Although the location - virtually on the Ffrench roundabout – is 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 view down Lough Atalia towards Galway Bay from the front of the hotel, and it is within pleasant walking distance of Eyre Squuare on a fine day. And, some years on, there is a definite sense that the g transcends the drawbacks of its location 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.
This Galway Hotels accommodation is luxurious, as would be expected but, while also contemporary and with many quirky details, the suites and guestrooms are much quieter in tone than the public areas, making for a restful stay.
There is a strong emphasis on food, 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 €25.95), served daily in the “signature” lounges.
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); a range of special breaks is offered, notably spa breaks with treatments at the rooftop ESPA spa; B&B from about €60pps.
Matz at the G:
The stylish restaurant offers the most luxurious dining experience in Galway and, with consultant Stefan Matz and talented head chef Regis Herviaux working in partnership, 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. Since being invited to do the same for the G, his influence here certainly been beneficial.
An à la carte dinner is offered, as well as a table d’hôte menu; local suppliers are credited on all menus and there is a definite organic bias.
A comprehensive worldwide wine list includes over a dozen wines by the glass and good half bottles; 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 has achieved recognition as a restaurant as well as an hotel.
Creative promotional packages are frequently offered - a particularly successful one combines dinner and a movie: two/three courses followed by a movie at the adjacent EYE cinema, available Sunday to Thursday @ €29.50/€37 per person.
Matz at The G : Seats 72 (private room, 20). Open daily for L & D, 12-3pm & 6-10pm. 2/3 course early D €29.50/36 Mon-Thu, 6-7pm; also à la carte. 2/3 course Sun L €25/29. House wine from €25. Air conditioning; children welcome (high chair, children's menu, baby changing facilities). Closed 24-25 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
