White Sands

We enjoyed the restaurant and bar, with good variety and quality, and the atmosphere was lively but still relaxed. The White Sands Hotel in Portmarnock is right across from the beach, with lovely sea views and easy access to a peaceful walk. My room was clean and comfortable, with all the essentials, and the staff were friendly, welcoming and attentive. A little updating to the décor and facilities would help them match the beautiful setting. Still, it was a pleasant stay and I'd happily recommend it for a seaside getaway.

The beach is a short walk away, and Dublin Airport is only minutes from the hotel. We stayed in December during the off season and were treated like royalty. Fantastic service, and I look forward to coming back.

The hotel has a welcoming feel, beautiful views and sits right on the 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. The service has been marvellous and everyone has been so kind. We'd absolutely love to stay again.

I drive a taxi for a cab company in Malahide and have collected fares from this hotel regularly for many years. I’ve often gone through reception to ask for the name of the resident who booked a taxi, without any trouble. I’ve also stayed here a couple of times, had dinner and drinks at the bar several times, attended a function a couple of months ago, and used the lobby toilets over the years without staff objecting before. One morning, though, I arrived as usual and was stopped at the entrance by a man who identified himself as “Tom Garmon”. He wore a Garmon Group uniform, and a black company van with Garmon Group air conditioning repair signage was parked outside the hotel. 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. Tom told me to use the bar toilets instead. I didn't say anything, but when I came back he stopped me again with Loraine. I explained that I’d used the lobby facilities for years and regularly served hotel customers. He said the toilets were for “residents only”. When I tried to explain my long history of coming to and serving the hotel, he said he “doesn’t give a shite”, claimed he actually owns 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 behave so rudely, even if they own the place. I can't imagine a respectable hotel owner acting like that. Loraine then said she'd never seen me before, although I've introduced myself to her many times while collecting fares. The last time we spoke, I was looking for two lady customers and she told me they had already left, so I had to cancel the job. I'm not making this up. When I complained, she gave me an ironic smile instead of acting professionally. I said I would make a complaint, and she replied, “go ahead who cares”. I found both Tom Garmon and Loraine disrespectful and unprofessional. Their behaviour doesn't reflect the standards I expect from a business I've supported for years. I made a written complaint. Today, a rude woman called me and said she was the general manager. Without asking for my side, she started telling me off, saying Loraine had worked there for a long time, as had she, and neither had seen me before. She also said Mr Garmon owns the place and can do whatever he wants. She made fun of my accent on the phone and said she'd complain to the cab company I work for. Complain about what? Because I tried to use the hotel's toilets? How is that possible? I still can't believe such rude staff could work in a hotel, even a family business. People like me can bring valuable business to a place, but I won't recommend this hotel to regular customers or tourists. It's not worth it.