Easy to find and centrally located for exploring a large area of the West of Ireland, this modern four star on the edge of Claremorris came into new ownership in 2018 and has since seen considerable investment to increase its appeal to a wide range of guests, including tourists, families and business travellers.
The hotel's outstanding amenities for large events attract conferences and weddings, and - dubbed the "Nashville of the West" - it is especially well known for country music events featuring big names that draw large crowds. But you don't have to be a country fan to enjoy a visit here and, at quieter times, it makes a very comfortable base for exploring the West of Ireland, a weekend away, a business trip or a family break.
Bright and spacious throughout, it's a well run and relaxing place to stay. Public areas are very well kept, with complimentary newspapers, apples and fruit flavoured waters in dispensers, and the generous-sized guest rooms are equally appealing, with pleasant outlooks, very comfortable beds, new smart TVs, coffee machines, and everything you need when away from home.
But this hotel's greatest asset is the friendly and welcoming staff, who always do their best to make sure that everyone is happy. This applies particularly to families, who are made especially welcome - and who will find plenty of entertainment in the leisure centre, and a host of things to do nearby. The National Museum of Country Life Ireland and Turlough Park House near Castlebar is a must-see, for example, and there are dedicated family attractions such as Graune Pet Farm and Play Centre (18km), which offer a range of activities for different age groups, while a trip to Achill Island makes a great day out - perhaps including cycling along the Great Western Greenway.
The food served in the hotel is also very good, thanks to a long-established kitchen team who care about standards in both the restaurant and bar - and well trained staff who provide great service and lift the experience at meals.The bar menu is available in the restaurant (a popular option) and children are offered half portions of adult dishes as well as the usual goujons, sausages and pasta. What they do is done well and menus aren't over unrealistically over ambitious. Slow-cooked beef is a bit of a speciaiity, and it's clear that care goes into dishes such as a good smoked bacon and potato cake starter, and ever-popular fish & chips, where the tasty fish is obviously freshly battered and cooked to order.
They do an excellent cooked to order breakfast too, instead of the usual heat lamp buffets - so dishes like scrambled eggs and mushrooms, that are so often disappointing, will be enjoyable.
All round this is a well located, well-run and fairly priced hotel - and it may well surprise you.
