Castlemartyr Resort

Its always interesting to revisit a hotel and see what has changed or improved since our last visit. I would love to report that a significant improvement has been experienced here but sorry to say that this wasn't the case and it will be a long time before we try again. First up, for anyone who has stayed here before, please take note, reception has moved from its former location to some yards down towards the carpark. No big deal you might say, until you pull up at the original palatial entrance in wet, stormy weather and drag all your bags into the wrong entrance...which is exactly some 300 yards away from the new reception area. Yes, there is one small sign outside pointing to the new reception area but this is minute and certainly not easily seen on a dark wet night. So on behalf of any other unfortunate punter, could a larger sign be erected maybe? Then the room decor. Have a look at the picture attached and see for yourself. OMG, one of the most boring walls in any hotel I've ever stayed in...just look at the enormous 'nothingness' of it. And then there is the Dallas 'JR' marble bathroom, now dated and needing an upgrade. No bath foaming soap and 1 tiny bathsalts pack says someone is scrimping. One of the flat threadbare bath towels wouldn't pass a bath towel NCT at home, let alone a 5 star hotel. No USB or USB C outlets on the wall are just not good enough these days for a 5 star bedroom. However these valid points could be ignored if the hotel had character. It doesn't. Its 400 long yards from one end of the hotel to the other and we certainly got great exercise just getting from A to B with 4 figure sum artworks screaming 'distraction' and 'pseudo status'. That my friends, just does not work.It leaves one with a 'souless' feeling which never really leaves ....even in the library. The Knights bar is the only gem in the hotel and was just too busy on most occasions to even have a quiet drink. Thus, not only are their too many artworks in every corridor (to distract from the length of same), but they don't sit any way well together and the original works are now definately dated. However, at the very far side of the hotel almost 'hidden' away, are some beautiful back and white stills on the corridor walls of local villages and places. Including some quite interesting Titanic shots. These pictures could, in my opinion, be the starting point of a cultural rebrand which management might now look into, given the current fashionable 'reborn Irishness of Ireland' the quality of these pics , their relevance to the area and oh yes...the fact that tourists might even be interested in same, as they are from a real Ireland, just down the street and mean much more that a large sculpted dog that got its best 'appreciation' all week by a 3 year old who sat up on it and grabbed its ears...brilliant! Then there is the breakfast room ..again always far too packed, (who queues for their 5 star breakfast?) seating set out like a canteen and food that is just not up to a 5 star standard. Lunch and dinner standards certainly are, but breakfast needs immediate attention. All that was there were the basics of any 3 or 4 star establishment. Guys, where is the superb 5 star breakfast offering you could put on display with much more good local produce including a fish offering? Good points do include your dinner offering in either restaurant, tennis and golf amenities but what is the story with your Spa? Yet again we were unable to book as we hadn't pre booked and there was no availability. That's just mad. Haven't you heard ? Pretentiousness is so 'last year'. Good honest to goodness Irish Hospitality never went away however. Head up to The Merrion in Dublin for the real thing, super staff, great atmosphere, no cultural confusion, no trying too hard. The fact is value for money is much much more than food, drink and facilities. Atmosphere, top class staff and character is harder to create and harder to fake. Thus we've now given up looking for it here because quite frankly, it doesn't exist, outside of the unbookable Knights Bar.... sorry ...but some special things can't be measured in Dollars or Euro..

An amazingly beautiful place we were so delighted with the hotel and staff. The food was fabulous and the leisure centre was amazing we will return again.

Very nice 3 night stay. A lovely warm welcome at the entrance by Yabir? who helped with our bags. The room was very large and comfortable with bath and shower. Nicely furnished and clean with turndown service each evening. The breakfast was excellent with great service. We dined one evening in the Canopy. The food was very good. However the room lacked atmosphere at night and had canteen style chairs. We also had an issue with our server who insisted on seeing our confirmation email to prove that dinner was included in our package! We mentioned this next day at reception and Ryan dealt it very professionally. As part of our stay we had dinner in the Hunted Hog pub in the village. Old style pub with great food and service. All in all the service in the hotel, including the Knight's bar was excellent.

Castlemartyr is a great location. The food was delicious and the staff are very friendly. The Hunted Hog has a great atmosphere. Unfortunately our room did not get serviced on the second day, we had to ring for clean towels. And they forgot to bring up glasses of prosecco which were arranged by another family member

Fantastic hotel, beautiful setting, a special place. Staff were wonderful, food delicious, rooms and shared spaces luxurious. Wonderful experience. Would recommend to anyone