City HideAway

The location couldn’t be better, right by the bus and train stations and within walking distance of the bars and tourist spots. Staff were nice, there’s lots of storage, and the bathroom was good for a budget hotel. The shared area had a microwave, sink, plates, cutlery and plenty of places to lounge, so supermarket food was easy to eat there. We were happy staying three nights, even with the drawbacks. Galway is lovely, and we didn’t mind the student accommodation. It wasn’t noisy or messy, and the public areas felt clean and calm, not like a hostel. The double bed was tiny for two, pushed against a wall so one person couldn’t get out easily at night, and the mattress felt worn out. The room was stuffy and needed air, but opening the window meant raising the blinds all the way. If your room faced the courtyard, everyone could see in. Light curtains on a rod could help. Smoke from people in the courtyard came into the room, and the birds were incredibly loud.

There was no AC, just a temperature control, and the room stayed at 26 degrees during our visit. The mattress had completely collapsed on one side, and the floor and walls were dirty, much worse than the pictures showed. The floor was greasy, cigarette butts were on the windowsills, and the room stank of cigarettes and body odor. The shower door wouldn’t close, and we had no hot water on the first day. Worst room I’ve ever paid for.

We barely slept because the complex was so loud. The bed was far too small for two and unbelievably uncomfortable. The kitchenette was advertised, but it was locked, so we couldn’t use it. Staff weren’t very helpful either. Worst money spent.

The ladies were lovely and laughed along with my friend and me. They even gave us a discount, partly because of the story and partly, honestly, because they felt sorry for us. Huge thanks from me and my ginger friend ❤️. We’ll be back. We’d gone out for the night, picked up fellas, and got absolutely blind drunk. My friend went up to our room with a fella, while mine and I went downstairs to wait. The common area was closed, but a kind night porter helped us get another room. I must’ve thought I was rich and paid for it impulsively. Next morning I did the walk of shame, remembering nothing and dragging my bag through the halls, asking people if they’d seen my shoes 😂. They were at reception, soaked in drink 🍻. It turned out I hadn’t paid for the room after all. I rummaged through my bag, pulled all sorts out onto the reception table, and tried to find cash, forgetting they’re cashless. I called my parents for help, but they never answered 🤣😅, so we were on our own. I split the payment across two cards and stumbled out still a little drunk. At least I found my shoes, so things always get better 🤷‍♀️🤣. Amazing place!