Redcastle Hotel

Redcastle Hotel resides in a 19th century manor with a country estate feel. The interiors haven't retained the original manor's charm, though they do look upscale and polished. The lobby is a bit crammed with comfy, attractive sofas and armchairs for socializing. Lake views set this hotel apart, and The Edge restaurant extends out over the water, making for a romantic setting. The bright, airy Captain’s Bar shares the water views, and is flooded with sunlight during the day. This adult-oriented hotel has a peaceful vibe throughout, from the restaurant and bar to the spa with heavy drapes and subdued lighting. The Redcastle offers all the usual modern hotel amenities in a lovely, secluded area, but guests seeking the "Downton Abbey" experience may want to look elsewhere for period interiors -- and it can get busy during weddings and on-site events. The clientele consists mainly of older couples and golfers, including many repeat guests, who are greeted with welcome treats in their rooms. That being said, plenty of families make their way here, too, and the hotel does do their best to accommodate them, especially in the summer, when they run a kids' club.

The Redcastle Hotel is located on the Inishowen Peninsula, and is a great base for exploring north Ireland. Surrounded by woods and sitting directly on Lough Foyle, the hotel is accessed via a scenic country road. Golfers are drawn here for easy access to many world-class courses. The Greencastle Golf Club is a 15-minute drive away while the Ballyliffin Golf Club and North West Golf Club are within a 30-minute drive. Royal Portrush, Portstewart, and Castlerock Golf Clubs are all within 60 to 90 minutes' drive. The Lough Foyle Car Ferry is also 15 minutes away. For families, the Leisure Land activity center is just next door. Outdoor sights are also within a moderate drive. The Giant's Causeway, over the U.K. border in Northern Ireland, is about 90 minutes away by car. Dublin is a three-and-a-half hour drive from the hotel and Belfast is 90 minutes away by car. Derry Airport is about 30 minutes from the hotel.

Rooms at the Redcastle Hotel are clean and modern, with mostly neutral motifs and bright pops of purple, pink, and red in accent walls, throw pillows, and velvet armchairs and love seats with faux-crocodile patterning. Much like the hotel's common areas, though, they lack local character or period charm, and might strike some as a bit gaudy. The look is similar across all room categories, with tan carpets, dark hardwood furniture with modern lines, and white duvets, though Suites offer a small seating area next to the bed. We spotted a bit of wear on some furniture in the rooms, but overall the spaces have a homey comfort to them, and some have gorgeous lake views. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and electric kettles, and Family Rooms are available with separate bedrooms for kids. Bathrooms are medium-size and modern, with shower/tub combos and free toiletries. Suites have whirlpool tubs and separate shower stalls. The walls tend to be thin, and light sleepers may want to bring earplugs to avoid hearing upstairs neighbors. The temperature can run a bit warm, as well, and there is no air-conditioning. There are no unpleasant surprises, but the romance and luxury factors are not high.

The Redcastle Hotel features a restaurant, The Edge, built out over the lake, serving a modern Irish menu with a children's menu available upon request. There is a special Sunday Carvery lunch each week that is popular with locals. The Captain's Bar is a bright, airy space with indoor and outdoor seating, serving a bistro menu throughout the day. Breakfast is available, but is not included with all room rates. The Redcastle Spa offers a full menu of spa treatments, including milk baths and hydrotherapy, as well as massage, facials, wraps, scrubs, and beauty services (these services are particularly popular with bridal parties that are hosting weddings in the on-site ballroom). There is an indoor pool with specific children's hours, and a hot tub. During holiday and summer months, the kids' club offers movies and supervised day trips to neighboring Leisure Land. DVD players and kids' DVDs are available to borrow from reception. The fitness center is clean and fresh, equipped with flat-screen TVs, cardio, and weight equipment. The Redcastle has its own nine-hole golf course on the premises. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but the signal can be spotty.