Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate have won first place in two awards in the past month, named Ireland’s No1 Hotel for 2022 by the Irish Independents Travel Readers Awards and then winning Booking.coms “Best Traveller Review Award”.
Both awards carry huge weight on account of their judgement. The Irish Independents Travel Reader Awards was based on that of many past guests’ votes, coupled with that of the judgement from the best of the best Travel writers/critics judgements of the Hotel and it’s experience as a whole.
Glenlo Abbey were delighted to come out on top, as the winners of the prestigious title of “Ireland’s Best Hotel 2022” in the Irish Independents Travel Reader Awards. However, it didn’t stop there, only weeks later, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate went on to possess the title as Booking.com “Best Traveller Review Award” again based on the huge volume of consistently exceptional post-stay reviews left by delighted guests who perceived their stay as one that far exceeded expectations and one they would a ) most definitely do again b ) recommend highly to a friend or family member.
Both awards were on account of the many happy guests who have stayed in the hotel in the past year — Here is some of what they had to say about their experiences…
“It feels like you are in a movie scene” That’s how one voter described Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate just before it was named Ireland’s No 1 for 2022 by the Irish Travel Readers Awards. Others said it evoked “a bygone era”, “a tribute to Ireland” and the sweet seductive feeling of being “Transported back in time with all the comforts of a modern-day hotel”.
And that’s just the beginning, for Glenlo Abbey Hotel is like “visiting friends with great food”, said the voters. Readers rhapsodised about the five star’s luxury, its location on the cusp pf Connemara, just outside Galway City – its “atmosphere”, “attention to detail”, and the “breath-taking combination of heritage, lakeside stetting and “friendly” service.
Oh, and “the best hotel beds I have ever slept in”. “The whole ambience from when you drive in the gates is one of welcome, cosiness and luxury”, the travel reader judges were told. This is a “beautiful and cosy” hotel, the Irish Independent’s judges noted its surprising deck of experiences, from a nine-hole golf course to private cinema, boutique spa and Pullman Restaurant, set on carriages from the original Orient Express (“The jewel in the crown” ).
This bluebook hotel has also treated Covid lockdowns as an opportunity to evolve, with owners John and Marie Lally investing more than €10 million since 2019 on new rooms, interior redesign, the boutique Glo Spa and Wellness with its Tranquillity terrace and a new Palmers Bar and Kitchen, which also has an outdoor dining terrace. And 11 new self-catering lodges are also due to open in 2021.
Again, and again voters cited Glenlo’s “Excellent staff” and “amazing service”. That’s worth its weight in gold in a time of chronic staff shortages and recruitment issues, judges observed. Readers cited the value for money it can offer at the high end of the hotel spectrum too: “This hotel never disappoints and is still reasonably priced in comparison to some other five-star hotels in Ireland”.
“Outstanding service delivered with gentleness, manners, kindness, respect and expertise,” was one guest’s testimony (“without being overbearing”. Added another ). Voters also mentioned the special warmth shown to guests celebrating birthdays, graduations, and weddings, or postponing due to Covid. “So professional and lovely”, voters went on to say, “They treated my elderly grandmother like a little queen”.
“We went to cheer my partner during a low point in the family’s health and it was such a positive experience. They have the best staff and could run rings around any hotel, as they meet your evert request with zero bother.”
Glenlo Abbey is a “chic and timeless stay”, voters said “A beautiful hotel with class”.
Make your next experience one to remember, from dining, to golf, luxury stays and celebrations, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate turns your milestone moments into the most memorable occasions / www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie
