Village Hotel Bettystown

I’d booked and paid for late checkout because I prefer to be careful driving home the day after having a few drinks. The General Manager was kind and understanding, and gave us an extra two hours, until 1pm. We were delighted. At 11.35 the next morning, a cleaner knocked and angrily said we should have left by 11. I explained about the extension, but she shouted through the bedroom so everyone on the floor could hear that she doubted I’d got late checkout and that the village hotel doesn’t do it. She was rude and told us to leave A.S.A.P. The receptionist then rang to say we should have checked out at 11 too. I explained the manager had written the late checkout on my booking form, but neither of them had checked beforehand. The receptionist asked if I’d paid, then said she could see the manager had authorised the extra lie-in, but asked whether I could leave earlier anyway. Between the cleaner and receptionist, they ruined the stay. I wanted to warn others. The hotel itself is perfect, the staff were friendly and polite, and the General Manager went above and beyond for us. In my opinion, it just takes one or two people acting above their station to spoil it.

The room itself was amazing, and the staff stayed friendly throughout, but several things went wrong during our stay. The suite was listed online as “Garden suite”; when we arrived, we were told it was called “the bridal suite.” My partner thought I was proposing, which turned what should have been a good night out into an unpleasant surprise. The heating and hot water weren’t working. Reception said it would be fixed in a few minutes, but we only had hot water for ten minutes. There was both a bath and a shower, yet only two towels, which seemed odd. We ordered dinner to the room, and the delivery was missing the dessert and gravy. Nobody offered an apology.

The function room opened onto a lovely outdoor area where children could play and adults could sit outside. I was there for a communion, and the room had been set up beautifully for the communions. The menus had the kids’ names on them, the food was delicious, and the staff were lovely.

I was there for a christening and found it a great venue, with lovely food and brilliant staff from check-in through checkout. The rooms were spacious and spotless, with big windows, a large comfy bed, and a big bath with a lovely shower. The function room also has large windows leading out to a patio and garden. Breakfast had a great selection.