Ice House Hotel

This hotel offers a truly memorable escape, distinguished by its breathtaking riverside location and exceptional spa facilities, including outdoor hot tubs and baths that provide stunning views of the Moy River. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and attentive staff, who are praised for their professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. The delicious food, particularly the dinner and breakfast offerings, receives widespread acclaim for its quality and presentation. The overall relaxing atmosphere pervades the property, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic and tranquil getaway, spa enthusiasts looking for rejuvenation, and food lovers eager to indulge in high-quality cuisine. To maximize your experience, consider booking a room with a river view to fully appreciate the picturesque setting, and ensure spa treatments are reserved in advance due to their popularity.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's Chill Spa is a standout feature, offering a comprehensive range of amenities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests highly praise the outdoor jacuzzi and bathing area, along with the extensive thermal suite which includes a sauna, steam room, and various hot tubs, many offering stunning river views. The relaxation room, featuring heated loungers, provides a serene space post-treatment. Unique offerings like seaweed baths and mud baths are also available. While the spa access is often complimentary, some guests note an additional charge for the thermal suite, and it's important to note the absence of a swimming pool. The hotel provides reliable Wi-Fi throughout, and a wood burner adds to the cozy ambiance in common areas. An elevator is available, though some guests experienced temporary issues.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean, spacious, and comfortable, with many highlighting the immaculate condition and beautiful design. The beds are frequently praised as exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep, though a few guests noted issues with mattresses being too soft or two singles pushed together. In-room amenities often include a walk-in shower and a large freestanding bath, with some bathrooms featuring luxurious heated flooring. Many rooms boast a balcony and offer stunning river views. While some guests appreciate the provided coffee maker, a few expressed a desire for a traditional kettle. A recurring concern is noise levels, with several reviews mentioning audible disturbances from adjoining rooms, including conversations, children, and televisions, indicating potential issues with soundproofing. Some guests also reported occasional drain smells in bathrooms or minor wear in older sections.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's food quality generally receives high praise, with many guests describing meals as delicious, excellent, and impeccable. The restaurant is often lauded for its stunning ambiance and beautiful river views, enhancing the dining experience, though a few found its atmosphere lacking. Breakfast is frequently highlighted as delicious and cooked to order, offering a good variety, but some guests experienced slow service, limited options, or inconsistent portion sizes. Most guests appreciate the dinner offerings, noting the high standard and well-presented dishes, with specific commendations for items like steak, duck, and seafood. However, some found certain dishes unseasoned or disappointing, and there were mixed reviews regarding the bar food. While room service is available, guests should be aware that specialty coffees at breakfast often incur an additional charge. Dietary accommodations receive mixed feedback, with some positive experiences and others finding vegan options bland.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a stunning and tranquil location directly on the River Moy, offering picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere. Guests consistently praise its beautiful setting, which feels secluded yet remains conveniently accessible. It is within a pleasant 20-minute walk to Ballina town, providing access to local amenities and attractions. The hotel's position also makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider region, including North Mayo, Enniscrone beach, and the Ox Mountains. Regarding parking, feedback is mixed; while some guests found it easy to park along the road, others noted that spaces can be limited and occasionally difficult to secure, with no dedicated secure car park. Some guests also mentioned that getting a taxi from town back to the hotel could be challenging at times.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive exceptional praise, being described as overwhelmingly friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming demeanor and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is typically smooth and efficient, setting a positive tone from arrival. Restaurant and bar staff are commended for their attentiveness and politeness, while spa staff are noted for their professionalism and caring approach during treatments. Many guests appreciate the personalized touches for special occasions, such as anniversaries or birthdays, which enhance their experience. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a small number of reviews mentioned instances of slow service, lack of attention, or perceived unfriendliness from some individuals. However, issues raised were often addressed promptly by the hotel team.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain aspects that contribute to the overall experience. A notable point of feedback concerns the thermal suite access, which often incurs an additional charge for hotel guests, a policy that surprised some given the room rates. While the hotel generally offers a serene and relaxing atmosphere, some guests found common areas to be quiet or lacking a vibrant social ambiance. Room decor varies, with some suites featuring old charm and antique furniture, while others present a more modern design, though a few noted signs of wear. The hotel's layout can be somewhat confusing to navigate, particularly when locating rooms. Additionally, some guests mentioned the quality of robes and towels could be improved, describing them as worn. For those celebrating special occasions, the hotel is noted for its thoughtful honeymoon and anniversary packages, which include personalized touches.