Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel

What a beautiful time we had in the STUNNING Carton House. Every staff member we met were so friendly and helpful. From Brian at guest relations who gave us an extensive history of the house, to Chloe at reception who gave us all the information we needed for our stay, to Ann who couldn't have made us feel more welcome. We had a beautiful meal in the Carriage House and enjoyed a nutritious breakfast there also. We loved exploring the amazing grounds and walkways and finished that off with a lovely swim/sauna/steam room. We thoroughly enjoyed everything that Carton House had to offer and we will definitely be returning.

Very disappointing stay. Spent Jan 25 here and that was a completely different experience which we enjoyed so much as a family, therefore we were excited to spend a few nights here Jan 26. Room was interconnecting for family of 4. Nothing out of ordinary, however was presuming we got a balcony room but didn’t. Tv cut on and off couldn’t really watch anything. Ordered room service first night, lukewarm to cold when arrived. What was the most disappointing for a 5 star hotel was breakfast. A cold buffet . We arrived at 10 both mornings. The whole experience was so different to the year before which had so much more to choose from on the menu and the service was so much better. No effort noted, food like something you would see at a deli waited on tea/ coffee, could say a lot more but no point. Staff were polite for the most part but the personal element is lost. Sad to be reviewing such a lovely location and giving negative feedback. Also reception telling us the Carriage restaurant was booked out yet when we went down luckily one of the staff did kindly provide us with a table which we appreciated and on a positive note food was very good. In context on observation on the evening. There was noway place was booked out as at all times plenty of free tables.

Overall, an average stay but too many issues for it to be a brilliant stay. Another hotel on the Castle circuit of hotels in Ireland. Carton house has fallen from the top tier to the mid- range castle stays. Long check in times, no system in place, only two small desks for over 125 rooms. Staff at check- in seem disinterested. For the room rate the hotel rooms go for classic style, but are not of good value for the rate. Our TV did not work and we called reception twice, and spoke to staff in corridor, nothing was done for our whole stay ( 2 nights) we met a couple in the bar whose TV also didn't work and they got no response from the reception. Stains on the chairs, wood chipped everywhere, it looks tired. The staff we encountered in the bars/ restaurant were fantastic, a real asset to the hotel. Food was fantastic and drinks were good. Service was also very good at times and at others very, very, slow. Whoever in the management group thought it was a good idea to move the breakfast to the carriage restaurant, has not thought about the customer experience. It used to be in the Morrison room and not the self service and round tables with food have created a massive mess of a system where they do not have the space to cater for the guests. It was a car crash both mornings with people constantly bumping in to each other to get their breakfast. We spent over 1k euro in 48 hrs ( including room and breakfast) for a hotel experience that was not worth it. We had a nice time ourselves and just got on with. We won't return but Carton house has serious work to do, by the looks of the reviews lately ( same problems) the management are not pro active enough and that will hurt them in the long run.

Fails to deliver on five star promise. On a positive note the room was very nice and the grounds are lovely. As other reviews have mentioned the place is cold. Lobby is cold, bar is cold even the heated pool is cold. The breakfast situation needs a serious overhaul. Menu is very limited for table service, coffees are priced extra. The self service buffet is honestly below 5 star standard. We had lunch in the courtyard bar and the kids pizza that was served up was like eating a cardboard box. I do know know how it was allowed leave the kitchen. On a final positive note. We saw the magician Eddie Spaghetti at the kids show and he was really very good. The walk around the grounds with the maps for the kids etc was also good

This rave review is being written as we were so impressed with Mr. Brian Sutton who is the head concierge. His history tour of Carton House is not to be missed. It was the highlight of our stay in Carton House and brings the history of the house to life. I hope his bosses appreciate how wonderful he is. He has such a warm and welcoming demeanor and really seems to love his job. Don't miss out on the history tour of Carton House. It is fabulous.