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Killarney Park Hotel

Situated in its own grounds, a short stroll from the town centre, the Treacy family's luxurious, well run hotel is deceptively modern - despite its classical good looks, it is only fifteen years old.

However, it has already undergone more than one transformation - indeed, constant improvement is so much a theme here that it is hard to keep up with developments as they occur. The exceptionally welcoming atmosphere strikes you from the moment the doorman first greets you, as you pass through to a series of stylish seating areas, with fires and invitingly grouped sofas and armchairs; the same sense of comfort characterises the Garden Bar and also the quiet Library.

Elegant public areas are punctuated by a sweeping staircase that leads to bedrooms luxuriously furnished in two very different styles. Spacious traditional suites have a private entrance hall and an elegant sitting area with a fireplace, creating a real home from home feeling; all the older rooms are also furnished in a similar warm country house style.

However, the junior suites offer a dramatically contemporary style - and a new wow factor; thoughtfully and individually designed, they have air conditioning, well-planned bathrooms and the many small details that make a hotel room really comfortable.

Housekeeping is impeccable and the staff are committed to looking after guests with warmth and discretion.

A stunning health spa offers eight treatment rooms, outdoor hot tub, plunge pool and jacuzzi; the menu of treatments offered is seriously seductive and it may well happen that some guests never feel the need to leave the hotel at all during their stay.

[Park Hotel Killarney was our Hotel of the Year in 2002.]

*The nearby hotel, The Ross (see entry) is a sister hotel.

Conference/banqueting (150/150); free broadband wi/fi; secretarial services, video conferencing.

Spa. Leisure centre (swimming pool, sauna, plunge pool, jacuzzi, gym). Library; billiard room. Garden, walking, cycling. Children welcome (under 2s free in parents room; cots available without charge, playroom, creche, baby sitting arranged). No Pets.

Rooms 72 (3 suites, 30 junior suites, 3 family rooms, 1 for disabled, all no-smoking). Lift. 24 hour room service. Turndown service. B&B €200 pps, ss €200; no sc. Closed 24-27 Dec.

The Park Restaurant:

This large and opulent room has the essential elements of grandeur - the ornate ceiling, glittering chandeliers - but has been lightened by a contemporary tone in the furnishings. Odran Lucey, who has been head chef since 1999, has earned a reputation for this restaurant as a dining destination in its own right, making it a great asset to this fine hotel.

His menus are appealing and, although not overlong, they offer plenty of choice from which to make up a five course dinner or, as dishes are priced individually, make á la carte choices if preferred.

The underlying style is classical but this is creative food, cooked with panache. Although the style is broadly international, it's very much food with an Irish flavour - seen in named ingredients like Dingle crabmeat, Kerry lamb and suppliers are credited on the menu. A main course of roast breast of Skeaghanore duck with colcannon cake & poached kumquats demonstrates skilful blending of traditional partnerships and innovative additions, and good judgment comes into play when it comes to a real classic - Dover sole - which is cooked classically, 'meuniére'.

Courteous service, knowledgeable service and the presence of a pianist, who plays throughout dinner, add to the sense of occasion. A wide-ranging wine list includes many of the classics and, not only a fair choice of half bottles, but also a sommelier's choice of the week, offering half a dozen good wines by the glass.

An interesting feature of the restaurant is an open wine cellar, which guests are free to browse.

*Odran Lucey is also responsible for the excellent bistro-style food served in The Garden Bar where - as elsewhere in the hotel - children are made very welcome.

Seats 150 (private room, 40). Children welcome (high chair, children's menu, baby changing facilities); reservations required; air conditioning; toilets wheelchair accessible. D daily 7-9.30; Set D €65; also á la carte. House wines from about €28. SC discretionary. *Food is also served in the bar, 12 noon-9pm daily. Hotel closed 24-27 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Located in Killarney town - all access routes lead to town centre.