The Old Inn Crawfordsburn

The food was excellent, and the reception team were helpful and pleasant. The evening service in the restaurant and bar was less consistent, though. The old building and its setting have loads of character, and the room fits that historic feel, but it could use some maintenance and a few subtle modern touches. Wi-Fi and mobile reception were pretty much absent. For the price, I expected a bit more.

We were only there for an afternoon celebration in the private CS Lewis function room, but it was a memorable setting. The building is stunning and full of history and character. The roast dinners were just right, with generous portions, and felt worth the cost per person.

The food was well prepared at both breakfast and dinner, but at these prices I expected better value, especially compared with some of Ireland's top spa hotels. We ate at The Scullery on the first night and the staff didn't explain which menus were available. They came over several times to ask if we were ready to order. We were seated beside a couple vaping indoors. After we asked for a non-smoking table, we still had to speak to the restaurant manager ourselves to move. They did change our table, but nobody acknowledged or addressed the vaping, and there was no gesture from the restaurant. I wasn't expecting goodwill, but the lack of response was disappointing. The spa is lovely, and being able to have drinks there was nice, though one order took more than 15 minutes. Empty glasses were left around because staff weren't doing regular rounds. Some guests talked loudly, vaped by the pool, and behaved suggestively in it, with no staff stepping in. I also wished for a cold shower and a hotter steam room. In the Carriage room, more hooks or rails for towels and a heated towel rail would help. There weren't any power sockets by the bed, which was inconvenient. It's a decent spa hotel, but the stay had a few too many issues for the price.

The bar food was excellent, and the staff were genuinely lovely, helpful and attentive. We had drinks brought out to us, which suited the relaxed feel of the place. The hotel itself is a gorgeous building, more than 400 years old and very well cared for. The spa area is really cool too. Definitely recommend.