Kilkenny city’s leading hotel enjoys an outstandingly convenient central location for both business and leisure guests, beside (but not adjacent to) a multi-storey carpark and within walking distance of the whole city.
Following a major upgrade, the ‘new’ hotel has emerged impressively, with a much brighter and smarter lobby entrance and lovely high back seating in the Ormonde Lounge, a popular meeting place where excellent coffee is served.
The bar has had a complete makeover, now with a decking area at the front Accommodation is particularly spacious – rooms range from standard up to a Presidential Suite and include family and wheelchair friendly rooms; all are very well appointed in a pleasingly low key modern style, some with panoramic views of Kilkenny city.
This Kilkenny hotels always had an excellent reputation as a business and conference venue and, whether for an international conference for 450 delegates or a meeting for 15 or 20 people, the facilities are very impressive.
Business/conference guests as well as local members will appreciate the expanded Health Club, which has a 21m deck level pool among the facilities ,and also the new KO Elemis Spa with 6 treatment rooms opened in summer 2008.
Good food has always been a point of pride here too and there is a choice between the informal O’Reilly’s Steak House (see below) and the main restaurant, Savour (formerly Fredricks) which is open for all meals, including breakfast; an early dinner offers outstanding value (6-7.30, €25).
*The smaller Pembroke Hotel on Patrick Street is a sister hotel.
Conference/banqueting (450/500). Business centre, video conferencing. Leisure centre, 21m swimming pool, crèche.
Rooms 118 (6 suites, 6 executive rooms, 59 no smoking, 4 disabled). B&B from about €64 pps, ss €31; suites from €228. Lift. 24 hour room service. Children welcome (under 12s free in parents’ room, cots available without charge, baby sitting arranged).
O’Reilly’s Bar & Steak House:
Formerly Earls Bistro, this new informal steak bar is likely to be the restaurant of choice for many residents, and should also be popular with local diners.
Brighter than before, with two new windows as well as contemporary light fittings, raised seating adds interest and the room is promisingly set up with sturdy mahogany tables, comfortable chairs and banquettes, good cutlery and glasses and crisp napkins.
100% Irish beef is the speciality and a typical steak house menu is offered, beginning with old favourites like buffalo wings and Caesar salad among about a dozen starters, and six steak variations among the main courses; flavoursome, accurately cooked steaks come with traditional garnishes (steak/baked potatoes, onion rings and a choice of well-made sauces – béarnaise or an excellent blue cheese sauce, for example).
Pleasing classical desserts and good coffee to finish.
There’s a good atmosphere and this, together with unfussy presentation on contemporary white plates and professional service, from smartly-dressed well-trained staff with good menu knowledge, adds to the enjoyment of a meal here.
The wine list may not be especially exciting but, like the food served here, house wines are good value.
Seats 75; toilets wheelchair accessible. Open D daily 6.30-9, L Sun only 12.30-2.30. Set D from €38/42. House wine about €25. sc discretionary. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
