Rostrevor Mountain Lodge

The setting is beautiful, though it’s quite isolated and you need a car. The pods were only just acceptable for sleeping, and the price felt far too high for what was on offer. There’s supposed to be an 11pm noise curfew, but we weren’t told that a birthday party had been booked in the reception area. It went on well into the early hours, and the pods weren’t soundproof, so sleep was nearly impossible. Other guests we spoke with the next morning were just as annoyed. We told management, but our complaint was ignored. They emailed to thank us for our “understanding,” though we hadn’t agreed to any such thing. We won’t be back, and it sounded like the other guests we spoke to wouldn’t return either. If you’re thinking of booking, check whether there’s a party in reception during your overnight stay.

We stayed in the main building with three other families and couldn’t fault it. Everything we needed for a group break was there, and the staff were lovely, friendly and made us feel welcome. There’s a great covered BBQ area for rainy weather. Luckily, we had beautiful weather and didn’t need it. We’d definitely stay again!

We were excited to stay somewhere so picturesque, and the pods were okay, though they could use a good clean. There were lots of stains and cobwebs, but those things might have been overlooked. The noise was impossible to overlook. A party carried on until the early hours with music, singing and shouting, so we barely slept. Everyone was tired and irritable the next day, which ruined it. The 11pm curfew wasn’t followed. If you’re planning to stay, ask first whether a party is booked. Management got in touch to thank me for understanding, but there was no understanding on my part. It was an awful night, and very overpriced too.

We only stayed one night in pod 5, and I wish we’d booked another. It’s secluded and the setting is perfect. The pod was clean and in very good condition, as were the shared toilets and showers on the lower level. Pod 5 is up near the revive shop, hot tubs and sauna. The shop has mocktails, a lovely coffee machine and a seating area. Down below, there are more pods, a lovely communal hut and another hot tub.