Booked a suite room for two nights. Decor and styling of the room not what we expected, with red plastic-y faux leather headboard on bed and bright red carpets. Furniture was quite tired and a bit dated. Spoke to Aisling on reception who was very helpful and we were moved to a new room, a blue version of the original room, with a blue faux leather couch. Accepted as we didn’t want to move again. Again, furniture a little tired and dated. In-room dining advertised as having menu on hotel TV channel - this channel didn’t work, neither did any of the RTE channels. Went to bar in The Lodge for a drink. Lots of empty tables with reserved signs on, when asked barmaid where to sit she said anywhere with a reserved sign. No staff came down to take order, so after 10 minutes waiting, ordered at the bar. Waited 20 more minutes and waiter came down and asked again what our order was. When it came out, it was still wrong. Service in the restaurant in the Lodge was average, food nice but came out within less than 2 minutes of ordering which doesn’t give good impression of food being prepared to order. Staff appear to be mostly young and inexperienced. Aisling on reception excellent and Enda also very helpful.
Had dinner and afternoon tea in The Castle, both fantastic experiences. Staff in the bar in the castle couldn’t do enough for us. Morning dog walk also absolutely fantastic - would recommend!
Overall the standard in The Lodge let it down and we would think twice about returning.