The Wyatt Hotel

This cheerfully yellow, town-center hotel resides in a historically listed building that was constructed in the 1800s. It's named after its designer and the architect of Westport itself, James Wyatt, and the property is expectedly full of charm and character. The lobby has a traditional feel, with a crimson patterned carpet, a dark wood reception desk, and comfortable seating areas. The owner is a keen collector of art and there’s a varied collection of pieces throughout the hotel -- many of which have been created by local artists. 

Westport is a popular destination all year round, and the Wyatt is a place that is always bustling with guests coming and going. The lively vibe is also due in part to the popular pub on sight where there's live music on many night. The hotel attracts a mix of guests, but mainly couples and occasional families. It is also a pet-friendly property, which makes it popular with those wanting to bring their dog on vacation. 

The Wyatt Hotel is situated right in the heart of Westport, on its famous Octagon. Within the Octagon is a monument which was originally a statue of the local landlord, but in recent years has been replaced by one of St. Patrick. Surrounding the hotel are shops, restaurants, and bars, so it’s an ideal spot for those wanting to be in the center of all the action of this vibrant town. There are also scenic views from the Octagon of the surrounding streets. 

The hotel is popular with travelers wanting to explore the Great Western Greenway as well, which is a 46 kilometer (29 mile) walking and cycling route along an old disused railway line. It runs between Westport and Achill Island, and the hotel can arrange for bikes to be hired and delivered to the hotel at a discounted rate. The Westport Leisure Park is just a three-minute walk from the hotel and Westport train station is a 15-minute walk. Ireland West Airport Knock is an hour’s drive. 

The 63 guest rooms at the Wyatt Hotel are cozy and modern. The rooms are individually decorated and while all have a light, bright decor with alternating colorful and neutral shades, some are straightforward and a bit bland. We love the funky accent walls in rooms like the Standard Double and Pet-Friendly Family Rooms that we visited -- it kicks the decor up a notch and pairs nicely with the traditional oak furniture -- but the Standard Family Room was rather plain, with the exception of the charming art hanging on the white walls. All rooms are carpeted, and some rooms have sharp club chairs upholstered with handsome polka-dot patterns alongside elegant details like decorative mirrors and leather headboards.

All rooms have tea- and coffee-making facilities, fans, hairdryers, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and free Wi-Fi. Superior Rooms have additions like bathrobes, slippers, fresh fruit, flowers, mineral water, Nespresso coffee machines, and designer toiletries. There are also two dog-friendly rooms that provide a dog bed and offer direct access to the hotel's courtyard. Bathrooms are modern and most have a plain white suite and tiling. Some have a shower/tub combo, while others just have a large walk-in shower but no bath. Be aware that the hotel’s location right in the center of a lively town means that noise can filter into the rooms at times, particularly on Saturday nights.

Many guests are drawn to The Wyatt Hotel by Cobbler's Bar. It’s known as a hub of traditional Irish music and artists perform live most nights of the week. There are sometimes up to ten musicians playing on one evening. It serves pub food, craft beers, and specializes in a wide range whiskeys. Live sporting events are also shown on the big screens. The hotel also has a restaurant, JW's Brasserie. It’s a well-regarded restaurant that was also named after the Georgian architect James Wyatt and is one of the most popular places to dine in Westport, with both locals and visitors. The brasserie is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner and focusses on producing dishes from local ingredients. While breakfast is offered, it's only included with certain rates. The Lane Suite is the hotel's upmarket events space, which is available for private hire, including weddings. 

The hotel also provides free access to the nearby Westport Leisure Park where there's a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and fitness center. The hotel also has a Guest Rewards card which provides a range of discounts and special offers in many of the local shops and other businesses. A small underground parking garage is free to use, and there is an additional lot across the road in a grocery store also owned by the hotel. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.