Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa

This flagship hotel for the family-owned O'Donoghue Ring Hotel Group certainly impresses on many levels. Although opened in 2002, the property's traditional-style architecture exudes a old-fashioned quality. Stepping inside, early 20th-century elegance prevails, awash with ochre marble, polished brass, and Art Deco accents. An impressive grand central staircase draws comparisons with the Titanic and evokes a nostalgic ambience for the time. The deluxe cruise-liner aesthetics continue through the hotel's hallways, with subtly nautical-flavored touches and plush furnishings. And cruise ship parallels can also be found in the impressive array of eating and drinking options. The Killarney tends to attract slightly older couples looking for a little luxury and may feel a bit fussy to younger guests.

The hotel is located overlooking the fairly busy intersection of Kenmare Place and Main Street in the center of Killarney. While within easy walking distance of the town's souvenir shops, galleries, and restaurants, the property is situated across the road from the edge of the famous Killarney National Park and a short trip from its lush wooded mountains, lakes, and valleys. Killarney bus and train stations are also just a few minutes away on foot, while horse-drawn carriages can be found right outside the hotel and are perfect for exploring the town's attractions. The Ring of Kerry carriageway and tourist route is also a mere five minutes by car, meaning easy driving access around some of Kerry's most picturesque landscapes.  

The hotel has almost 200 rooms, all of which are decorated in traditional chain-hotel furnishings with navy carpeted floors, antique-style furnishings, brocade-patterned fabrics, and brass lamps. Rooms are generally spacious and clean, with desks and seating areas, while amenities include safes, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs -- though screens are very small. There's also no minibar in most rooms, though free bottled water and tea/coffee facilities are provided. Bathrooms are clean and topped with Italian marble and provide high-end Comfort Zone toiletries and robes and slippers are available on request. On the down side, some rooms overlook air conditioning units, and those overlooking the road get some traffic noise. 

With three restaurants and five bars on-site, there's certainly a decent selection of eating and drinking options.  Menus are sourced from locally-produced products and include international favorites as well as some regionally-inspired cooking -- two separate kitchens means two distinct dining experiences. Bars range from the trendy Plaza bar, which attracts a younger crowd, to the elegant Piano bar, which provides live music and cocktails. The hotel also has a private health club -- which is exclusive to guests -- and includes a mosaic-lined swimming pool (cap required), whirlpool, and outstanding spa with thermal pool, sauna, and impressive range of treatments. Underground parking is also available, though space is limited.