Great National Hotel Ballina

The hotel is widely recognized for its welcoming atmosphere and spacious, comfortable accommodations, making it a popular choice for various travelers. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, who contribute significantly to a positive stay. The hotel's comfortable beds and generously sized rooms are frequently praised, ensuring a restful experience. While dining options receive mixed feedback, the quality of dinner and bar food is generally well-regarded. Its comprehensive leisure facilities, including a pool and gym, are a notable feature, though their condition and the pool's temperature are points of discussion. This hotel is particularly well-suited for families seeking ample space and amenities, business travelers valuing convenience and quiet, and couples looking for a relaxing getaway. To enhance your visit, it is advisable to inquire about the pool temperature upon arrival and consider requesting a room away from potential noise sources for a quieter experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities and amenities that enhance the guest experience. The leisure center, featuring a pool, gym, sauna, and steam room, is a significant draw, providing opportunities for relaxation and exercise. The pool is often noted for its size, suitable for swimming lengths, though a recurring concern among guests is its cold temperature, particularly for children. While the leisure facilities are appreciated, some guests suggest that the changing rooms and certain areas could benefit from modernization or more consistent cleaning. The hotel provides ample free parking, which is a considerable convenience for those traveling by car. Wi-Fi is available, though some guests have reported occasional connectivity issues within their rooms. The lobby area is frequently described as bright, airy, and beautifully designed, offering a pleasant space for guests to relax. The bar area is sometimes noted for its limited seating and ambiance.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious and clean, contributing to a comfortable stay. The beds are consistently praised for their comfort, with many guests reporting excellent sleep quality. Housekeeping services are frequently highlighted as being exceptional, ensuring rooms are well-maintained daily. However, some guests have noted that the carpets in rooms can appear stained or worn, suggesting a need for updating. While rooms are generally well-appointed, a common complaint is the lack of easily accessible sockets near the bed for charging devices. The televisions in rooms are often described as small and outdated, offering limited channels. Noise can occasionally be an issue, with some guests experiencing disturbances from adjacent rooms, corridors, or traffic noise, depending on the room's location. Bathrooms are typically modern and functional, though some reviews mention variable water pressure or occasional unpleasant odors.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive varied feedback, with dinner and bar food generally garnering positive reviews for their taste and quality. Many guests enjoy the convenience and atmosphere of dining in the hotel's bar, especially when live music or entertainment is provided. However, breakfast often receives mixed to negative comments. Common criticisms include the hot food being served lukewarm or dried out, and a perceived lack of variety or quality in the continental breakfast selection. Some guests have noted issues with the availability of fresh fruit or the efficiency of coffee/tea service during busy breakfast periods. The restaurant atmosphere for breakfast is occasionally described as less inviting or more functional than expected for a hotel of this standard. Despite these points, the overall consensus for evening meals remains largely positive, with many praising the delicious offerings.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a key aspect of guest feedback, offering both advantages and considerations. Situated on the outskirts of town, it provides a quieter environment away from urban bustle, which some guests appreciate. A significant benefit is the provision of ample free parking, making it convenient for guests traveling by car. The hotel serves as a practical base for exploring the surrounding region, including areas like Mayo and Galway. However, its distance from the town center means it is typically a 5-minute drive or a longer walk, necessitating a car or taxi for access to local attractions, shops, and restaurants. Some guests have noted that certain room views might be less appealing, facing service areas or busy roads, which can also contribute to traffic noise. Overall, while convenient for drivers and explorers, it requires planning for those wishing to access the town on foot.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive outstanding praise, standing out as one of the most positive aspects of a stay. Guests frequently commend the entire team for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. From the reception staff providing a warm welcome and efficient check-in process, to the bar staff offering excellent service and engaging conversation, and the housekeeping team ensuring rooms are spotless, the dedication to guest satisfaction is evident. Many reviews highlight specific instances of staff going above and beyond to accommodate requests or resolve issues promptly. The spa therapists are also noted for their excellent service. This consistent level of high-quality service creates a welcoming and comfortable environment, making guests feel valued throughout their visit. The staff's positive demeanor and efficiency are a recurring theme, contributing significantly to overall guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
Beyond the standard categories, several important details emerge from guest reviews. The hotel is noted for hosting functions and events, including weddings, with many guests praising the service, food quality, and overall experience provided for these occasions. A recurring observation, mentioned by multiple guests, is the presence of refugees residing at the hotel. While some guests express discomfort or note changes in atmosphere due to this, others report no issues. Many reviews also comment on the hotel's general condition, suggesting it is showing its age and could benefit from updates or renovations to align with a modern four-star standard, particularly regarding room decor and certain leisure facilities. Some guests have also noted occasional issues with noise from other guests, particularly during late hours, impacting the quiet enjoyment of their stay.