Posted by Ande on June 18, 2003 at 18:05:52:
Hi:
I thought I'd post my review of the different lodging establishments I stayed in last week in Ireland. They represent my opinion only. Perhaps they will be helpful to anyone looking for lodging in the same towns.
Nights one and two were in the Harcourt Hotel in Dublin. The Harcourt is on Harcourt Street, about 3 minutes by foot from St. Stephen’s Green park and a couple of more to Grafton Street. It was convenient enough, but Harcourt street is currently ripped up and there are no interesting businesses or restaurants on it. You have to walk down to Grafton Street or walk over to a parallel street like Clarendon to find any businesses. The next street did have a convenient and cheap internet access place, along with a good deli and a convenience store. My double room at the Harcourt cost 90 euro (which has translated into $120 a night with taxes). It was a very clean facility, but it is not for anyone who can’t negotiate stairs. The first room they put us in was in a neighboring building in which you had to first walk up some steps, then walk down some steps, go out in to a courtyard in back and go up a narrow flight of stairs in a carriage house. We were not happy with this arrangement and insisted on being housed in the main buildings. So, we trudged with all of our stuff back to the main lobby. We were given a room that involved a ridiculous scenario. We had to take the elevator to level 2, go up a few stairs, walk around a corridor and then take a very long flight down one level. It was absurd. Turns out we were entering an adjoining building. It was a pain to say the least. We were there on a Sunday and Monday night and our sleep was disturbed by the noise of people walking down the street (I'm sure this is not a problem with rooms located away from the street). The place as I said was clean, but I would not stay there again and I would prefer to stay somewhere more in the middle of the action. Unfortunately, it is hard to find a decent hotel under $100 in Dublin central as far as I can tell.
Night three was in Rockside House in Cashel. It was great. The proprietors were really nice and friendly, the place was lovely, clean, everything sparkling new and it was right at the base of the Rock of Cashel. There could not have been a more convenient place. The only noise I heard before I fell asleep was two barks from a dog. I never heard any traffic and I am a sensitive sleeper. The b&b is down a quiet side street and after dark, the tourists have left the Rock. Perhaps it might be busy during the day, but it wasn’t for my stay and certainly wouldn’t ever be a problem at night. I would highly recommend it and it was a good value.
Nights four and five were at Chelmsford House in Killarney. Pat and Louise were very nice hosts. Again, it was very clean and reasonably priced. I do have to say that there is room for improvement. If they would take care of a few things, it would be a great place to stay. First off, the mattresses were very old and uncomfortable, we could feel the springs poking us in both beds. Second, the bedding was rather worn. Third, it was noisy until everyone settled down for the night as the staircase was wooden and therefore very noisy as people tromped up them. Also, the doors hinges all need to be oiled. Every time someone opened or closed a door, they squealed. This could be remedied immediately and cheaply. The b&b is really driving distance to town centre, or a 15 minute walk. Breakfast time was limited from 8:30 to 9:30, so us early birds lost out on breakfast. I hate saying the things needed for improvement since the proprietors are so nice, but I think if they made a few changes, it would be great.
Night six was at Cullinans in Doolin. The room was really nice and seemed brand new. The beds, linens, etc, were the best of all the places I stayed at. The only complaint I have about this establishment, which also applies to all the others, is that it is freezing in the mornings with no heat. It was miserable taking morning showers at Cullinans and all the other places. I guess they consider it summer, but to me it was cold!! I am from a hot climate, so others might find it invigorating, who knows.
The last night was back in Dublin at the Glenmore Guesthouse. This place was very conveniently located just a couple of miles north of the airport, which is what I wanted because of an early morning flight the next day. The lobby and dining area were nice. The room was fine, but the shower stall was grungy. The towels supplied were terribly worn, bleach stained and quite unacceptable. We paid 90 euro for the night.
The only establishment that had an alarm clock was Chelmsford, so if you have a schedule, you had better bring your own clock. Only Chelmsford had wash cloths and only Cullinans had adequate towels. I don’t know why hotels, b&bs, etc, skimp on towels across the globe.
I popped in to a couple of other hotels to use the phone/restrooms and they all seemed very nice. They are: Jurys Christchurch in Dublin, Great Southern in Galway, and as everybody knows to be nice, Dromoland in Newmarket on Fergus. The only thing that was surprising about Dromoland was that they are doing some ripping up of the grounds right now which mar the landscape. I would think they would have done this before the high season. I think they are expanding the golf course or refurbishing it.
Ande