“The hotel has just undergone a £16m refurbishment, so we were glad to avail ourselves of a chance to make a return visit. The new company has certainly made it modern and comfortable, with well trained staff who are happy to address the smallest problem. The rooms are generously spacious-ours had an attractive seating area with views both of the strand and the Mourne Golf Club. Indeed the golf packages clearly are a popular and attractive prospect, but the residents are attracted by so much more! We are into National Trust houses and such like and several are within easy reach. Dublin (Castle, Trinity College and national capital) is an hour and a half away on good roads. Mount Stewart makes a lovely outing, crossing Strangford Lough on the ferry. You return to an hotel with a great Spa, three separate dining facilities and a comfortable lounge bar. Reception and all restaurants are generously staffed-you will not be left unattended when you need help. Moreover, pre-booked packages work out as very economical, but then you are committed to going on the dates you choose, with one re-book offered in exigency. However, the September weather proved ideal for sightseeing and flights were economical at this time of the year too. One there the breakfast sets you up for the day! Any drawbacks? The decor can be overwhelming according to your tastes with loud patterned carpets in corridors and tartan on bedroom floors! We had to adjust lighting sources within the room, where dark walls and secluded lighting may give atmosphere but do not help you pore over maps or reading books! The number of dummy drawers is quite frustrating although there is plenty of wardrobe space- do not break nails on wardrobe doors- get someone with greater finger strength to open them! It could be so easier on the eye if the William Morris wallpaper in some corridors had been more widely used? Strengths however greatly exceed weaknesses and service, cleanliness, food standards, facilities and location immensely make up for any minor faults. We had not intended to mark the finish of our stay, but found ourselves offered a Saturday evening of free food, drinks and tasteful music at the hotels expense! As you know, the Irish need no second invitation to party!”
Hotels
“The hotel has just undergone a £16m refurbishment, so we were glad to avail ourselves of a chance to make a return visit. The new company has certainly made it modern and comfortable, with well trained staff who are happy to address the smallest problem. The rooms are generously spacious-ours had an attractive seating area with views both of the strand and the Mourne Golf Club. Indeed the golf packages clearly are a popular and attractive prospect, but the residents are attracted by so much more! We are into National Trust houses and such like and several are within easy reach. Dublin (Castle, Trinity College and national capital) is an hour and a half away on good roads. Mount Stewart makes a lovely outing, crossing Strangford Lough on the ferry. You return to an hotel with a great Spa, three separate dining facilities and a comfortable lounge bar. Reception and all restaurants are generously staffed-you will not be left unattended when you need help. Moreover, pre-booked packages work out as very economical, but then you are committed to going on the dates you choose, with one re-book offered in exigency. However, the September weather proved ideal for sightseeing and flights were economical at this time of the year too. One there the breakfast sets you up for the day! Any drawbacks? The decor can be overwhelming according to your tastes with loud patterned carpets in corridors and tartan on bedroom floors! We had to adjust lighting sources within the room, where dark walls and secluded lighting may give atmosphere but do not help you pore over maps or reading books! The number of dummy drawers is quite frustrating although there is plenty of wardrobe space- do not break nails on wardrobe doors- get someone with greater finger strength to open them! It could be so easier on the eye if the William Morris wallpaper in some corridors had been more widely used? Strengths however greatly exceed weaknesses and service, cleanliness, food standards, facilities and location immensely make up for any minor faults. We had not intended to mark the finish of our stay, but found ourselves offered a Saturday evening of free food, drinks and tasteful music at the hotels expense! As you know, the Irish need no second invitation to party!”