Ballina Manor Hotel

The hotel's riverside location overlooking the River Moy and Ridge Pool is a signature feature, offering picturesque views and a unique charm. Friendly and helpful staff, excellent food quality (especially breakfast), and a central location are consistently highlighted. While rooms are generally clean and comfortable, some guests note a dated decor that could benefit from modernization. The hotel is an excellent fit for sightseers and fishing enthusiasts due to its prime position near local attractions and the river. Families appreciate the spacious rooms and convenient access to town, while couples can enjoy romantic river views and quality dining. Business travelers also find it suitable for work stays. Guests are advised to request a room with a river view for an enhanced experience. Be prepared for potential challenges with the underground parking, and consider bringing earplugs if sensitive to street noise, especially on weekends.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers various lounging areas throughout, providing cozy and comfortable spaces for guests to relax and socialize. While the hotel does not feature a swimming pool, spa, or gym, which some guests might expect from a higher-rated establishment, it focuses on providing a comfortable stay with its existing amenities. Some guests noted the absence of air conditioning in rooms, which can lead to discomfort, particularly during warmer periods. Additionally, the lack of mini-fridges and readily available ice machines in rooms was mentioned as an inconvenience by some. The bar area is generally appreciated for its atmosphere and drink selection, though some reviews indicate it may not always be open, especially the downstairs section, which can limit evening options within the hotel.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and comfortable, with many praising the spacious rooms and comfortable beds that ensure a restful night's sleep. However, a recurring theme is the dated decor and overall need for modernization, particularly in the bathrooms. Specific issues mentioned include narrow bathtubs with showers over them, broken showers, and a lack of frosted glass in some bathrooms. The room temperature can be a concern, with many guests reporting rooms being excessively warm, even in cooler months, due to the absence of air conditioning and inadequate temperature controls. Noise levels from the street, corridors, and even neighboring rooms due to perceived thin walls, can occasionally disrupt sleep, especially on weekends. Some reviews also noted minor issues like dirty windows or carpets in specific instances.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives widespread praise, with both breakfast and dinner consistently highlighted for their food quality and portion sizes. Breakfast is often described as delicious, with a good selection and the convenience of table service, though some guests found it to be small, cold, or disappointing on occasion, and noted it's not a buffet style. For dinner, guests commend the excellent quality, reasonable prices, and attentive service, with specific mentions of dishes like duck, turkey, ham, steak, and fish and chips. The restaurant itself is often described as luxurious with beautiful river views, enhancing the dining atmosphere. The bar is generally seen as a pleasant place to relax with a good selection of drinks and a lively atmosphere, though its availability can be inconsistent.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an exceptional central location, placing guests directly in the heart of town. This allows for easy walking access to various shops, grocery stores, local attractions, the train station, and the cathedral. Its riverside views are a significant draw, particularly for those interested in fishing or simply enjoying the scenery. Parking is a frequently discussed topic. While the hotel offers underground car park facilities, guests often report it as challenging due to poor signage, dim lighting, tight spaces, and the car park frequently being full. This sometimes necessitates parking in a nearby public car park, for which the hotel may provide a complimentary pass. The convenience of having parking, despite its challenges, is still appreciated by many.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight the warm welcome upon arrival, the efficiency of the check-in process, and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, including dietary requirements. Many reviews commend the customer care provided by the entire team, from reception to housekeeping and restaurant staff, noting a personal touch that makes guests feel valued rather than just a number. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated instances mention less satisfactory interactions with specific individuals, such as a sour receptionist or disinterested bar staff. Overall, the dedication of the staff significantly contributes to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several unique aspects that contribute to the hotel's character. The hotel offers a complimentary newspaper service, a thoughtful touch appreciated by many. Some guests noted the hotel's maze-like layout with numerous fire doors and varying levels, which can be a bit disorienting, especially with children. Rooms may still use old-fashioned keys, adding to the hotel's traditional charm. For security, guests might find themselves needing to be let in by staff after certain hours. A specific guest bathroom access policy was mentioned by one reviewer, indicating that non-residents may be denied access. While generally comfortable, some rooms have thin walls, leading to potential sound insulation issues from neighboring rooms or corridors. Lift access is available, which is helpful for guests with mobility needs.