Woodside Lodge

This simple guesthouse is set within scenic gardens and makes guests feel they are in the heart of the countryside, while actually being just a short drive from Westport's town center. The picturesque property has a cute, cottage look about it, and is far more modern than many of the frilly bed-and-breakfasts any travelers may be used to seeing. The charming ambience starts outside, as the building is painted white and has a gray slate roof and red framed windows. Interiors are immaculately kept. One of the highlights is the stylish and cozy guest lounge which has a roaring log fire lit in the winter, a flat-screen TV, fine hardwood flooring, and comfortable sofas and armchairs in soft blue hues and country patterns. The owners go the extra mile to make their guests feel at home and get the most out of their stay, and are always on hand to recommend the best restaurants and attractions in the area. Woodside Lodge attracts a mix of mainly international guests, with many traveling from France and the United States. It's also very popular with visitors from the U.K., most of whom are couples or small families.

The hotel is located off Golf Course Road, just at the edge of Westport town. It’s in a tranquil setting surrounded by private houses and woodland, so there is no traffic noise within the property. The center of Westport is a five-minute drive from the property, which can be done in a 15- to 20-minute walk depending on the destination (and the weather -- this is Ireland, after all!). The town is home to fine dining, lively nightlife, and a range of shops. Clew Bay is a five-minute drive from the hotel, as 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, a scenic driving route, and is just a two-minute walk from the Great Western Greenway -- a popular new walking and cycling track on an old disused railway line. Westport Golf Club is just a five-minute drive. Just outside of town are some lovely beaches (a 15- to 20-minute drive) and spectacular Croagh Patrick Mountain (a 30-minute drive). Ireland West Airport Knock is an hour’s drive. Galway is 90 minutes to the south by road, and Dublin is a solid three-hour drive.

The six guest rooms at Woodside Lodge are light, with plenty of cozy charm. The look is definitively Irish-country, with oak furniture like nightstands and headboards, plus light wood or neutral carpeted floors, and white walls hung with sharp maritime artwork. Standard Rooms can feel a little compact, with little room beyond the desk and bed, but others -- like the Family Room -- have a good deal more space. Large windows help keep things bright. Beds have Egyptian cotton sheets and are coordinated with a matching bedspread and throw pillows. Every room has a wall-mounted flat screen TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles for tea and coffee, mineral water, and a hairdryer. The gray-and-white tiled en-suite bathrooms are spacious and clean. Toiletries are provided and there is a walk-in shower cubicle, but no bath tub.

The room rate at Woodside Lodge includes a daily breakfast. This is served in the charming breakfast room which has country-style oak tables and chairs, set with white tablecloths, and a large hutch displaying candles and ornaments. The owner prides himself on providing a special, cooked-to-order breakfast for his guests, which is very popular. This can be a full Irish fried breakfast or a range of other dishes such as scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, homemade porridge, or homemade scones. Guests can also opt for a continental selection if they prefer. Those staying in the property also benefit from use of the guest lounge, use of the hotel's laptop, free bike rental, free parking, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.