Park Hotel Kenmare

We had a gorgeous weekend. The service was exceptional. We felt very welcome and at home from the moment we arrived. The breakfast was great, the room was cosy and the complimentary yoga classes were brilliant. We also loved the 25m pool. But the thing that will bring us back is the staff, they were so friendly and helpful and made us feel very at home.

Absolutely loved this hotel. Our deluxe room was huge with sofa, table and chairs, very comfortable bed and walk-in shower. My only complaint was that the closet hanger rails were too high. I'm 5 ft 6 in (1.67 m) and on tiptoes I could barely reach the hangers. Service was sometimes slow and not automatic (this is a Relais & Chateau hotel) but the staff were very pleasant. The common areas of the hotel are gorgeous. We had afternoon tea and loved it. We ate several times in the Gastronomic restaurant;(my friend is a foodie but I am not and have digestion issues so eating there was challenging for me. Unfortunately, I can't remember his name but our waiter was fantastic, very pleasant and professional and quickly learned our tastes and preferences. He was originally from eastern Europe I believe - a real asset to the hotel. The hotel is a very short walk to the lovely village where there are lots of restaurants and shops. There is also another gastronomic restaurant next door to the hotel. There is also a golf course on the other side of the hotel. The hotel grounds are beautiful with lots of hiking paths along the bay which leads me to a word of warning. Kenmare Bay is actually the head of the sea (Atlantic Ocean) and consequently has tides. I found this out the hard way when the tide started coming in and flooded all the paths so that I had to wade my way back with the help of two young women locals and their dogs. With their help, we found some brush where I could climb through to the Park Hotel lawn and where a passerby helped me exit. If it hadn't been for those two kind local women, I don't know what I would have done. They said they had never seen all the paths flooded like that. Climate change? No idea but watch out for the tide.

My husband and I were so fortunate to spend four nights in the Park Hotel last month. The staff is warm, welcoming, and professional. Our room/suite/bathroom was so comfortable and large. We enjoyed a stunning view of the hotel property and Kenmare Bay. I took advantage of the opportunity to tour the grounds and adjacent park with the head gardener. It was a real treat for a plant lover. I also took a tour of the fabulous and thought provoking art collection. All breakfasts and our dinner there were delicious. The service was impeccable. Thanks to Marc for arranging a driver to take us on a tour of the Beara peninsula. The town of Kenmare is charming with plenty of historic sights to see as well as restaurants and shops. I think we have found our favorite place to stay in Ireland and hope to return.