nice, food was good etc, I wasn't overly impressed.

I've heard the Europa in Killarney is supposed to be very very nice but always packed.

Another one I've heard good things about is the Kenmare Park but I've never stayed there so can't speak from personal experience.

kingshankly · 25-05-2013 07:33AM

Lough Erne resort is stunning all the nice touches that set it apart great place to get away and do nothing.
Great views over lough Erne and a fabulous golf course also like slieve donard in Newcastle staff and food are fantastic

tenandtracer · 25-05-2013 07:45AM

Four Seasons in Dublin: suites are huge and very well appointed. Restaurant is super, I really like Sunday lunch there - it might be the desert table with ~30 choices. Always lots of celebs there having lunch.

Cliff House was already mentioned. Views across Ardmore bay are stunning.

Longueville House in Mallow. Was there recently. Lovely house in extensive private grounds. Classic style rooms. Small dining room that might accommodate about nine couples. No gym or that kind of malarkey. But you can bring their 5 dogs out for a walk in the morning.

80s Child · 25-05-2013 05:45PM

Powerscourt.

The Gordon Ramsey restaurant was horrific though.

Otherwise, it's amazing and every other hotel we've stood in in this country has been a bit of a disappointment, apart from the 12 in Galway; when we got engaged, they bumped us up to the honeymoon suite for free because we'd stayed there a few times previous.

If money wasn't an option though, the ritz, all day, everyday!!

bobwilliams · 25-05-2013 05:56PM

80s Child wrote: »

Powerscourt.

The Gordon Ramsey restaurant was horrific though.

Otherwise, it's amazing and every other hotel we've stood in in this country has been a bit of a disappointment, apart from the 12 in Galway; when we got engaged, they bumped us up to the honeymoon suite for free because we'd stayed there a few times previous.

If money wasn't an option though, the ritz, all day, everyday!!

so you use that word without any detail at all.
I think that's very poor form,at least give us some idea of why it's horrific.
fwiw i've been there 3 times and the food on every occasion was top class,don't like the dining room but the food is great imo.

Gatica · 25-05-2013 08:00PM

The Merrion in Dublin was top notch.
The car valet service is very convenient. The reception staff friendly and attentive. The suite we stayed in is gorgeous and a great view too. Traditional/classic decor while still being well maintained. A large (disused) fireplace and beautiful antique wardrobe. Number of popular magazines on the tea table with comfy sofa and arm chairs. Large high bed and turn-down service. Well stocked mini-bar. White italian marble bathroom with his/hers sinks, large rain shower and separate traditional bathtub. A small morning room with desk and chair. Great quality bathroom products and the usual 5* cosy bathrobes and towels.
Had room service breakfast: eggs benedicts and porridge along with the usual assortments of pastries, fruits and drinks, all of which were delicious.
The Cellar restaurant was also a great positive experience, the food really tasty and the wine recommendations very good.
The Spa treatments are fab, especially the massages.
Afternoon tea in the lounges are a lovely experience. Definitely a romantic spot if you don't mind being in the city to head out in the evening. All A+!

Also love Mount Falcon in Ballina. Lovely walks around the fields, the lake, back-roads and small woods. Great Spa area with pool, jacuzzi with the best view, steam-room and sauna. Great selection of treatments and friendly staff. The hotel is smallish and cosy. You can wander around and feel perfectly comfortable. Also another romantic location.
The room views are nicer on the woodland side. The room furnishing are in dark antique looking wood, all in appropriate style and well maintained. Nice bathroom products and again, I quite like the his and hers sinks. Great to also have a full-size swing mirror.
The Kitchen restaurant serves delicious food, although always found the service a little slow. If you can sit back and chill out, then it's not a problem.

Ice Hotel in Mayo also quite nice, especially the view of the river on a hot day. Quite modern overall. Unusual bathroom with granite slanted sink, spacious shower and stand-alone bathtub along with candles! Well appointed room with large bed overlooking the river. Dinner in the restaurant really good.
The spa adds the touch of romance with a lovely open view of the river and an outdoor tub, and a supply of juices and fruits. Good treatments and very relaxing just to lie there reading or looking at the lake.
Surprisingly their little lounge has retained the vintage look and charm.

The G may have been amazing when it opened, personally I'm not too fond of it at the moment. I've never stayed but have had lunch, tea and cocktails there and attended family occasions.
The lounges are unusual, but are run-down with the seating looking worn through the velvet/felt in the corners and looking a bit dirtied and drab. The staff, aside from the front desk, or at least in the lounges were a bit air-headed and unprofessional. The food mediocre every time and don't touch the guinness. The cocktails were very expensive but at least on this occasion were fantastic. The small pool/thermal suite in the spa is very nice, especially the relaxation room. I do not believe it's complimentary for guests and you've to pay separately to use it, unless it comes as part of your package. Personally I think it's overrated.

Was at the Merchant in Belfast for a cocktail, expensive but a wonderful experience. Wouldn't mind staying some day.

80s Child · 25-05-2013 08:05PM

I actually enjoyed the room and the pomp to be honest but im guessing im a bit of a country boy behind it all and I enjoy a few courses of substantial size to fill my west of ireland belly : )
Horrific may have been a tad harsh but to me, the food didnt live up to the rest of the establishment. .

Sunny Dayz · 26-05-2013 10:23AM

We stayed in the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in Clifden last November with a voucher we got as a wedding present being used as a late first anniversary night away. It was certainly not a place I would ever have chosen myself, I tend to look at more modern hotels.

It is a bit "olde worlde" and IMO aimed at American Tourists but we had such a good time there we would make the long trek back again. It's not so much the actually hotel but rather the atmosphere that did it for us. Complimentary afternoon tea when we arrived. Then a phone call to the room letting us know there was a champagne reception at 6.30. The dinner in the place was devine and as the the dessert table, my god your waistline will not thank you but your tastebuds will!

They had piano music in the bar, guests were encouraged to sign and play also.

It was a cosy friendly place thanks to the staff and guests alike, you would get so relaxed and at home you would nearly walk around in your slippers! There is also a spa but we didn't get to attend it.

http://www.abbeyglen.ie/index.html

0ph0rce0 · 26-05-2013 10:40AM

For Riding...(not horses)

Hotel Minella Clonmel

The hotel needs an update alright (well was a few years ago) but the 2 suites up on top are sweet, Huge clean modern rooms, big ass sitting room, bathroom with shower for 2

and jet bath also for 2

with tvs built in to shower and mirrors. TV, Fridge.

Food is great, service was great, and the grounds although not so big were well kept. Nice pool too.

And the best part. Your own hot tub on your balcony.

Slattsy · 29-05-2013 03:58PM

OP here, thanks for all the replies

I was glad to see some hotels that i had on my shortlist pop up.

I'll now disclose my shortlist, in no particular order

Cliff House Hotel
Waterford Castle
Ballynahinch Castle
Lough Eske Castle
Castle Durrow
Sheen Falls

Still room for one or 2 to make the shortlist.

( Yes i like castles ok

)

bobwilliams · 29-05-2013 05:04PM

Slattsy wrote: »

OP here, thanks for all the replies

I was glad to see some hotels that i had on my shortlist pop up.

I'll now disclose my shortlist, in no particular order

Cliff House Hotel
Waterford Castle
Ballynahinch Castle
Lough Eske Castle
Castle Durrow
Sheen Falls

Still room for one or 2 to make the shortlist.

( Yes i like castles ok )

i still think i'd have castle leslie up there,if you like walks that's the place.

Slattsy · 29-05-2013 05:09PM

bobwilliams wrote: »

i still think i'd have castle leslie up there,if you like walks that's the place.

We've actualy stayed there Bob, thats the only reason it hasnt made it !

Slattsy · 29-05-2013 05:27PM

I should mention that Ballynahinch is ahead at the moment

Baby4 · 30-05-2013 02:33PM

This post has been deleted.

spurious · 30-05-2013 06:13PM

The Lough Eske is very nice. I had a lovely Christmas there a few years ago.

Slattsy · 31-05-2013 11:24AM

Waterford Castle has no Friday's/Saturday's free as they're booked up with weddings.

Thats a bummer

Barr · 31-05-2013 02:19PM

Fota Island Hotel just outside Cork. Amazing spa and pool worth the money alone. Sometimes comes up on the deal pages for a bargain price.

Dubl07 · 18-01-2014 07:36PM

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

We stayed in the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in Clifden last November with a voucher we got as a wedding present being used as a late first anniversary night away. It was certainly not a place I would ever have chosen myself, I tend to look at more modern hotels.

It is a bit "olde worlde" and IMO aimed at American Tourists but we had such a good time there we would make the long trek back again. It's not so much the actually hotel but rather the atmosphere that did it for us. Complimentary afternoon tea when we arrived. Then a phone call to the room letting us know there was a champagne reception at 6.30. The dinner in the place was devine and as the the dessert table, my god your waistline will not thank you but your tastebuds will!

They had piano music in the bar, guests were encouraged to sign and play also.

It was a cosy friendly place thanks to the staff and guests alike, you would get so relaxed and at home you would nearly walk around in your slippers! There is also a spa but we didn't get to attend it.

http://www.abbeyglen.ie/index.html

My parents have just declined to join friends at the Abbeyglen. They were there for a break last spring and apparently the premises were freezing for their entire stay.

Toast4532 · 18-01-2014 08:52PM

The Galway Bay Hotel, amazing place. Can't wait to go back.

Best hotel you've stayed in, in Ireland

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