Although the location - virtually on the Ffrench roundabout and beside a large furniture retailer – remains odd for a hotel of this class, and an unimpressive facade gives few clues to the originality of the interior by internationally renowned milliner Phillip Treacy, there is a definite sense, a couple of years on, that the g transcends these drawbacks and has matured into one of the finest hotels in the West of Ireland.
The proprietor, Galwayman Gerry Barrett, gave Treacy – who is also a native of Galway - free rein to indulge his quirky creativity, and in return he gave the western capital a stunning hotel. Eye-catching colour combinations, lighting, furniture, carpets, fireplaces make the public rooms both comfortable and delightfully varied.
What might have been an intimidating (all black) lobby and reception area, is cleverly enlivened by a wall-mounted, exotic fish tank featuring the strangest creatures: sea horses, born and bred in Connemara.
The original quirky Phillip Treacy “mad hattiness” and stunning interior design still tends to quicken the pulse in the knowledge that one is somewhere unique, a fact enhanced by the able and attentive staff throughout the hotel.
There is more emphasis on the food than formerly, with a morning menu (10 to 12 noon); lunch (simple fare like soup and sandwiches, a ‘g’ burger, fish‘n’chips and local beef stew at around €12-18, and Afternoon Tea (from €27), served daily in the “signature” lounges.
This Galway Hotels accommodation is luxurious, as would be expected, and this is a fun place that brings a smile to people’s faces. Look out for Treacy’s exotic hat pictures, the Tony O’Malley painting on the way into the restaurant and the surreal replaying of the 1940’s movie Casablanca flickering on the curtains in one of the lounges.
Conferences/Banqueting (120/80); business centre, secretarial services, video conferencing, free broadband wi/fi, laptop sized safes in bedrooms. Spa; Golf & equestrian nearby. Wheelchair accessible.
Rooms 101 (3 suites, 26 junior suites, all others deluxe or superior); children welcome (baby sitting arranged); rooms from €200 (€140 low season).
Matz at the G:
The stylish restaurant offers the most luxurious dining experience in Galway and, although it may not yet have reached the distinction that the ambience deserves, the food can be very good. Dining room furnishings, in varied slightly decadent colours, contrast with the crisp, white table linen, and superior glassware and silver add to the air of opulence.
The hotel is in common ownership with Ashford Castle, where celebrated Executive Head Chef, Stefan Matz, has had such a positive influence on all the dining operations in recent years. Now he has been invited to do the same for the G and, while it is still early days for Stefan and his team, his influence here has certainly raised standards.
An à la carte dinner is offered, as well as a table d’hôte menu (€55); local suppliers are credited on all menus and there is a definite organic bias.
Dishes enjoyed on a recent visit by the Guide included a delicious, simply served shallot and mustard soup (a lively combination of onion and muted mustard with unusual dried beef garnish, €7.50; steamed black sole fillets with crabmeat and crab bisque sauce, plainly presented but with good flavours, €25; and blackcurrant & pistachio meringue mousse, with pecan nut crumble and lemon sorbet, a well-balanced dessert with an outstanding lemon sorbet, €8.50.
A comprehensive worldwide wine list includes over a dozen wines by the glass and good half bottles; notable bottles include St Emilion Grand Cru 2004 @ €44, Chateau Margaux Premier Grand Cru Classe 1995 @ €1200 and, among interesting Italians, a Brunello Di Montalcino 2002 @ €75; following the custom at Ashford Castle of pairing wines with individual dishes, recommended wines are given alongside each à la carte menu item.
Staff smartly dressed in lavender and black outfits are extremely aware and friendly, a great asset to the G, which deserves to do well as a restaurant as well as an hotel.
A particularly successful promotion packages dinner and a movie: two courses followed by a movie at the adjacent Eye cinema, available Sunday to Thursday @ €29.50 per person.
Seats 72 (private room, 20). Open daily for L & D, 12-3pm & 6-10pm. Set D €55. also a la carte. Early bird D €29.50 6-7pm. House wine from €25. Air conditioning; children welcome (high chair, children's menu, baby changing facilities). Closed 24-25 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
