The Western Hotel

The bathroom could use more counter space, and there weren't many places to hang towels. Reusing them is fine, but one of the few hooks was needed for toiletries. The room also stayed very warm with the heat off, and the window only opened a little, so getting dressed was a challenge even in April. I'm not sure how comfortable that would be in warmer weather. Those are my three small downsides, though, and none was a deal breaker. We had a nice April trip with friends at the Western. The location was just right, near the action without being too close; breakfast was varied and tasty, and the staff were lovely and helpful. Make time for a drink in the renovated bar too. It was lively the night we visited, with locals, a hen party, and tourists like us.

The location is excellent, and the staff we met were kind, which we appreciated. But I wouldn't return. The online photos don't match the rooms, which feel very dated. The floor shook as we walked, the bed sagged, and the stairwells felt as if they might give way beneath us. The sink and shower were tiny. The new hallway paint and carpet are welcome, but the hotel needs a much more thorough renovation. For $300 a night and a four-star rating, I expected a lot more.

Our penthouse apartment had lovely city views, spacious bedrooms, comfortable beds, and was spotless, beautifully furnished, and thoughtfully equipped. We also really enjoyed the restaurant: the food was lovely and the service excellent. The lobby is being renovated, so there was building work, but it didn't spoil the hotel for us. Staff were warm and helpful from the moment we arrived. The location beside Eyre Square is perfect, with the train station a five-minute walk away. We'll be back 😊

I had to switch rooms after unpacking and starting to settle in during my weekend at the Western Hotel Galway for Half-Marathon Run weekend. That wasn't part of the plan, but the staff I dealt with handled it so well. They were courteous, professional, and genuinely helpful throughout. It's easy to do a good job when everything goes smoothly; their response when things didn't was a real credit to them. Thanks for taking customer service seriously when that seems to be the exception these days.