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Hotel Meyrick (formerly Great Southern Hotel Galway)

Formerly the Great Southern, this historic railway hotel overlooking Eyre Square right in the centre of Galway was built in 1845 and has always had a special place in the hearts of Galway people, who were sad to see the name change when it came into the Monogram Hotels group in 2006 - it is now a sister establishment to the famous g Hotel in Galway and the d Hotel in Drogheda (see entries).

Prior to the sale, a major refurbishment programme had been undertaken, intended mainly to reinstate the grandeur and elegance of its 19th century heyday; this had been partially achieved, most notably in the public areas, where marble flooring, high ceilings, chandeliers and rich fabrics all contributed to re-creating the grandeur of old. However, this was all changed shortly before the Guide went to press, and a modern approach has been adopted instead.

Since the takeover, further investment has also seen re-styling of the main restaurant overlooking Eyre Square, The Oyster Grill Restaurant, and the ground floor Oyster Bar and the opening of a stylish new late night lounge TOSH.

Accommodation has also had a makeover - the wide corridors (designed so that ladies in hooped dresses could pass without inconvenience) remain, and are especially impressive in these days of compact modern buildings and, although standard rooms have been treated in a simple modern style, the best have period detail and are now superior rooms and junior suites - spacious and decorated in keeping with their stature, with bathrooms to match, and there are opulent 'level 5' suites, with access to an executive lounge.

The hotel's Square Spa & Health Club is on the top storey, with panoramic views over Galway city and harbour from the rooftop hot tub which, it has to be said, are interesting rather than scenic.

Conference/banqueting (300/280); business centre, free broadband wi/fi. Rooms 97. Lift. B&B about €115 pps, ss €30; children welcome (under 2 free in parents' room, cots available without charge, baby sitting arranged). Leisure centre, indoor swimming pool, steam room, massage, beauty treatments. No pets. 24 hour room service. Closed 23-27 Dec. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

In heart of the city overlooking Eyre Square