Great National Hotel Ballina
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Summary of reviewsPositive reviews for the Great National Hotel Ballina frequently commend its peaceful and strategic location, situated just on the outskirts of Ballina, making it a convenient base for exploring the North Mayo region. Guests appreciate the tranquility, spacious rooms and ample parking facilities which enhance accessibility. The hotel serves as an ideal retreat for those looking to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the town while still being close to local attractions and activities like fishing.
The breakfast experience generally receives favorable remarks with a good selection and high-quality offerings including a full Irish breakfast and gluten-free options. Similarly, dinner at the hotel's restaurant often garners positive reviews for its delicious dishes, particularly the steak and salmon and a pleasant dining atmosphere. While there are a few consistent service lapses noted, the bar food is praised, contributing to an enjoyable dining reputation overall.
Rooms are widely appreciated for their spaciousness, comfort and cleanliness, highlighted by guests as being large, well-equipped and quiet. Although some reviews mention the need for refurbishment, the constant mention of cleanliness and comfort underscores the satisfactory lodging experience.
Cleanliness throughout the hotel is typically lauded with many guests noting exceptionally clean rooms and well-maintained communal areas. The diligent housekeeping staff receives particular commendation. However, occasional lapses such as dirty carpets and outdated decor are noted.
Staff at the Great National Hotel Ballina receive overwhelmingly positive comments for their friendliness, professionalism and helpfulness. The warm welcome, attentive service and courteous behavior contribute significantly to the overall guest experience. They regularly go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay for visitors with special praise often directed at the reception, bar and restaurant staff.
The hotel's spa is another strong point, often described as relaxing and offering high-quality treatments with attentive staff. Despite some reports of minor issues like a cold pool or occasional maintenance work, the spa remains a favored feature among guests.
Guests generally find the gym well-equipped and functional, while the pool receives mixed reviews. The pool is praised for being spacious and clean, particularly enjoyed by families. However, some guests find the pool area in need of renovation and have reported temperature inconsistencies.
Parking is another well-regarded aspect with ample, free and convenient parking spaces available, making it easy for guests to travel and park without hassle.
The hotel also stands out as a family-friendly destination, featuring dedicated family rooms, kiddie events, kids' clubs and special activities. Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, child-focused amenities and discounted rates, despite occasional disturbances from children playing in corridors.
While some reviews indicate areas for improvement, such as WiFi connectivity in rooms and occasional service inconsistency, the overall consensus is that Great National Hotel Ballina offers a rewarding and comfortable stay, bolstered by its strategic location, excellent staff service and range of family-friendly amenities.
Categories
The breakfast experience generally receives favorable remarks with a good selection and high-quality offerings including a full Irish breakfast and gluten-free options. Similarly, dinner at the hotel's restaurant often garners positive reviews for its delicious dishes, particularly the steak and salmon and a pleasant dining atmosphere. While there are a few consistent service lapses noted, the bar food is praised, contributing to an enjoyable dining reputation overall.
Rooms are widely appreciated for their spaciousness, comfort and cleanliness, highlighted by guests as being large, well-equipped and quiet. Although some reviews mention the need for refurbishment, the constant mention of cleanliness and comfort underscores the satisfactory lodging experience.
Cleanliness throughout the hotel is typically lauded with many guests noting exceptionally clean rooms and well-maintained communal areas. The diligent housekeeping staff receives particular commendation. However, occasional lapses such as dirty carpets and outdated decor are noted.
Staff at the Great National Hotel Ballina receive overwhelmingly positive comments for their friendliness, professionalism and helpfulness. The warm welcome, attentive service and courteous behavior contribute significantly to the overall guest experience. They regularly go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay for visitors with special praise often directed at the reception, bar and restaurant staff.
The hotel's spa is another strong point, often described as relaxing and offering high-quality treatments with attentive staff. Despite some reports of minor issues like a cold pool or occasional maintenance work, the spa remains a favored feature among guests.
Guests generally find the gym well-equipped and functional, while the pool receives mixed reviews. The pool is praised for being spacious and clean, particularly enjoyed by families. However, some guests find the pool area in need of renovation and have reported temperature inconsistencies.
Parking is another well-regarded aspect with ample, free and convenient parking spaces available, making it easy for guests to travel and park without hassle.
The hotel also stands out as a family-friendly destination, featuring dedicated family rooms, kiddie events, kids' clubs and special activities. Families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, child-focused amenities and discounted rates, despite occasional disturbances from children playing in corridors.
While some reviews indicate areas for improvement, such as WiFi connectivity in rooms and occasional service inconsistency, the overall consensus is that Great National Hotel Ballina offers a rewarding and comfortable stay, bolstered by its strategic location, excellent staff service and range of family-friendly amenities.
Hotel with Spa
The hotel has Éidin Spa, which features modern facilities and design, interior décor, providing a tranquil retreat for body and mind. The spa offers a tempting menu of great value treatments.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel offers a range of activities and facilities that cater to children. It also offers a choice of three different family room types, and a Great Fun Club to keep kids entertained.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
The hotel features a 20-metre heated swimming pool and a dedicated children's pool. They also offer aqua aerobics and swimming lessons.
Heated Pool Indoor Pool
Business Hotel
This hotel offers modern conference, function, and meeting rooms catering for up to 650 guests. The meeting rooms have natural daylight and blackout blinds, with furniture and fittings designed to blend with the room interiors.
Hotel with Parking
Great National Hotel Ballina is noted for its spacious, clean, and convenient parking facilities, with ample free parking consistently available for guests.
Hotel with Gym
The hotel has a leisure centre with a fully equipped gym, a swimming pool, spa and qualified, experienced staff. They offer a relaxed and friendly environment with modern facilities.
4-Star Hotel
Located on the Dublin Road, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations and a range of amenities. It is well-regarded for its service and facilities, providing a pleasant and convenient stay for guests.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
This hotel features a 20-meter heated indoor swimming pool with a consistent depth of 1.3 meters, a dedicated children's pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. It also offers aqua aerobics and swimming lessons. [20, 25, 27, 32, 43, 46 in previous search]
Romantic Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Hotel for Yoga
Hotel with Heated Pool
Guest Reviews
Situated just on the outskirts of Ballina, the Great National Hotel Ballina offers a peaceful retreat with a beautiful, serene environment. The location is convenient for those traveling by car, providing easy access to the town as well as plenty of parking. It's a great base for exploring Ballina and the surrounding North Mayo region, making it a popular choice for visitors keen on activities such as fishing.
The hotel is noted for its good value, offering comfortable and spacious rooms in a quiet setting. While some guests mention that it is a bit outside of the town, requiring a car or taxi to get to the town center, many appreciate the tranquility and the avoidance of busy traffic. Additionally, the hotel’s proximity to local attractions, shops and coastal areas like Enniscrone make it a strategic spot for touring the region.
Despite being somewhat remote for those without transport, the location's overall feedback is positive, especially for those who enjoy a quieter area. For guests visiting family or friends in the region or simply looking to unwind away from the hustle and bustle, this hotel provides a great balance of accessibility and relaxation.
The breakfast experience at Great National Hotel Ballina seems to elicit a diverse range of opinions among guests. Many commend the hotel for its good selection and high quality of breakfast offerings, noting that the variety caters to various tastes and preferences. Highlights include the substantial full Irish breakfast, delicious banana bread and the availability of gluten-free options. Several guests also appreciated the plentiful and well-organized buffet.
However, some guests felt that the breakfast could benefit from a better selection, particularly when it comes to fruit and yogurts. Issues with cold food and unappealing breakfast juices were also noted by a few reviewers. The breakfast layout occasionally left guests confused and there were instances where the breakfast service was deemed disorganized or late. A few guests were disappointed with the limited choices, describing the breakfast as basic or average.
Overall, while many guests found the breakfast enjoyable and often excellent, there are areas where improvements could enhance the dining experience further, such as offering warmer food, more varied options and addressing occasional service hiccups.
Guests at the Great National Hotel Ballina have shared a variety of experiences regarding the dinner offerings. Several guests praised the food, describing it as lovely, delicious and superb with particular highlights including the steak and salmon dishes. The restaurant itself received compliments for being clean, nice to sit in and having a great atmosphere, fostering an enjoyable dining experience.
However, some recurring issues appeared in the reviews. Service inconsistency was noted, such as slow or overworked staff and errors in orders with some diners experiencing delayed or missing items. Quality of food also varied; while many guests found the meals tasty and well-prepared, others reported their food as subpar, poorly cooked or not fresh. Furthermore, the dinner menu was often described as limited and lacking variety, particularly for those with dietary requirements and some felt the meals were overpriced for their quality.
The bar food fetched generally positive remarks and the establishment's ambiance was also appreciated. Despite the mixed experiences, the consistent points of praise for certain dishes and the atmosphere contribute positively to the hotel's dining reputation, though there are clear areas for improvement.
The rooms at Great National Hotel Ballina receive mixed feedback from guests. Many reviews highlight the spaciousness and comfort of the rooms, describing them as large, clean and well-equipped with all the necessary amenities. Guests frequently mention the rooms as being lovely, immaculate and quiet with comfortable beds and pleasant decor.
However, there are numerous mentions of the rooms being dated and in need of refurbishment. Complaints include old, small televisions with limited channels and poor picture quality, outdated and unclean bathrooms and worn-out furniture with black stains on the carpets. Some guests encountered issues with heating with rooms either being too hot or too cold and facing problems with the cleanliness of the carpets and overall room maintenance.
Despite the drawbacks, the general consensus is that the rooms are sufficiently spacious and comfortable, albeit requiring upgrades to match modern standards. While some guests were impressed with the cleanliness and size, others were dissatisfied with the outdated facilities and occasional noise disturbances from corridors and adjoining rooms.
The beds at the Great National Hotel Ballina have garnered mixed feedback from guests. Many compliments highlight the spacious and large beds that are often described as comfortable, super comfy and even amazing. Several guests noted the beds were very comfy with some specifically mentioning large, comfy, king-sized and super king beds.
However, there are significant remarks about discomfort with reports of beds being hard, too soft or even springy. Some guests found the mattresses old, sagging or in poor condition with visible springs affecting their sleep quality. The pillows also received criticism for being too hard. Issues with bedding were noted, including dirty bedding, missing bedding and unclean mattress protectors.
Despite these drawbacks, the consensus on the size and comfort level of many beds remains fairly positive with some guests finding the beds to be the best aspect of their stay. Overall, while numerous guests enjoyed a comfortable night's rest, others experienced discomfort that affected their stay negatively.
The Great National Hotel Ballina receives mixed feedback on its cleanliness. Guests consistently highlight positive aspects like exceptionally clean rooms, immaculate conditions and spotless environments, which contribute to a comfortable and pleasant stay. The cleaning staff's efficiency and daily upkeep efforts also receive commendation, ensuring that rooms and communal areas are maintained to high standards. The well-maintained and spacious property adds to the overall positive experience for many visitors.
However, some guests point out issues that detract from the hotel's cleanliness. These include dirty carpets with visible stains, dusty surfaces, cloudy bathroom water and dated decor. There's also mention of cobwebs, dusty lamps and dirty bed sheets in some rooms. Another common concern is that rooms are only cleaned upon request, leading to occasional lapses in room tidiness during visitors' stays.
In summary, while the Great National Hotel Ballina is often praised for maintaining an overall clean environment with diligent cleaning staff, it does face occasional challenges with cleanliness in specific areas, particularly carpets and some furniture.
The staff at Great National Hotel Ballina consistently leave a positive and lasting impression on guests. Many reviews highlight the friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism of the team, particularly at check-in and reception. Guests frequently mention the staff's warm welcome and their determination to assist with any requests or issues that arise. The receptionists, bar staff and service staff all receive praise for their courteous and efficient service and specific individuals are often noted for going above and beyond to accommodate guests.
Despite the predominantly favorable feedback, there are occasional mentions of less positive experiences, such as staff being rushed or inattentive and instances of unfriendliness. However, these appear to be exceptions rather than the norm. Overall, the staff's dedication to making guests feel welcome and cared for stands out with numerous mentions of their efforts to book taxis, address billing issues and provide excellent service throughout the stay.
The staff at the hotel's spa and restaurant also garner specific commendations for their attentiveness and efficiency, contributing to a generally positive experience for visitors. While there are a few remarks about undertraining and the need for more experienced staff, the majority of reviews emphasize the team's hard work, kindness and professional demeanor. Whether it’s through friendly interactions or efficient service, the staff at Great National Hotel Ballina play a significant role in ensuring a pleasant stay for their guests.
The Great National Hotel Ballina offers a mixed bag when it comes to WiFi connectivity. While some guests reported a very good and stable WiFi experience, especially in the lobby and public areas, others found the connection to be slow, weak and often unreliable, particularly in the guest rooms. Despite a few mentions of no issues with the WiFi, it's clear that many found the service lacking with frequent disconnections and limited access in specific parts of the hotel like the ends of corridors. Overall, while the WiFi in public spaces seems to be satisfactory, those planning to rely on internet access in their rooms may encounter challenges.
The Great National Hotel Ballina features a spa that receives a warm welcome from numerous guests. Many reviews highlight the spa as lovely, beautiful and amazing, providing a relaxing environment ideal for unwinding. The spa professionals are recognized for their excellent treatments, enhancing the overall experience. The leisure facilities, including the spa, are noted for contributing to total relaxation and a sense of tranquility.
However, there are some mentions of areas needing improvement, such as instances of the sauna being dirty or broken and the pool occasionally being cold or unheated. There were also reports of the jacuzzi being unusable and parts of the spa undergoing renovations. Despite these occasional issues, the positive feedback significantly outweighs the negative with guests frequently recommending a visit to the spa for its fantastic treatments and the excellent behavior of the staff.
Overall, the spa at Great National Hotel Ballina is praised for its relaxing atmosphere, high-quality treatments and the professionalism of its staff, making it a notable feature of the hotel despite some minor drawbacks.
The gym at the Great National Hotel Ballina generally leaves a positive impression on guests, noteworthy for being well-equipped and functional. While some users observed that the gym equipment seemed outdated and the space was small, others found it grand and sufficient for a short stay. Guests appreciated the gym's variety of equipment and good facilities, particularly enjoying the inclusion of pool access alongside gym use. Some reviews, however, pointed out inconsistencies in the gym policy. Overall, the gym is considered adequate and a beneficial feature of the hotel.
The Great National Hotel Ballina offers a mixed experience with its swimming pool facilities, receiving a range of feedback from guests. Highlights consistently point to a large, spacious pool that many found clean and enjoyable. Several reviews noted that the temperature of the pool was pleasantly warm, making for a comfortable swim. Families with children particularly appreciated the child-friendly amenities with the kids' pool being a favorite among younger guests.
However, some areas need improvement. Guests reported that the pool environment can sometimes be dark and outdated with suggestions that the area could benefit from renovation. Issues with heating were noted with some visitors finding the water freezing cold at times. There were also mentions of restricted access hours, which occasionally limited the convenience for guests looking to take a dip.
Despite these drawbacks, many guests highlighted the helpful and friendly staff at the pool area. The availability of both indoor and outdoor pool options was appreciated, along with additional facilities like the spa. While the pool can get busy, those who timed their visits well found it to be a pleasant addition to their stay. Overall, the pool at Great National Hotel Ballina provides a generally positive experience but with room for enhancements to meet all guests' expectations fully.
Great National Hotel Ballina offers an impressive range of parking facilities which guests consistently appreciate. The parking area is described as spacious, clean and convenient with ample parking spots always available. Guests can enjoy the benefit of free and easy parking directly at the hotel. The extensive parking lot ensures that parking never poses an issue, providing plenty of space. Combining practicality with comfort, the parking area complements the hotel's excellent location, making it a hassle-free experience for visitors.
Great National Hotel Ballina has a strong reputation as a family-friendly destination, consistently praised for its welcoming atmosphere and child-focused amenities. The hotel features services and spaces specifically designed with families in mind, including dedicated family rooms and separate family floors, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests, both young and old.
Many families appreciate the discounted rates offered, making it an affordable choice for large groups. Activities for kids are abundant with prepared entertainment, kiddie events, kids' clubs and even goody bags to keep the little ones engaged and happy. The hotel's pool, despite occasional comments about its temperature, is a hit among children, while the outdoor play areas and the kids' buffet add to the fun.
Despite some occasional disturbances caused by children running and playing in the corridors, the family-friendly atmosphere remains a strong point. There are also organized birthday activities and special events like Halloween celebrations that add a festive touch to family stays.
However, reviewers also noted some shortcomings. There were mentions of a lack of dedicated entertainment areas for children and issues such as a ripped bouncy castle and a pool area that sometimes closed for renovations. Some families felt the rooms were on the smaller side or in need of updating. Moreover, issues with cleanliness and disturbances from other guests were occasionally highlighted.
Overall, Great National Hotel Ballina is highly recommended for families, offering a range of activities and facilities that cater to children and making it an ideal spot for a family holiday.
Great National Hotel Ballina is often described as a comfortable and good value hotel with a clean and sufficient standard. Guests have praised the hotel for offering a decent experience and acknowledged its standard four-star amenities. The restaurant menu and beautiful car park have also been highlighted positively.
However, despite these favorable mentions, there is a noticeable discrepancy in how the hotel aligns with its four-star rating. A significant number of reviews suggest that the facilities and services do not meet the expected standards of a four-star hotel. Criticisms include the need for room upgrades, better cleanliness and improved service to match the four-star claim. Some guests even questioned the validity of the four-star rating entirely, suggesting it does not deliver the experience typically associated with this level of accommodation.
In summary, while Great National Hotel Ballina offers a pleasant stay with good value for money, there is room for improvement to truly meet and reflect the standards implied by its four-star rating.
The Great National Hotel Ballina emerges as a solid choice for business travelers, providing an efficient and business-friendly atmosphere. The hotel's professional standard of Wi-Fi ensures reliable connectivity for work-related tasks. With meeting rooms available, it caters well to business activities and gatherings. Guests frequently highlight the pleasant staff at check-in, contributing to an overall positive experience. Although the hotel's spacious setting and bar facilities are conducive to informal business meetings, some reviews suggest that room facilities could be improved for better support of business activities. Despite occasional reports of disappointment and unreliability for business purposes, the hotel maintains good regulations for a business stay, making it a viable option for short business trips.
Great National Hotel Ballina offers a mixed experience in terms of accessibility for guests with disabilities. The hotel's convenient location and amenities such as easy parking and wheelchair-friendly rooms provide a positive experience. The gym is noted for being accessible and there is good wheelchair access throughout the property.
However, some areas like the entryway lack a ramp, which might pose challenges for some guests. Despite this, the hotel effectively manages requests for accessible rooms, ensuring that guests' needs are met promptly. While the accessible shower is a useful feature, there have been instances of it being prone to flooding. Overall, the hotel offers several accessible features, but there are a few areas that could benefit from improvements.
The heated pool at Great National Hotel Ballina generally receives positive feedback from guests. Many appreciated its warmth and comfort, describing it as very warm and inviting. Some mentioned that the heated pool was well-managed and provided a relaxing and fun experience. The pool was also noted to be available, though some reviews mentioned an extra charge for access. A few guests encountered issues with the pool's heating system, which detracted from their experience. Overall, the heated pool is a favored feature of the hotel, offering enjoyable and comfortable swimming, although occasional maintenance issues were mentioned.
The indoor pool at the Great National Hotel Ballina receives largely positive feedback from guests. Many highlight the convenience of the heated pool, which they find to be warm and inviting. The pool is praised for its cleanliness and maintenance with words like clean and well-kept frequently mentioned. Families particularly enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and the availability of both a kids' pool and main pool adds to the appeal.
The presence of signs in different languages enhances the accessibility for international guests and the leisure club setting is appreciated for its relaxing environment. Guests also note the quiet and peaceful nature of the pool area, contributing to a serene experience. Although a few reviews mention that the pool area feels a bit dated or dark, the overall consensus is positive.
Unlimited access to the indoor pool and its location within the leisure centre makes it a convenient and pleasurable feature of the hotel stay. The combination of a clean, warm and family-oriented pool area with leisure options and spa relaxation creates a comprehensive and enjoyable amenity for hotel guests.
Great National Hotel Ballina offers a delightful setting for a romantic getaway with its romantically attractive atmosphere and lovely romantic setups. Guests often enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner which adds to the charm of their stay, making it perfect for anniversaries and special celebrations such as birthdays. The hotel also provides private relaxing areas for couples and a chance for romantic dinners, adding to the overall intimate experience.
The romantic dining area enhances the experience, although some found the dinner seating less intimate. Guests appreciate special touches like complimentary breakfast, birthday champagne and Valentine-themed decorations. The spa is a nice addition, providing a relaxed atmosphere ideal for couples. Music enhances the ambiance, making the experience even more special.
Overall, most feedback highlights the hotel's strength as a romantic destination, ideal for couples looking to celebrate special moments together. However, there are occasional remarks about less romantic experiences, ensuring it caters to varied expectations.
Location Show Map
Location
The hotel is noted for its good value, offering comfortable and spacious rooms in a quiet setting. While some guests mention that it is a bit outside of the town, requiring a car or taxi to get to the town center, many appreciate the tranquility and the avoidance of busy traffic. Additionally, the hotel’s proximity to local attractions, shops and coastal areas like Enniscrone make it a strategic spot for touring the region.
Despite being somewhat remote for those without transport, the location's overall feedback is positive, especially for those who enjoy a quieter area. For guests visiting family or friends in the region or simply looking to unwind away from the hustle and bustle, this hotel provides a great balance of accessibility and relaxation.
Breakfast
However, some guests felt that the breakfast could benefit from a better selection, particularly when it comes to fruit and yogurts. Issues with cold food and unappealing breakfast juices were also noted by a few reviewers. The breakfast layout occasionally left guests confused and there were instances where the breakfast service was deemed disorganized or late. A few guests were disappointed with the limited choices, describing the breakfast as basic or average.
Overall, while many guests found the breakfast enjoyable and often excellent, there are areas where improvements could enhance the dining experience further, such as offering warmer food, more varied options and addressing occasional service hiccups.
Dinner
However, some recurring issues appeared in the reviews. Service inconsistency was noted, such as slow or overworked staff and errors in orders with some diners experiencing delayed or missing items. Quality of food also varied; while many guests found the meals tasty and well-prepared, others reported their food as subpar, poorly cooked or not fresh. Furthermore, the dinner menu was often described as limited and lacking variety, particularly for those with dietary requirements and some felt the meals were overpriced for their quality.
The bar food fetched generally positive remarks and the establishment's ambiance was also appreciated. Despite the mixed experiences, the consistent points of praise for certain dishes and the atmosphere contribute positively to the hotel's dining reputation, though there are clear areas for improvement.
Rooms
However, there are numerous mentions of the rooms being dated and in need of refurbishment. Complaints include old, small televisions with limited channels and poor picture quality, outdated and unclean bathrooms and worn-out furniture with black stains on the carpets. Some guests encountered issues with heating with rooms either being too hot or too cold and facing problems with the cleanliness of the carpets and overall room maintenance.
Despite the drawbacks, the general consensus is that the rooms are sufficiently spacious and comfortable, albeit requiring upgrades to match modern standards. While some guests were impressed with the cleanliness and size, others were dissatisfied with the outdated facilities and occasional noise disturbances from corridors and adjoining rooms.
Beds
However, there are significant remarks about discomfort with reports of beds being hard, too soft or even springy. Some guests found the mattresses old, sagging or in poor condition with visible springs affecting their sleep quality. The pillows also received criticism for being too hard. Issues with bedding were noted, including dirty bedding, missing bedding and unclean mattress protectors.
Despite these drawbacks, the consensus on the size and comfort level of many beds remains fairly positive with some guests finding the beds to be the best aspect of their stay. Overall, while numerous guests enjoyed a comfortable night's rest, others experienced discomfort that affected their stay negatively.
Cleanliness
However, some guests point out issues that detract from the hotel's cleanliness. These include dirty carpets with visible stains, dusty surfaces, cloudy bathroom water and dated decor. There's also mention of cobwebs, dusty lamps and dirty bed sheets in some rooms. Another common concern is that rooms are only cleaned upon request, leading to occasional lapses in room tidiness during visitors' stays.
In summary, while the Great National Hotel Ballina is often praised for maintaining an overall clean environment with diligent cleaning staff, it does face occasional challenges with cleanliness in specific areas, particularly carpets and some furniture.
Staff
Despite the predominantly favorable feedback, there are occasional mentions of less positive experiences, such as staff being rushed or inattentive and instances of unfriendliness. However, these appear to be exceptions rather than the norm. Overall, the staff's dedication to making guests feel welcome and cared for stands out with numerous mentions of their efforts to book taxis, address billing issues and provide excellent service throughout the stay.
The staff at the hotel's spa and restaurant also garner specific commendations for their attentiveness and efficiency, contributing to a generally positive experience for visitors. While there are a few remarks about undertraining and the need for more experienced staff, the majority of reviews emphasize the team's hard work, kindness and professional demeanor. Whether it’s through friendly interactions or efficient service, the staff at Great National Hotel Ballina play a significant role in ensuring a pleasant stay for their guests.
Wi-Fi
Spa
However, there are some mentions of areas needing improvement, such as instances of the sauna being dirty or broken and the pool occasionally being cold or unheated. There were also reports of the jacuzzi being unusable and parts of the spa undergoing renovations. Despite these occasional issues, the positive feedback significantly outweighs the negative with guests frequently recommending a visit to the spa for its fantastic treatments and the excellent behavior of the staff.
Overall, the spa at Great National Hotel Ballina is praised for its relaxing atmosphere, high-quality treatments and the professionalism of its staff, making it a notable feature of the hotel despite some minor drawbacks.
Gym
Pool
However, some areas need improvement. Guests reported that the pool environment can sometimes be dark and outdated with suggestions that the area could benefit from renovation. Issues with heating were noted with some visitors finding the water freezing cold at times. There were also mentions of restricted access hours, which occasionally limited the convenience for guests looking to take a dip.
Despite these drawbacks, many guests highlighted the helpful and friendly staff at the pool area. The availability of both indoor and outdoor pool options was appreciated, along with additional facilities like the spa. While the pool can get busy, those who timed their visits well found it to be a pleasant addition to their stay. Overall, the pool at Great National Hotel Ballina provides a generally positive experience but with room for enhancements to meet all guests' expectations fully.
Parking
Family
Many families appreciate the discounted rates offered, making it an affordable choice for large groups. Activities for kids are abundant with prepared entertainment, kiddie events, kids' clubs and even goody bags to keep the little ones engaged and happy. The hotel's pool, despite occasional comments about its temperature, is a hit among children, while the outdoor play areas and the kids' buffet add to the fun.
Despite some occasional disturbances caused by children running and playing in the corridors, the family-friendly atmosphere remains a strong point. There are also organized birthday activities and special events like Halloween celebrations that add a festive touch to family stays.
However, reviewers also noted some shortcomings. There were mentions of a lack of dedicated entertainment areas for children and issues such as a ripped bouncy castle and a pool area that sometimes closed for renovations. Some families felt the rooms were on the smaller side or in need of updating. Moreover, issues with cleanliness and disturbances from other guests were occasionally highlighted.
Overall, Great National Hotel Ballina is highly recommended for families, offering a range of activities and facilities that cater to children and making it an ideal spot for a family holiday.
4 Star
However, despite these favorable mentions, there is a noticeable discrepancy in how the hotel aligns with its four-star rating. A significant number of reviews suggest that the facilities and services do not meet the expected standards of a four-star hotel. Criticisms include the need for room upgrades, better cleanliness and improved service to match the four-star claim. Some guests even questioned the validity of the four-star rating entirely, suggesting it does not deliver the experience typically associated with this level of accommodation.
In summary, while Great National Hotel Ballina offers a pleasant stay with good value for money, there is room for improvement to truly meet and reflect the standards implied by its four-star rating.
Business
Accessible
However, some areas like the entryway lack a ramp, which might pose challenges for some guests. Despite this, the hotel effectively manages requests for accessible rooms, ensuring that guests' needs are met promptly. While the accessible shower is a useful feature, there have been instances of it being prone to flooding. Overall, the hotel offers several accessible features, but there are a few areas that could benefit from improvements.
Heated Pool
Indoor Pool
The presence of signs in different languages enhances the accessibility for international guests and the leisure club setting is appreciated for its relaxing environment. Guests also note the quiet and peaceful nature of the pool area, contributing to a serene experience. Although a few reviews mention that the pool area feels a bit dated or dark, the overall consensus is positive.
Unlimited access to the indoor pool and its location within the leisure centre makes it a convenient and pleasurable feature of the hotel stay. The combination of a clean, warm and family-oriented pool area with leisure options and spa relaxation creates a comprehensive and enjoyable amenity for hotel guests.
Romantic
The romantic dining area enhances the experience, although some found the dinner seating less intimate. Guests appreciate special touches like complimentary breakfast, birthday champagne and Valentine-themed decorations. The spa is a nice addition, providing a relaxed atmosphere ideal for couples. Music enhances the ambiance, making the experience even more special.
Overall, most feedback highlights the hotel's strength as a romantic destination, ideal for couples looking to celebrate special moments together. However, there are occasional remarks about less romantic experiences, ensuring it caters to varied expectations.
Yes, Great National Hotel Ballina has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Great National Hotel Ballina.
No, Great National Hotel Ballina doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Great National Hotel Ballina.
Yes, Great National Hotel Ballina has a gym.
Location Show Map
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