The Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel has garnered multiple positive reviews, particularly regarding its location, rooms and staff. Positioned conveniently on the main road to Limerick and set amidst an impressive golf course, the hotel provides a serene backdrop ideal for relaxation and exploration. Its location is also advantageous for those interested in exploring local towns and attractions, including the Limerick racecourse.
Guests have praised the spacious and clean rooms, many of which offer beautiful views. The rooms are well-equipped with essential amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay, although some guests noted the need for modern updates. Cleanliness throughout the hotel is highly commended, contributing to a pleasant guest experience.
The hotel's breakfast and dinner offerings have received mixed feedback. While many guests enjoyed the variety and quality of the breakfast, some mentioned inconsistencies in the hot buffet items. Dinner generally earned positive remarks for the taste and quality of the food, though service speed and portion sizes were areas of occasional concern.
The staff at the Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel are frequently described as friendly, helpful and efficient, contributing significantly to the hotel's welcoming atmosphere. Although there were occasional mentions of slow service and minor lapses in customer service, the overall sentiment towards the staff remains strongly positive.
Additional amenities such as the free WiFi, albeit occasionally inconsistent in speed and on-site parking, which is ample and secure, are appreciated by guests. The hotel’s leisure facilities, including the pool, gym and spa, generally receive positive mentions, though there are notes on areas for improvement, particularly with the pool’s temperature and cleanliness of changing rooms.
For families, the hotel appears to be a good choice, offering facilities like a playroom and ample space for children to run and play. However, some reviews pointed out a need for more family-friendly options.
Overall, the Great National Ballykisteen Golf Hotel presents a charming retreat with numerous strengths, particularly in location, room quality and staff hospitality. While there is room for improvement in certain areas, the hotel remains a superb choice for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and exploration.
The Horse & Jockey Hotel garners substantial praise across multiple categories, making it a highly favored destination for a diverse range of travelers.
**Location**: Located conveniently just off the M8 motorway, the hotel offers easy access for those traveling between Dublin and Cork. Its proximity to prominent attractions such as the Rock of Cashel and ample parking facilities enhance its appeal. The setting is pleasantly quiet and affords scenic views, including sights of horses, making it suitable for both leisure and business travelers. Amenities like the gym and swimming pool further enrich the guest experience.
**Breakfast**: The breakfast at the Horse & Jockey Hotel is a standout feature, celebrated for its extensive and delicious buffet spread. Guests frequently commend the variety and quality of the options available, emphasizing the traditional Irish presentation and fresh ingredients. The homemade bread in particular receives high accolades. Friendly and helpful staff contribute to a pleasurable dining experience, making breakfast a highlight for many.
**Dinner**: The hotel’s dinner offerings also receive high marks with a diverse menu that leaves diners thoroughly satisfied. The quality of food, especially in the bar, is consistently praised for its taste and value. The atmosphere complements the culinary experience, bolstered by professional and welcoming staff. With only minor mentions of areas for improvement, the dinner service stands out as an overall excellent feature.
**Rooms**: Guests find the rooms to be exceptionally clean, spacious and well-appointed. Comfort, especially the bedding, is a recurring theme in the praise with many highlighting the restful experience provided. The modern furnishings and large room sizes are other aspects frequently noted. Friendly staff and excellent food further enhance the overall experience, ensuring a delightful stay.
**Cleanliness**: Cleanliness at the Horse & Jockey Hotel is exemplary with consistent feedback emphasizing the well-maintained and spotless nature of the property. Regular bed and towel changes and daily cleaning to a high standard contribute to an immaculate atmosphere, making for a commendable choice for those prioritizing cleanliness.
**Staff**: The hotel's staff receive glowing reviews for their friendliness, professionalism and efficiency. Their attentiveness and polite demeanor significantly enhance the guest experience, contributing to the hotel’s positive reputation. The dedication to service extends across various areas of the hotel, including the leisure center, creating a consistent atmosphere of hospitality.
**Spa**: The spa facilities receive high praise for their beauty and maintenance with guests describing their experiences as blissful. The friendly and helpful staff, along with features like the swimming pool, sauna, hammam and steam room, are particularly appreciated. Despite a few minor issues, the spa remains a well-recommended aspect of the hotel.
**Gym**: The gym and overall fitness center at the hotel are well-equipped and appreciated by guests. The leisure center, which includes a pool and spa amenities, adds to the positive impression. Although there are minor inconveniences such as availability at certain times, the helpfulness of the gym staff and the comprehensive amenities contribute to a favorable gym experience.
**Pool**: The swimming pool receives consistent praise for its spaciousness and cleanliness. Additional features like the jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and hammam are also well-received. The integrated bar and lively pub add to the favorable impression of the hotel’s amenities, making the pool area a must-try during a stay.
**Family**: The hotel excels as a family-friendly destination, offering well-appointed amenities that cater specifically to family needs. The leisure center is particularly noted for its welcoming family atmosphere. The hotel also accommodates babies very well, enhancing its attractiveness to families with young children. While there is a suggestion for more family rooms, the hotel’s overall family orientation and excellent service make it a top recommendation for family getaways.
**Beds**: The beds at the hotel are frequently described as exceptionally comfortable, contributing to some of the best nights' sleep guests have experienced. The spacious rooms and high-quality bedding enhance the restful experience, making the hotel a comfortable choice for all guests, including families with young children.
Overall, the Horse & Jockey Hotel impresses across the board with its location, amenities, staff and focus on guest comfort and satisfaction.
The authentic Georgian house was built by the Malcomsoms back in 1863; the Minella was opened as a hotel in 1963 by Mr & Mrs Jack Nallen.
Summary of reviews
Hotel Minella & Leisure Centre is placed centrally in Clonmel and offers beautiful views of the surroundings. While some guests found the breakfast limited in choices, there are excellent gluten-free and special dietary requirement options making it enjoyable for most. Dinner at the hotel restaurant is also divided, while the bar offers good food. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, albeit some with slight wear and are kept spotlessly clean by the helpful and friendly staff. The swimming pool and gym provide a great place to relax and unwind with magnificent views of the River Suir. Overall, Hotel Minella & Leisure Centre is an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate a clean and comfortable stay with a great location and friendly staff.