Please mention ireland-guide.com when enquiring.

The Europe Hotel & Resort

Although now around thirty five 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, the proprietors decided to close the hotel in 2007/8 for major renovations, including a 50,000sq ft spa (ESPA at The Europe Hotel & Resort) and a new conference and events centre.

Although work was still in progress at the time of the Guide’s 2008 visit, most of the impressively spacious public areas – which make full use of the hotel’s wonderful location - had received their 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 – which have lots of space, quality furnishings, beautiful views and balconies all along the lake side of the hotel – had not changed at the time of our visit and, as they are so comfortable and well-planned, all that is needed is light refurbishment.

A few new contemporary rooms completed shortly before the closure have now been opened, however, so there is a choice of style; they are handsome, if a little less practical.

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.

Conferences/Banqueting (550/380); business centre, broadband wi/fi. Rooms 188 (8 suites, 38 junior suites, 21 family, 26 ground floor, 1 for disabled); children welcome (under 3s free in parents room, cot available without charge, baby sitting arranged; playroom, playground). No pets. Lift. 24 hr room service. B&B €105-120 pps, ss €80. No sc. Equestrian, fishing (coarse & fly), tennis, snooker, garden, leisure centre (pool, fitness room, sauna, steam room); Destination Spa. Closed 10 Dec - early Feb. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

On main Ring of Kerry road, N72.