White Sands Hotel

The beach setting is lovely, with beautiful sea views and easy access for a relaxing walk. Our room was clean and comfortable, and had the essentials. Staff were welcoming, friendly and attentive throughout the stay. We enjoyed the restaurant and bar food, which had good variety and quality. The atmosphere was lively but still relaxed. Some updates to the décor and facilities would help them match the setting, but I had a very pleasant stay at the White Sands Hotel in Portmarnock and would happily recommend it for a seaside getaway.

We stayed in December during the off season and were treated like royalty. The service was fantastic, and I look forward to coming back. The hotel is minutes from Dublin Airport and within walking distance of a stunning beach.

We arrived from Canada at 9am Ireland time, and the staff went out of their way to get our rooms ready early so we could rest. Everyone was so kind, and the service has been marvellous. The hotel is right on the beach, with beautiful views and a very welcoming feel. We'd absolutely love to stay again.

I'm a woman taxi driver for a Cab Company in Malahide, and I've regularly collected fares from this hotel for many years. I often go through reception to ask for the name of the resident who booked my taxi, and that's never been an issue. I've also stayed here a couple of times and had dinner and drinks at the bar on several occasions. A couple of months ago I went to a function at the hotel. Over the years I've used the lobby toilets, and staff had never objected. One morning, I arrived as usual and a man identifying himself as “Tom Garmon” stopped me at the entrance. He was wearing a Garmon Group uniform, and a black company van with Garmon Group and air conditioning repair descriptions was parked outside. He was behind the reception desk with Loraine, the receptionist. After I greeted them, they asked where I was going. I said I wanted to use the toilets. They had seen me park my taxi in front of the hotel and knew I wasn't going to make a mess. The man told me to use the bar toilets instead. I didn't say anything, but when I returned, they stopped me again. I explained that I'd used the lobby facilities for years and regularly served hotel customers. He then said the toilets were for “residents only”. When I tried to explain my long history coming to and serving the hotel, he said he “doesn’t give a shite”, claimed he owned the hotel and called me names I found offensive and completely unacceptable. I don't think it's normal for anyone to go behind reception and act so rudely, even if they own the place. I can't imagine a respectable hotel owner behaving that way. Loraine said she'd never seen me, despite my having introduced myself many times while collecting fares. The last time I spoke with her, I was looking for two women customers. Loraine said they'd already left, so I had to cancel the job. I'm not making this up. She responded to my complaint with an ironic smile instead of acting professionally. I told her I'd complain, and she said, “go ahead who cares”. Both Tom Garmon and Loraine were disrespectful and unprofessional, which doesn't reflect the standards I'd expect from a business I've supported for years. I made a written complaint. Today, a rude woman called and said she was the general manager. Without asking for my side, she started telling me off, saying Loraine had worked there a long time, as had she, and that she'd never seen me before. She said Mr Garmon owns the place and can do whatever he wants. She also mocked my accent on the phone and said she'd complain to the cab company I work for. For what, just trying to use the hotel's toilets? I still can't believe such rude staff could work in a hotel, even if it's a family business. People like me can bring a lot of business to a place like this, but I won't recommend the hotel to regular customers or tourists. It's not worth it.