This 4* hotel in Tullamore town centre has recently undergone major redevelopment and is a popular meeting place for local people as well as offering visitors a good centrally located base for exploring the town and the area.
First impressions are of a bustling big foyer, with sweeping stairs, plenty of plush seating (perfect for people watching) and a large reception area where very friendly, chatty staff are quick to welcome guests and sort out any reservations or other requests. The bar/ lounge areas and library are all off this area - and the Italian restaurant (Italiano Balcone) overlooks it - just one of a number of dining options, including the traditional Charleville Restaurant.
Accommodation includes four executive suites and a presidential suite; standard rooms are compact, spotless, well-equipped and have well maintained bathrooms (although some may have shower only).
A good breakfast is served in the main restaurant, with plenty of variety (local suppliers named); care is taken with the hot food orders, whether for the traditional Irish breakfast or a range of other dishes - steak and egg, egg benedict, pancakes, poached eggs and smoked salmon, grilled plaice and toasted bagels - everything is nicely presented, hot and tasty
Staff, who are mostly Irish, are particularly friendly and helpful and this is one of the hotel's greatest assets.
All round this is pleasant place to stay, with a leisure centre, pool, and gym among the facilities – which also include an ‘outdoor hot spa’ and a virtual reality golf facility. Better still, for those who prefer the real thing, two 18 hole courses, Esker Hill and Tullamore Golf Club, are just five minutes drive away.
