Brook Lane Hotel

The quaint and intimate Brook Lane Hotel is located in the Kerry countryside on the edges of the charming town of Kenmare. It is small and family-run, with abundant thoughtful details that help make this a truly special stay, from the brown bread and cookies made and sold on the premises, to the whiskey tastings and live piano music in the cozy bar, to the carefully curated selection of art on display throughout, including work by local artist Joop Smits.

The tasteful decor is a mix of modern, sleek furniture and more traditional country details such as lovely patterned wallpaper and plaid curtains. The elegant lobby has several lounge areas -- one with comfy brown leather seating and another with slate gray armchairs, bold burgundy accents in the pillows and plush drapes, and a fireplace. A small library is stocked with books and a chess set. Though decor throughout the hotel is inviting, some spaces feel stylish while others (like the library) feel homey and even a bit dated. 

The hotel’s restaurant, Casey’s, has a relaxed, casual vibe with wooden floors and tables, exposed brick walls, and a cozy feel. There is also an elegant dining room that is available for private events, which features parquet floors, neutral tones with pops of geometric art on gray walls, and black upholstered chairs surrounding tables clad in white tablecloths.

The Brook Lane Hotel is located on the edges of the small town of Kenmare, on both the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara (two of Ireland's most scenic drives). Popular sights along the Ring of Kerry include Derrynane Beach, the Portmagee marina where boats for the Skellig Islands depart, Muckross House, and Killarney National Park. Though located right off the N70, the area is quiet and peaceful, with several other properties around, including the Kenmare Bay Hotel and Resort across the street and lots of green hills and farmland surrounding. There are many other hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in the surrounding area and several cafes, restaurants, and bars in town (some offering traditional live music), an 11-minute walk from the hotel. The Kenmare Golf Club is a four-minute drive away. The bus station is a 13-minute walk into town. 

A variety of rooms are available at the Brook Lane Hotel, including Deluxe and Superior Rooms, as well as suites and a Studio Apartment. Rooms are simple but tastefully decorated with patterned wallpaper accents, beige wall-to-wall carpeting, and wooden furniture. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and electronic safes, but lack mini-fridges, minibars, or coffee and tea-making facilities (though free tea, coffee, and cake is served in the lobby). Other freebies include bottled water, daily newspapers, and Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are clean and simple, with shower/tub combos, heated floors, toiletries, and fluffy robes and slippers. The spacious Junior Suite is clad in earth tones and has a lovely seating area with a fireplace and private balcony; its large bathroom has two sinks and both a walk-in shower and tub. The Studio sleeps up to five people with two bedrooms and a living room.

Guests rave about the food at the hotel’s Casey’s Bar and Restaurant, which features fresh, local ingredients from the owners' own farm and serves lunch and dinner in a cozy, casual setting. The extensive breakfast buffet (included in some rates) includes pastries, meats, cheeses, granola, and juices; there are various gourmet food products on sale at the bar as well, including local chocolate, marmalades, and chutneys. Whiskey lovers will likely appreciate the whiskey tasting experience. There is an elegant dining room available for private events that is licensed for civil ceremonies. The hotel also has a sister restaurant in town, No35, which serves local, organic, and seasonal foods.

The hotel has several common areas throughout the hotel, including a cozy library full of books, a TV, and a chess set. Freebies include daily newspapers, parking, and Wi-Fi throughout the property.