This waterside hotel adjoins Athlone Golf Club on the western shores of Lough Ree, just four miles outside Athlone town. With lovely lake and island views and a wide range of leisure activities on site - including boating, fishing and a fine leisure centre - it's in great demand as a venue for both business and social occasions.
Until recently it was the only establishment providing such facilities in the area and, to meet the demand, it has grown considerably since opening in 1992; there is always something going on here but the down side is that wear and tear is hard to keep up with at this very busy hotel, especially in public areas.
However, demand is still growing - notably for midweek conference activity and weekend breaks - and a further 50 bedrooms are to be added, and also a health spa and leisure complex. Meanwhile, a major refurbishment programme is under way, which will see the original bedrooms and all the bedroom corridors refurbished.
Newer bedrooms are bright and comfortable, with double and single beds in most rooms; many also have Lough views. Keeping food standards up to the high quality to which the hotel clearly aspires is also a challenge which can be difficult to meet.
Banqueting/conferences (700/500); secretarial services, business centre; video conferencing. Rooms 133 (2 suites, 6 junior suites, 36 executive rooms, 1 for disabled). B&B €75pps, ss €25. 2 Lifts. Room service (limited hours). Informal food service all day; L'Escale Restaurant, L&D daily, by reservation. Helipad. Leisure centre, swimming pool; beauty salon. Fishing, equestrian, tennis, walking, garden. Children welcome (under 2 free in parents' room; cots available without charge; baby sitting arranged; playroom, children's playground). No pets.* Weekend breaks and midweek activity breaks offered. Open all year.
