The Ardilaun

The hotel itself is nice and in a good location, and still worth a visit. Bar food service could be better. We had a Do Not Disturb sign on the door, but someone knocked at nine and came into the room five minutes later. I told management, so hopefully they’ve sorted it out.

The staff were warm and welcoming, the grounds are lovely, and breakfast was plentiful. We also really enjoyed the pool, along with the recently refreshed sauna and spa. For the price, I doubt you’ll find a better option in Galway. It is about a 20 minute walk from the centre. With my knee injured, we worked out the nearby bus route and timetable on Google Maps and were fine taking it there and back. A taxi is another option, at roughly €10 each way. This is an older hotel with a classic feel. Our room was clean and spacious, the bed was very comfortable, and while the decor was a little dated, I’m tired of particleboard contemporary rooms anyway. It didn’t feel tired to me, despite the criticism I’d read before booking. The off season deals make it a real bargain for what you get. We’ll be back.

The restaurant has a relaxed feel, with warm wood and comfortable seating, and the plates look inviting. I had a steak sandwich on a fresh, lightly toasted baguette. The beef was tender and cooked just right, with melted cheese and crisp greens. Thick cut chips were golden and well seasoned, crunchy outside and fluffy inside. The peppercorn sauce was rich and went well with the steak, while the fresh side salad had a light dressing. There was clear care in the presentation and the food. Dining at The Ardilaun Hotel in Galway felt comfortable and a little refined without being stuffy, a good fit for lunch, dinner or a more elegant night out.

We had a really nice dinner at Blazers Bistro, especially the steak sandwich, and there was plenty of free parking. The rooms were clean and spacious. The next morning we unwound in the pool and hot tub, and both the reception staff and night porter were very helpful.