Knockranny House Hotel & Spa

This hotel offers a truly memorable experience, distinguished by its stunning panoramic views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay, which guests can enjoy from various points, including the dining areas. The hotel's elegant ambiance and the consistently exceptional staff are frequently highlighted as key elements contributing to a wonderful stay. It is an ideal destination for couples seeking a relaxing getaway, relaxation seekers drawn to its spa facilities, and hikers or adventurers due to its proximity to natural landmarks and the town of Westport. While the hotel provides a serene escape, guests should be aware that the walk to town involves an uphill section on the return, and checking pool access rules for children in advance is advisable to ensure a smooth experience.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a notable spa and pool area, which receives mixed but generally positive feedback. Many guests praise the spa as "amazing," "superb," and "first class," offering a relaxing experience with various thermal facilities like saunas and steam rooms. However, some guests have noted that the pool water can be quite cold, and occasionally, certain spa features or showers are out of order. The hotel also boasts beautiful and well-maintained gardens and grounds, providing a tranquil setting for guests to enjoy. The Brehon Bar is a popular spot, offering a comfortable atmosphere, live music on some evenings, and attentive service, though a few guests found its decor somewhat outdated or the area chilly.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's rooms for their spaciousness, elegance, and immaculate cleanliness. Many describe them as "large and comfortable," "spotless," and "well-appointed," ensuring a restful stay. The beds are frequently praised for being "very comfortable" and featuring "luxurious bed linen," contributing to excellent sleep quality. While most bathrooms are noted as spacious and very clean, some guests have found them to be dated or experienced issues with shower temperature control. Noise levels are generally reported as calm and quiet, though some guests have mentioned occasional disturbances from neighboring rooms or slamming doors. In-room amenities typically include coffee and tea making facilities and complimentary water, though some rooms lack a minibar or safe.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience is a significant highlight for many guests, with both breakfast and dinner receiving high praise. Breakfast is consistently described as "superb," "delicious," and "excellent," offering a wide selection of high-quality options, including cooked-to-order dishes and a generous buffet. Guests particularly appreciate the stunning views from the breakfast room. The main restaurant serves dinner that is frequently lauded as "excellent," "first class," and "amazing," with high-quality ingredients, beautiful presentation, and attentive service. While the bar food is generally considered good and delicious, some guests have noted a limited menu or found it to be more basic than expected.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location just outside the town, offering a peaceful retreat while remaining conveniently accessible. Guests appreciate its proximity to Westport Town, which is typically a 10 to 30-minute walk, though the return journey involves an uphill climb. The hotel's setting provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay, enhancing the overall experience. It serves as an ideal base for touring the area and exploring various attractions. While parking is available on-site, some guests have noted a need for more designated disabled spaces. Taxis are available, but some guests have reported difficulties securing them late at night.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism across all departments. Guests frequently describe them as "attentive," "efficient," and "going above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is generally smooth and welcoming, with reception staff often highlighted for their warmth and efficiency. While the vast majority of interactions are positive, a few guests have reported isolated instances of less enthusiastic service, particularly in the bar or during breakfast, or minor issues with billing at check-out. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, making guests feel valued and well-cared for.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain policies and features that may impact their stay. The hotel's pool access for children is restricted to specific hours, typically 9 AM to 12 PM on weekends, and not available on weekdays, which some families found limiting. There have been comments regarding the accuracy of the hotel's online description, with some amenities like an arcade or bike rentals not being available as advertised. While the hotel is a popular wedding venue, receiving high praise for its event services, some guests have noted that the decor in certain areas, particularly the spa, appears somewhat dated and could benefit from a refresh. Additionally, some guests have commented on the heating being excessively warm in rooms and public areas, and the quality of the toilet paper has been a minor point of contention for a few.