The Ardilaun Hotel

The hotel is set within beautiful, well-maintained gardens and expansive grounds, offering a tranquil escape that many guests find memorable. It is widely appreciated for its spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and the consistently attentive staff who strive to provide a welcoming experience. The hotel also features a notable leisure centre, which is a significant draw for many visitors. This establishment is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a quiet retreat, families looking for comfortable accommodations and amenities, groups attending events, and pet owners due to its accommodating policies. To enhance your stay, guests often recommend taking advantage of the hotel's proximity to the Salthill promenade for leisurely walks, and planning for a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk to reach the city center.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance guest comfort and enjoyment. The leisure centre is a prominent feature, boasting a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room, though some guests noted that these areas, particularly the changing rooms, appear somewhat dated and could benefit from refurbishment. Despite this, many found the pool spacious and enjoyable, especially for lap swimming. The hotel's gardens and outdoor areas are consistently praised as beautiful and well-kept, providing lovely spaces for relaxation. Guests also appreciate the spacious and comfortable lobby and seating areas, which offer a welcoming atmosphere. Ample parking is available and is generally found to be convenient. While some guests mentioned the presence of vending machines, others noted the absence of complimentary water bottles in rooms. Wi-Fi is available and generally reliable throughout the property.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay. The beds are frequently highlighted as exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most visitors. Rooms are often described as spacious, providing ample living area, and many feature a coffee maker for added convenience. The bathrooms receive mixed feedback; while some are praised as lovely and spacious with good showers, others are noted as small or having minor maintenance issues like leaks or broken latches. Some guests mentioned a limited selection of TV channels. Noise levels can vary; while many rooms are quiet, some guests reported disturbances from a busy road, deliveries, or other guests, though the hotel often provides fans or offers room changes to mitigate issues. A few guests noted that some rooms felt cold, with radiators not always functioning optimally.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining options is quite mixed. The breakfast buffet receives varied reviews; many guests praise its variety, quality, and the ample selection of both hot and continental options, including a good Irish breakfast. However, some found the breakfast to be average, with lukewarm items, limited fresh options, or a chaotic atmosphere during busy times, and some noted that coffee and tea service could be slow. The restaurant and bistro food also garners diverse opinions. While many guests enjoyed their meals, describing them as "delicious" and "top class," a significant number reported extremely long wait times for service, sometimes exceeding an hour for courses, and found the food to be bland or average. The bar food generally receives more consistent positive feedback for its taste and quality.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered advantageous, offering a balance between tranquility and accessibility. It is conveniently situated within walking distance, typically 15-25 minutes, of Salthill promenade and beach, providing easy access to coastal attractions. For reaching Galway City Centre, guests note it's about a 20-30 minute walk, or a short and affordable taxi ride, usually around 10-12 Euros. A public transport bus stop is also located nearby, offering an alternative for getting around. The hotel is also seen as a good base for exploring the wider region, including the Wild Atlantic Way and Connemara. While the area is generally quiet and safe, some rooms facing a busy road may experience some noise. Ample parking is available on-site, which is a significant convenience for guests traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise, being described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive by the vast majority of guests. Many reviews highlight their willingness to "go above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable stay, from accommodating specific requests like room changes for families or those with limited mobility, to assisting with taxi arrangements and retrieving lost items. The check-in process is generally reported as quick and efficient. While overall service is excellent, some guests experienced isolated instances of slow service, particularly in the bar or bistro during peak times, or perceived a lack of attentiveness from certain team members. However, these instances are often balanced by the proactive and positive interactions with other reception, restaurant, housekeeping, and leisure centre staff, who are frequently commended for their professionalism and warm demeanor.

Additional Information
The hotel is a popular event venue, frequently hosting weddings and large group gatherings, which contributes to a lively atmosphere, particularly in common areas. Many guests noted the hotel's dated decor in certain areas, suggesting a need for updates, though some found its traditional charm appealing. A significant and appreciated feature is the pet-friendly policy, with dedicated garden rooms offering direct outdoor access, and staff accommodating pets in lobby areas. Guests planning to use the leisure centre pool should be aware of a swim cap policy, with caps available for purchase. A few guests also mentioned the absence of complimentary water bottles in rooms, which some found inconvenient. The hotel is also recognized as a family-run establishment, contributing to its welcoming and personal feel.