Although now around fifty years old, this impressive hotel was exceptionally well built and has been so well maintained through the years that it has continued to outshine many a new top level hotel.
However, never satisfied with anything but the absolute best, in recent years the proprietors carried out major renovations, including adding a 50,000sq ft spa (ESPA at The Europe Hotel & Resort) and a new conference and events centre.
Most of the impressively spacious public areas – which make full use of the hotel’s wonderful location - have received a makeover, and returning guests will be pleased to find that the style is contemporary, but also elegant, comfortable and not in any way in competition with the setting, which is emphatically the star here.
Bedrooms are renowned for their generous space, quality furnishings, beautiful views and balconies all along the lake side of the hotel. The original style was comfortable and well-planned and and a few new contemporary rooms that had been completed before the closure came on stream when the hotel re-opened, so there is a choice of style; they are handsome, if a little less practical.
The hotel recently enjoyed a period of major bedroom refurbishment in all of the hotel’s 187 bedrooms.
Leisure facilities include the new spa and leisure facility (with 20 metre swimming pool) and the hotel has two indoor tennis courts and their own Austrian Halfinger ponies for use within the hotel grounds, both complimentary to guests.
Golf is of course a major attraction: the three Killarney golf courses - Killeen, Mahony’s Point and Lackabane – adjoin the grounds, and the two nine hole courses, Dunloe and Ross, are nearby.
The hotel’s continental connections show clearly in the style throughout but especially, perhaps, when it comes to food - breakfast, for example, is an impressive hot and cold buffet.
Head chef Willie Steinbeck has responsibility for food in all areas of the hotel, including the smart new Brasserie Bar (with new terrace for outdoor dining) and the large and aptly-named Panorama Restaurant.
Housekeeping is exemplary and, perhaps unexpectedly, this is a very family-friendly hotel.
See also sister hotels - Ard na Sidhe Country House and The Dunloe
Conferences/Banqueting (550/380); business centre, broadband wi/fi. Rooms 187 (8 suites, 38 junior suites, 21 family, 26 ground floor, 1 for disabled); B&B from €115 pps, ss €80. Children welcome (under 3s free in parents room, cot available without charge, baby sitting arranged; playroom, playground). No pets. Lift. 24 hr room service. No sc. Equestrian, fishing (coarse & fly), tennis, snooker, garden, leisure centre (pool, fitness room, sauna, steam room); Destination Spa. Closed Dec - Feb. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
