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Ardilaun House Hotel, Taylors Hill, Galway City, Co.
Galway; tel. 091-521433; fax 091-521546; e-mail: info@ardilaunhousehotel.ie.
Set apart from the hustle and noise of the downtown area (less than a
mile away, but a little too far to walk for most people), this hotel is
nestled in a hilly residential area on 5 acres of private grounds and
gardens. It is named after a nearby island in Lough Corrib "Ard
Oilean," meaning "high island." Built as a townhouse circa.
1840 for the Persse family (whose members included Lady Augusta Gregory,
co-founder of the Abbey Theatre), this Georgian-style mansion evolved
into a hotel in 1962 and has blossomed over the years into an 89 room
4-star property, blending Old World hospitality with up-to-date comforts.
Facilities include the elegant "Camilaun" dining room and "The
Blazers, "a hunting-theme bar and popular local rendezvous, as well
as a leisure centre with indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, and beauty
salon. Closed: 22-27 Dec. €€€
to €€€€
Web site: www.ardilaunhousehotel.ie
Forster Court Hotel, Forster St., Galway City, tel. 091-564111,
fax 091-539839, e-mail: sales@forstercourthotel.com.
A friendly and enthusiastic staff greets everyone who enters this new
4-story boutique hotel. Opened in 2000, it is fast becoming a favorite
for travelers seeking a welcoming atmosphere, central location, and high
standards at reasonable rates. Tucked at the east end of Forster Street,
it incorporates the new Ireland West Tourist Office as part of its contemporary
façade, and many Galway City tours also depart from the side of the hotel.
There are 48 guestrooms with every up-to-date amenity, framed by large
windows; 10 rooms have balconies. Facilities include a stylish contemporary
restaurant, bar, and reduced rate parking at a nearby car park. €
to €€€€
Web site: www.forstercourthotel.com
The g Hotel, Wellpark, Dublin Rd., Galway City, Co. Galway (tel. 091-865200); email: reservetheg@monogramhotels.ie. Set in a business park next to a movie theatre on the east edge of the city with views of Lough Atalia and the busy N6 road, the “g” is a 25-minute walk to Eyre Square, but yet it is probably the hottest place to stay in Galway. The exterior is nondescript, but the interior is certainly eye-catching. It strives to be a trend setter, conceived by one of Ireland’s leading hat designers (Philip Treacy) with a panorama of rich reds, bright pinks, and zebra-illusion stripes in the public areas as well as a sta rk black and white reception area softened only by the colors of fish floating in a huge tank. It’s an experience just to walk in the public areas, to dine at the Riva restaurant, or to indulge in the Spa, set in a Zen garden, on the upper two floors of the hotel. Guests “are invited to re-connect with their senses, where time is forgotten and stress disperses.” Well, it is different, and a dazzling departure from the usual Irish hotel styles. The 101 guest rooms are spacious and posh, decorated in sea tones, offer every contemporary amenity; and the specialty suites come with private butler service. Rates are sky high, but there are some special offers on Sunday-Wednesday. Closed: 23 – 27 December. €€€€ to €€€€€ Web site: www.theghotel.ie
Galway Harbour Hotel, The Harbour, Galway City, Galway,
tel. 091-569466; fax 091-569455; e-mail: stay@harbour.ie.
Newly opened in 2001, this modern 3-star hotel has a waterside docks-area
location yet it is within two blocks of Galway's main shopping street.
It offers 96 contemporary-style sound-proof guestrooms, capable of accommodating
up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children, all for a flat room rate. The
rooms, which are outfitted with all modern amenities, look out onto the
city or have partial views of the harbour. Facilities include a restaurant,
bar, and complimentary on-site car parking, a real plus for visitors to
Galway. Guests can also avail of an enclosed landscaped garden court area
with gazebo and picnic tables. Closed: 23-28 Dec. €€€ to €€€€€
Web site: www.harbour.ie
Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Bushypark, Galway City, Co. Galway;
tel. 091-526666; fax 091-527800; e-mail: info@glenloabbey.ie.
Overlooking Lough Corrib and surrounded by a 138-acre golf course estate
approximately 2.5 miles west of downtown, this is Galway's only 5-star
hotel. Dating back to 1740, it was originally the home of the Ffrench
and Blake families, two of Galway's great 14 ruling tribes. Totally restored
and opened as a hotel in 1993, Glenlo comes close to providing a castle
atmosphere although it is not as grand as Ashford or Dromoland. The public
areas include hand-loomed carpets, hand-carved wood furnishings, and an
extensive collection of Irish art and antiques. The 46 guest rooms are
similarly outfitted, along with contemporary amenities such as internet
access. In addition to the on-site golf course, facilities include a unique
restaurant fashioned from two former Orient Express rail cars, two bars,
and access to fishing on Lough Corrib. It's one of the few Galway hotels
that is not closed for Christmas. €€€€ to €€€€€
Web site: www.glenlo.com
The House Hotel, Spanish Parade, Galway City, Co. Galway; tel. 091-538900; fax 091-568262; e-mail: info@thehousehotel.ie. Situated adjacent to Galway's trendy Quay Street area, this four-story stone building was originally a warehouse. Converted into a 3-star hotel originally known as Brennan’s Yard in 1992, it reopened in July 2006, as a luxury boutique hotel of 4-star standard called “The House.” As its name implies, it aims to be “a home away from home.” It offers 40 guest rooms of various sizes, many with views of the Spanish Arch area, and four suites overlooking Galway Harbour. Features of the rooms include contemporary furnishings, flat screen TVs, internet access, air conditioning and luxurious linens. Facilities include the Parlour Bar & Grill, Outback Terrace, and the Relax Lounge. €€€ to €€€€ Web site: www.theHousehotel.ie
Jurys Inn Galway, Quay Street, Galway City, tel. 091-566444;
fax 091-568415; e-mail: jurysinngalway@jurysdoyle.com.
As one of the most popular places to stay in Galway, this dependable 3-star
hotel has an enviable location - at the end of trendy Quay Street, opposite
the historic Spanish Arch, and beside the River Corrib. The 128 rooms
offer standard furnishings and all the required comforts; some units overlook
the river and others face the hustle and bustle of Quay Street. But it
is the price which is the big attraction a flat per room charge,
whether it is shared by two or three adults, or two adults and two children.
Facilities include a restaurant, pub, business centre, and adjacent car
parking garage (extra charge). Closed: 24-26 Dec. €
to €€
Web site: www.bookajurysinn.com
Hotel Meyrick (formerly Galway Great Southern Hotel), 15 Eyre Square, Galway City,
tel. 091-564041; fax 091-566704; e-mail: enquirehm@monogramhotels.ie. Long a focal point of Galway (dating back to 1845),
this 5-story 4-star landmark has long been one of the best hotels in town, positioned
overlooking Eyre Square and next to the bus/rail stations. It combines
all the charms of yesteryear from high ceilings and elaborate plasterwork
to crystal chandeliers, original Connemara marble fireplaces and antique
furnishings — with up-to-date amenities and a well-trained and responsive
staff. After
a recent 12 million euro refurbishment and enhancement, the hotel has
a wide range of elegant guest rooms including two floors of suites. Leisure
facilities include a rooftop Canadian hot-tub, steam room & sauna. Closed: 24-26 Dec. €€€ to €€€€€ Web site: www.hotelmeyrick.ie
Park House Hotel, Forster St., Galway City, tel. 091-564924,
fax 091-569219, e-mail: parkhousehotel@eircom.net.
Providing luxury on a small scale, this dependable 4-star hotel exudes
the flavor of "old Galway," with vintage photos, old clocks,
paintings, antiques and other local memorabilia. There are 84 rooms, each with traditional furnishings and modern amenities.
Self-catering apartments with kitchettes are also available. Facilities include an award-winning restaurant (The Park House) which
is an attraction in its own right, a traditional bar/carvery, popular
with the locals; and a guest car park. Best of all, it is centrally located
between the tourist office and the bus/rail station. Closed: 24-26 Dec. €€
to €€€€€
Web site: www.parkhousehotel.ie
Radisson SAS Hotel, Lough Atalia Road, Galway City, Co.
Galway; tel. 091-539300; fax 091-539380; e-mail: sales.galway@radissonsas.com.
Newly opened in 2001, this 4-story hotel is set conveniently on the Docks
Road approach to the city centre, overlooking Lough Atalia, yet within
an easy walk of Eyre Square. As the first hotel of the Radisson SAS brand
to open in the West of Ireland, it offers 260 state-of-the-art air-conditioned
guestrooms, with three different design themes: maritime, Scandinavian,
and classic. The rooms have views of the city or the lake, and are outfitted
with every modern comfort, from internet access to minibar and in-room
safe; there are also ice machines and shoe-polishers on every floor. Facilities
include an atrium style-lobby and bar with Lough Atalia water views, the
"Marinas" sea-themed restaurant, the "Veranda Bar"
with frequent entertainment, and an outdoor terrace overlooking Lough Atalia for drinks and meals al fresco in appropriate weather, plus a leisure centre providing a full-scale
spa and indoor swimming pool, as well as a large
underground car park. And it is open all year. (Note: if you are looking for the Fairgreen Hotel which used to adjoin the Radisson, the Fairgreen was amalgamated into the Radisson layout in early 2008, making for one larger hotel). €€€
to €€€€€ Web site:
www.radissonhotelgalway.com
Westwood Hotel, Dangan, Upr. Newcastle Rd., Galway City,
Co. Galway; tel. 091-521442; fax 091-521400; e-mail: reservations@westwoodhousehotel.com.
Combining the best of both worlds, this hotel has a country inn atmosphere
yet it is close to the city centre. Situated a mile west of downtown in
a residential neighborhood near University College-Galway and opposite
the Galway Business Park, this 3-story hotel offers plenty of car parking
and direct access to the road to Connemara. The décor inside and outside
is bright and colorful, a blend of Victorian and traditional styles. The
58 guest rooms are decked out in 6 different color schemes, with every
modern convenience including air-conditioning and internet access. Facilities
include a business center, bar, and award-winning restaurant, built on
the site of the original Westwood restaurant, a Galway mainstay for many
years. Closed: 24-26 Dec. €€
to €€€€
Web site: www.westwoodhousehotel.com
Galway
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