Hotel Westport

This family-owned hotel is set on seven acres of beautiful woodland that sit next to the Carrowbeg River. The hotel was originally built in 1969 and has been continually modernized over the years -- it's locally well known for hosting a lot of themed weekends from murder mystery events to bridge tournaments. It also hosts private events, weddings, and business meetings, although this can mean the car park and facilities get very busy at times. Interiors are a blend of traditional design and more modern touches. The large, bright lobby has a white tiled floor, curved wooden reception desk, and plenty of seating from deep red leather chesterfield sofas to striped fabric club chairs. A wide range of artwork by local artists as well as antiques are on display throughout the hotel, making a stay here a bit more memorable than at some competing properties. The hotel attracts a diverse spectrum of guests, from retirees to families with children, and the hotel runs offers and programs throughout the year for grownups and kids alike.

The hotel has an enviably tranquil setting within woodlands on the banks of the Carrowbeg River -- there is no traffic noise within the property’s grounds. The center of Westport is only a five-minute walk from the hotel, though, where there is fine dining, lively nightlife, and a range of shops. Clew Bay is a five-minute drive from the hotel, and so is Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park with its range of leisure activities, gardens, a mini-railway, and boating lake. The hotel is also on the Wild Atlantic Way scenic route and the Great Western Green Way -- a popular new walking and cycling track on a disused railway line. Bertra Beach is a 20-minute drive outside of town, and the spectacular Croagh Patrick, a mountain that towers over the region, is about 45 minutes away by road -- it's a fine spot for day hikes. Ireland West Airport Knock is an hour’s drive, and the city of Galway takes about 90 minutes to reach by road.

The hotel’s 129 guest rooms are available in several categories, though the look across most is similar. Standard Rooms aren't nearly as sharp as higher-category rooms, with dated red carpeting and furniture that looks held over from days part. The rest of the rooms have a mix of classic decor and modern elements, and guests can expect to see mid-tone wooden furniture that lends a traditionally handsome flair to the spaces, alongside bolder design choices, like patterned accent walls and sharp shades like olive green, purple, turquoise, or beige throughout. Impressionist prints on the walls add an additional bit of character. Six spacious suites are ideal for groups or families, some of which have the addition of a separate living area and antique dining table. 

All rooms offer flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, safe, and irons and ironing board. Some rooms include a balcony and have beautiful views of the Carrowbeg River. Bathrooms are spacious; some have a shower/tub combo, while others have a separate bath and shower cubicle. Not all are particularly attractive, though, and the large vanities in Standard Rooms come in fake pink granite.

The hotel's Islands Restaurant is popular with locals and hotel guests alike, and serves well-regarded meals in a stylish but relaxed setting. It is open daily for a buffet breakfast, which includes freshly baked bread, fresh fruits, cold meats, fish, and cheeses. A full Irish breakfast is also available. Elegant dinners are also served up, such as baked oysters and black sole. The restaurant is open for a traditional four-course Sunday lunch as well, and has a separate children's menu and coloring books to keep little ones entertained. The inviting and stylish Maple Bar has a bar menu for snacks and casual meals like fish-and-chips and burgers, plus cocktails, local craft beers, and wines. There are velvet chesterfield sofas and deep red leather bar stools and it also has regular live music and live sports are shown on a big-screen TV. Afternoon tea is also available in the lounge, and private dining can be arranged. 

The hotel has a spa with six treatment rooms, a hair salon, swimming pool, children's splash pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub. It also has a fitness center which offers classes and personal training. Outdoors, there are extensive gardens to explore, including a children’s playground, a table tennis table, and barbecue grills. Bikes can be hired from the hotel as well. There’s a business center and two conference rooms within the property which can seat up to 450 people. Free parking is available on-site and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.