Villa Rose Hotel & Spa

The bar food was the only good part of our stay. My daughter and I had a terrible night in the room. It was so hot that we had to sleep with the window and drapes open, which let the light in from two huge security lights shining straight at the window all night. The radiator was off, and there was no way to turn down or switch off the A/C. I raised the problem at checkout and was told someone would call. Nothing. We arrived later than planned, but still in time for the thermal suite we’d booked. Since we’d travelled a fair distance, we asked to move the booking back an hour to 4pm. We were emphatically told no, because it was fully booked. That wasn’t true: nobody was booked at 4pm, and when we left at 4.12, no one had arrived to use it. Try somewhere else if you want to sleep at night.

Poor customer service and attention to detail. I wouldn’t recommend the afternoon tea. I’d booked and paid in advance for afternoon tea with prosecco as a gift for a family member and their friends. The group didn’t get the prosecco on the day. It was an oversight, and while disappointing, these things happen. I tried several times to contact the hotel to sort it out, expecting a simple refund for the difference between what I paid for and what was provided. When Villa Rose got back to me, they offered to have me call in so they could pour me the missing glasses of prosecco. If you’re giving this experience as a gift, make sure you check what’s included on the day, or be ready to drive back to get what was missed the first time. I’d avoid it altogether. There are nicer, more reasonably priced places close by.

The beds were very comfortable, and we really enjoyed our stay in Ballybofey. We had a wonderful time as a mother and daughter. Everyone we met was lovely and helpful, from check-in and the bar to the restaurant and breakfast staff. The cocktails at the forge bar were so good, and we had a fabulous meal at Faras restaurant, with top quality food and a great experience.

The room was very clean and well furnished, the food was perfect, and the staff were super friendly. We had a fabulous stay. Thank you for a wonderful break.