Auburn Lodge Hotel & Leisure Centre

The staff were kind and friendly, and also made sure guests followed the Covid-19 guidelines. Our room matched the website description and everything worked well. We had a really delicious three-course dinner and breakfast at the hotel. For a budget stay, it beat our expectations. I've stayed in plenty of four-star hotels at a similar standard, and we had a lovely two-night visit.

The location worked really well for us, just outside town so it was easy to reach the amenities without the rush-hour hassle. Staff were lovely and couldn't do enough. At breakfast, they'll make something for you if it isn't already laid out, and it was all very tasty. We also ate in the restaurant and pub, where the food was good, service was good, and we barely had to wait. A great place to stay with the family.

The curry was the standout for me, honestly the best I've ever had. Everyone else enjoyed their meals too, even the picky eaters, and cleared their plates. Staff were chatty, helpful, and made us and the kids feel welcome. The two family rooms were comfortable, though dated and in need of attention. Service at the bar was the one snag: it wasn't busy, but we had to keep looking for menus and staff. Still, we enjoyed our stay.

The staff really made this short visit. Everyone we dealt with was courteous, and extra towels arrived in under three minutes. The leisure centre team were helpful and accommodating too. The rooms and foyer feel dated, and the pool is compact. Our bathroom could have been cleaner, with a makeup smear on the tiles, though it wasn't filthy and didn't affect our stay. I didn't mention it at the time, since these things can happen. There were lots of children running around the small garden and corridors, which we actually liked. We had no kids with us, but understood how hard it is to travel with children while play centres are closed. For the price, I probably wouldn't return, given the newer interiors and larger pools available elsewhere in Ennis at a similar price.