Waterford Marina Hotel

Its lovely location on the banks of the River Suir affords the Waterford Marina Hotel lovely views over the water, but this is a no-frills, budget-friendly operation. Decor is sparse, which gives some of the interiors a dull, dated, and lackluster look, but the common spaces are functional and pleasant. The spacious lobby has plenty of comfortable couches and armchairs, and the large windows let in plenty of light. The dining room is lined with windows overlooking the river. The bar, like the dining room, is filled with upholstered wooden chairs clustered around tables and dark barrels with round tabletops. Bar seating is also available. A lovely outdoor terrace with picnic tables overlooks the river. Other common areas include couches, and areas that are devoid of decor still offer nice views from the windows.

The hotel attracts a mix of leisure travelers and families, who are enticed by the affordable rates, spacious family rooms, and kid-friendly perks such as a children’s menu at the restaurant. Business travelers are also frequent guests, drawn by the conference facilities, free Wi-Fi, and modest business facilities.

The Waterford Marina Hotel is situated on the quays in Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland. This is a mostly residential area, with a couple of shops and restaurants nearby. The People’s Park, a large public park, is a block away from the hotel. There are several restaurants and sights within walking distance, such as the Viking Triangle (a six-minute walk away), where travelers will find three historic museums, Christ Church Cathedral, and Reginald’s Tower. The train station is not within walking distance (it's a 12-minute drive), but there is a bus stop about a five-minute walk from the hotel.

Rooms at the Waterford Marina Hotel are basic, functional, and clean, with simple, traditional decor that is a bit bare bones and dated, including the carpets, patterned curtains, and lightwood furniture. Rooms have large work desks, big wardrobes, tea- and coffee-making facilities, tube-style TVs with satellite channels, and free Wi-Fi. Small bathrooms are clean and tiled in white with shower/tub combos and basic toiletries. Most rooms offer lovely views of the river and surrounding streets.

The hotel’s restaurant, Waterfront Restaurant, has lovely views over the river and serves a variety of Irish and European dishes as well as a kids’ menu. Breakfast is available for an added fee, and includes a continental or full Irish breakfast. Room service is available throughout the day. The Waterfront Bar serves bar food and light bites, and features live music on weekends. The bar's lovely terrace overlooks the water.

The hotel has several meeting rooms and conference facilities that can accommodate up to 50 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and there is a computer and printer available for guests’ use in the lobby. The large, secure car park at the back of the hotel offers free parking.