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Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa

A few miles out of town, this famous low-rise hotel, dating from the '60s, enjoys stunning views of the lakes and the mountains beyond and also overlooks Killarney's two 18-hole championship golf courses.

It is now one of Ireland's most luxurious hotels and, under the caring management of Pat and Marie Chawke and their welcoming staff, it is a very special place. While the controversial exterior remains a subject of debate, the interior which now includes 24 new junior suites, a palatial glass-fronted two-bedroom penthouse suite and a luxurious spa & wellness centre - is superb.

Stylish, contemporary public areas are airy and spacious, with lots of marble, original artwork, and a relaxed, open ambience and, from the foyer, hints of the stunning view that invite exploration - perhaps into the chic bar which links up with a terrace and the swimming pool area (lots of lounging space for sunny days), or up to the first floor open-plan lounge area, where a delicious traditional Afternoon Tea is served (2-5.30pm).

Accommodation is seriously luxurious, in spacious rooms with balconies and lake views, large sitting areas, plasma screen televisions, video, DVD (library available) and a host of extras. Bathrooms are equally sumptuous, with separate shower and all the complimentary toiletries you could wish for.

The new 10,000 sq ft spa is among Europe's best and offers couples suites, and some unique treatments - including 'Ayervedic Precious Stone therapy' in a custom-built Aromatherapy cabin. But at the heart of all this luxury it is the caring hands-on management of Pat and Marie Chawke who, with their outstanding staff, make everyone feel at home.

And you will leave on a high too, as breakfast is another especially strong point.

[Aghadoe Heights was our Hotel of the Year in 2005.]

Conference/banqueting (80/75); business centre, secretarial services, video conferencing, laptop-sized safes in bedrooms, free broadband wi/fi. Destination Spa. Leisure centre (swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, fitness room), hair salon. Garden, tennis, walking. Children welcome (Under 2s free in parents' room; cot available, €20, baby sitting arranged). Pets may be permitted by prior arrangement.

Rooms 74 (25 suites, 6 junior suites, 10 family rooms, 10 ground floor rooms, 1 disabled, all non smoking). Lift. Turn down service. 24 hour room service. B&B €185 pps, ss €70. Closed 31 Jan-mid Feb.

The Lake Room:

The restaurant is on an upper floor, integrated into an open plan area, with distant views over the lakes and mountains; it is a bright and elegant space, with beautifully appointed tables and fresh flowers providing an appropriate setting for dining in a hotel of this standard.

Head chef Gavin Gleeson - with experience at a number of top kitchens, including Dromoland Castle, before he joined the team at Aghadoe Heights - has developed new menus which continue in the classical tradition of the hotel but with a lighter, more contemporary tone which is more in keeping with the atmosphere today.

Gone, at least for the time being, are the great classics, like grilled chateaubriand sauce béarnaise and sole meuniére, now replaced by new dishes wild trout with sea urchin sauce, and fashionable confit belly of pork & milk-fed veal, with peach sauce. A pianist sets the scene each evening and, under the direction of Restaurant Manager Padraig Casey, service is solicitous, as ever.

An extensive and informative wine list includes a champagne menu, a strong range of classics, a good choice of wines by the glass and plenty of half bottles.

Seats 120 (private room, 75). Reservations accepted. Children welcome before 7pm (high chair, children's menu, baby changing facilities). D daily, 6.30-9.30pm. Set D €70, also á la carte. House wines from €28. 12.5% SC on groups of 10+. *Informal menus also offered in The Heights Lounge and The Terrace Bar & Bistro (from 10am-9.30pm daily in summer). Restaurant closed end Dec-mid Feb. Helipad. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

3.2km (2 m) north of Killarney; signposted off N22.