Great National Ballykisteen Hotel & Golf Resort

We booked New Year’s Eve because we were told there’d be music, but there was none. The Late Late Show was put on for the countdown, which was a real disappointment. Breakfast the next morning was cold, and one staff member even asked us to carry our own glasses back to the bar because she had no tray. We had been considering this hotel as a wedding venue, but after this stay, that’s no longer an option. We wouldn’t return or recommend it. The evening service was poor throughout. Drinks took about 20 minutes each time, even with only 4-5 other tables in the quiet bar, and we were brought the wrong drinks twice. Starters were very slow, then mains took another 40 minutes. Half the food was missing, what arrived was cold, and the rest never came despite us asking three times. They offered free dessert after we complained, but that didn’t make up for the experience. At 11:30pm on New Year’s Eve we were told the bar was closing and we had to pay. The bill was first €209, then changed to €222 at payment with no explanation. We’d reserved a table for four at 7pm in the bar, but were told on arrival we’d have to sit in the restaurant. After insisting, we were seated in the bar as booked. One room also didn’t match the listing on Booking.com. Our original room reservation had been cancelled at the last minute, and the rebooking cost more. The whole stay was disappointing and poor value.

The breakfast let down an otherwise very good two-night stay. Both mornings, food wasn’t being replenished, so we had to wait for more hot dishes, and there was no white bread or pastries when we arrived. The rooms were clean, and dinner and its service were excellent. The bar was very good too.

The spa was a highlight, especially the floatation therapy, and the room was comfortable with all the amenities. Staff were friendly and helpful, and there’s free parking on site. The changing rooms could do with an update, though the pool area was clean. Great stay, and I hope to come back.

I was unsure about being in silence and darkness, but the floatation session turned out to be really relaxing, and my muscles felt completely at ease afterwards. The pod has a light you can leave on, and music plays for the first ten minutes. There’s a shower in the room to use before and after. I thought an hour for €55 was very good value. If you’re staying at the hotel, give it a try.