Carraroe Cottage

There’s lots to see and do nearby, and the setting is beautiful. Parking is plentiful, with a small playground on site. The owner and manager was friendly and easy to talk to, and neither I nor the family members travelling with me had any complaints. The cottages have a cosy, distinctive feel, while the lodges are spacious and modern. You’ll find what you need on site or in the lodge, if that’s what you choose.

The staff at the Carraroe Hotel were really helpful while we were there. I had a great weekend fishing and golfing around Carraroe with a few good friends, and we stayed at the hotel for two nights. We’re hoping to come back next summer. For a round of golf, I’d definitely check out Connemara Isles Golf Club.

We didn’t stay overnight, to be fair, but we hadn’t signed up for a Fawlty Towers experience either. The Google photos don’t show what the place is really like. It felt dated and badly in need of repairs and upgrades, even for a two-star place. I’ve stayed in hostels with more modern, family-appropriate accommodation. At least the proprietor understood and didn’t keep our booking deposit, which was a small bright spot.

After a long drive, finding the hotel so run down was a real disappointment. The website pictures looked nothing like it, and I wondered if I’d come to the wrong place. The staff member I spoke with was helpful and courteous. We were shown a room that didn’t match the booking, which was for a family room with a double bed and two singles. The room offered was too cramped to fit another bed, so we decided not to stay. Technically, I could have been charged for cancelling late, but the owner or manager was decent and didn’t charge us. I still wouldn’t recommend it. I’m replying to your comments because I don’t think they’re fair or accurate, and I’m not willing to let them stand. Reviews should be honest and reasonable for fellow travellers. Your website doesn’t say it’s a two-star hotel anywhere I can find. The reviews call it four-star, and that’s the only rating I can see without searching the site very closely. I still can’t find where the two-star rating is stated. You said you would have added another bed for free if I’d asked. The room shown on the website was a family room with one double and two singles, and the website description let me book that arrangement. The pictures also gave a misleading impression of the hotel. There wasn’t enough space in the room we were offered to add a bed. You first called me out by phone, and now your reply feels less than honest, so I have no problem answering it. I know you’re trying to make a living and bring visitors to this beautiful part of the country, but I wish I’d seen an honest review with real pictures before travelling across the country. I was left disappointed and dissatisfied. My travelling companion has years of experience in the tourist and B&B industry, and I wasn’t alone in my first impression of the hotel. I wish you well with the renovations and continued development. Still, travellers should be forewarned. I’m saying it as I saw it.