Lovers of contemporary style will adore the Treacy family’s impressive boutique hotel. It replaced their original much-loved property, which was a sort of ‘Queen Mother’ of the hotel world; all that now remains is the lovely bow-windowed frontage, which still gives a hint of the cosy charm that lay behind.
Today's design-led experience is very different, beginning in a striking reception area, where leather seats are seen in th eery glow of electric-green lighting; then there is the Pink Lounge, which is indeed shocking pink - after that things calm down but it prepares the first-time guest for a funky stay.
This Killarney Hotels accommodation is exceptionally comfortably appointed as would be expected, but much quieter in tone than the public areas; the style and many of the details will be familiar to guests who know the Treacys’ Killarney Park Hotel (see entry), just across the road.
Some spacious front rooms look across to the waiting jarveys with their jaunting cars and horses, and two bay-windowed suites at the top of the building have views across the town to the National Park, but most rooms are notable for comfort rather than outlook.
Public areas include the aptly-named and stylish Lane Café Bar; with glass all along one wall and quirky furnishings, it’s the coolest place in Killarney to meet for cocktails and they serve very good bar food and tapas all day making it popular with local people as well as visitors.
And, across the road, The Ross’s newer but more traditional big sister, Killarney Park Hotel, shares amenities - including a destination spa, and outstanding dining options at its lovely Garden Bar & Terrace and beautiful fine dining restaurant, The Peregrine.
