Lansdowne Kenmare

I spend 80-90 nights a year in nicer hotels, so that’s the perspective I’m coming from. At nearly 260 euros a night when I booked, I’d choose one of the many rooms above local pubs instead. This stay has also made me hesitant about booking other SLH properties, and I hope SLH takes another look at the Lansdowne Hotel, gets it improved, or removes it. It doesn’t feel like a luxury hotel, especially in the rooms. They seem like a cheap renovation beside the common areas, and there’s nothing in them that feels luxurious, or even above average. They were clean, but there wasn’t a single painting on the wall, good or bad. The shower felt claustrophobic. Breakfast was chaotic, and there wasn’t enough room for the hotel’s guests. At checkout around 7:30 am, nobody was at the front desk for over ten minutes, so I had to leave my keys and go. The seating in the common area was nice, and the location is great, but I don’t think Lansdowne belongs in Small Luxury Hotels (SLH).

The restaurant food was great. The rooms, though, could do with an update.

I loved all the little touches, especially the treats with the tea and coffee in the room. The staff had added a few thoughtful extras too. The inn has lots of corners and nooks that suit its old-building character, and our room was clean and cosy, with original board floors, a big comfortable bed and quality linens. The breakfast cafe and its staff were a real highlight, with some of the best breakfast we had on our Ireland trip. It’s a handy base for West Cork and the Ring of Kerry. We’d happily stay again and recommend it.

We spent two nights here towards the end of an 11 day trip, and it was a great choice. Sitting outside at the front with a drink and watching Kenmare go by was a treat. The property is lovely and the location is hard to beat. Our “Little Nest” room lived up to its name and had enough space for us, though the bathroom was so small you had to step out to change your mind. Everything else was great. Try the coconut margarita at the bar. We enjoyed the food, but only realized at checkout that breakfast wasn’t included. The cafe took our room number when we ordered without saying whether it was covered, so keep that in mind when booking. I’d definitely recommend the hotel. It’s worth the price.