Monthly Archive for April, 2006

Waterfront Bar

Published on April 30, 2006 in Cork. 0 Comments

I attended a wedding at Actons hotel in Kinsale yesterday. The rugby 7s is in full flight this weekend and the place appeared to be buzzing when we arrived down. There is a car park outside the hotel but that was completley full so we eventually found parking down the road. Yesterday was my first visit to Actons hotel and i was impressed by the Waterfront Bar when i walked in. It was full with guests of the wedding and there was a good buzz. We didn’t manage to get a seat in the bar area but walked out towards the reception and found some very comfortable couches. The service at the bar was efficient and the pints of Murphy’s that i consumed were alright. There was a lot of stout being pulled but maybe a bit too fast. This is understandable here as the staff were under some pressure. The food at the reception was excellent and i really enjoyed it. The room was also done up very well. Congratulations to Colette and Henry.

The bar staff at the reception never appeared to tilt the glass when pouring the Murphy’s which i found a little strange. The pints were ok here but were a better quality in the main bar. Overall the service was very good. The main bar is very comfortable. It is quite spacious and bright. According to the hotels website there is live jazz in the bar every Sunday at lunchtime from 1:30 till 3. The toilets are a good size and were very well maintained. We didn’t stay at the hotel but i did see one of their rooms and it was a good size. There is a bar menu available and the prices are very reasonable. I would most certainly head to this bar and this hotel again.

Toilet rating: 8/10
Pint rating: 6.5/10
Overall rating: 8/10

Final comment: I enjoyed my day at Actons hotel in both the bar and the function room. It was certainly a day to remember.

The Local

Published on April 28, 2006 in Cork. 0 Comments

Why aren’t more pubs called this? That is the question i was asking myself last night. It is a great name for a pub but this is the first time i have come across it. This was the third and final pub we headed into last night. They have interesting leather seating. Again all the customers were sitting at the bar when we came in. We sat down near the front of this small pub. I ordered a pint of Murphy’s and a glass of diet 7up. I noticed a small tv that was showing some sort of documentary. The people at the bar appeared to be enjoying themselves and were chatting away. It is situated just down the street from Johnny Crowleys. I found it very relaxing in this pub and for the third time in the night, really enjoyed the pint of stout. The three pubs i visited all had about the same quality.

I went to the toilets and found them to be very small. There was a small bar stool in there and i cannot understand for the life of me what it was there for! Even though the gents is small they were clean last night. When i came out of the toilet i noticed a beer garden out the back of the pub that looked very appealing, had it been a couple of degrees warmer! Take a trip to The Local in Innishannon if you are passing.

Toilet rating: 6/10
Pint rating: 8/10
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Final comment: The Local is a grand pub worth heading into.

Johnny Crowleys

Published on April 28, 2006 in Cork. 0 Comments

The next stop off was Johnny Crowleys just a short walk from the previous pub. If you want to park your car in Innishannon you will have to pull in at the side of the road. There was plenty parking available for us last night. We headed in and again saw a few people sitting at the bar and another few sitting over to the left. We sat over to the left as well near an imitation fire. I ordered a Murphy’s and a glass of diet coke and the kind bar man brought them over which was very good service indeed. The pub is smaller than Sheppos but has a lot of character. In fairness all the people in the bar were very friendly even though they didn’t know us. They all said hello which isn’t all that common any more. The pint was a very good one and was on a par with the pint in the previous bar.

A few steps will lead you into the toilets which were ok when i had a look at them. They were reasonably clean and useable. I noticed a jersey signed by Peter Clohessey, the Munster great! I personally really like this bar with a combination of the friendly people, good pint and cosy surroundings.

Toilet rating: 7/10
Pint rating: 8/10
Overall rating: 8/10

Final comment: Johnny Crowleys is another pub that Innishannon has to offer.

Sheppos

Published on April 28, 2006 in Cork. 0 Comments

Innishannon is a place i have passed through many times but never stopped for too long. Myself and Jen headed down last night to check it out. There has been many a time while sitting in traffic i have looked at the pubs while passing with the intention of reviewing them. The first pub we ventured into is Sheppos. As far as i am aware this pub is under new ownership/management. It was previously called by a different name that i can’t remember. It is located on the main street in downtown Innishannon. It looks impressive from the outside advertising that there is regular live music and bar food available. We entered through the glass doors and noticed a good few people sitting at the bar. We got a few stares as we took our seat. I ordered a pint of Murphys and a glass of diet coke. I can’t fault the pint of Murphy’s i got, it was very enjoyable. The pub is comfortable and there are plenty seats available. There was a match on the tv and there was a few screens scattered around. It is a very bright pub with a second area at the back where you can avail of a pool table. There wasn’t a big crowd out but it was a Wednesday night.

I took a look at the toilets and they were fine. They were clean and a good size with one cubicle available. A friend of mine from work had food down there recently and she said that it was very enjoyable and good quality. She felt that the ladies toilets could do with being modernised. Overall i feel that this is a fairly decent pub that has a lot of attraction.

Toilet rating: 7/10
Pint rating: 8/10
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Final comment: Head to Sheppos for a decent pint or try a meal.

Killarney Avenue Hotel

Published on April 25, 2006 in hotel and Kerry. 0 Comments

killarney avenue hotel

Stayed in this hotel once for two nights and really enjoyed the stay. It is one of Killarneys many hotels.

Greeting and Check-in
I found the check in at this hotel to be professional and efficient. The lady checking us in was friendly and provided us with information regarding events happening in the town. We parked our car in the underground car park which is very convenient.

Appearence and Location
It is an attractive looking hotel centrally located about 2 minutes walk from Killarney town center. Head for the Muckross road and the Killarney Avenue Hotel is just next to 4 star pizza. It is near the cinema and the Killarney outlet center for a bit of retail therapy!

Staff and Service
We both found all of the staff to be most helpful and obliging. The staff in the bar and restaurant were all nice to deal with.

Food
We had both breakfast and dinner in the hotel and found the Druids restaurant to be fantastic. It is a delightful place to enjoy a meal and has a unique atmosphere. I would certainly recommend a meal here as we found the standard of food and service well above par.

Internet Access
I am not sure if this hotel provides guests with internet access in the rooms or lobby area.

Price
We got a present of the stay at the hotel but i am sure that it was quite expensive. Also it has been a while since we were there. A two night weekend break in this hotel at the start of May will cost from 340 euro pps. This includes dinner on one night. That is quite expensive just for the weekend but it is a very decent hotel.

Munster in Heineken Cup Final

Published on April 23, 2006 in Announcements. 0 Comments

Congratulations to Munster who comprehensively beat Leinster in the Heineken cup semi final from Munster Pubs!

West Lodge Hotel

Published on April 19, 2006 in Cork and hotel. 1 Comment

The West Lodge hotel is another that we have stayed at twice before. Jen has always said that it is one of her favourite hotels around.

Greeting & Check-in
The check in desk is up a few steps in the lobby as you go in the main door of the hotel. The check in at the hotel has always been fine and the staff greeting has always been very complimentary.

Appearence & Location
The hotel is just off the main road just outside Bantry, Co Cork. It has a fantastic location on some very beautiful and extensive grounds. The hotel itself has undergone some renovation and as far as i know the main focus was on their function room.

Staff & Service
I have never had any problems with the staff or service at this hotel. The staff have always been helpful and friendly. Service has generally always been good at this hotel. The only time we thought the service was lacking was when we were served our dinner in a tiny room next to the bar as the main dining room was closed. This wasn’t a great situation but thats not a big criticism at all.

Food
We have had breakfast and dinner in the hotel quite a few times and we had lunch in the lobby area as well. The food has always been of a high standard and we have never had any complaints.

Internet Access
I am unsure if this hotel offers internet access to its guests but i would think that it does.

Price
The last time that we stayed at the hotel we paid 120 euro for two nights b+b and one evening meal. This is good value when you consider that you have access to a very decent leisure center including pool and gym. The hotel enjoys one of the most beautiful locations around. Check the hotels website for more information or to book a trip down west.

www.westlodgehotel.ie

Kikshaws

Published on April 19, 2006 in Cork. 0 Comments

Went fishing today and managed to catch nothing at all. Spent the day at Shepperton lake outside of Skibbereen. We hired a boat and were very optimistic but that optimism waned after a couple of hours of no sign of fish life! As we headed back through the charming village of Leap we decided to stop off for a bite to eat. After considering two pubs we went for Kikshaws. A small bar to be fair and quite a comfortable spot. We ordered drinks and sat down and surveyed the menu. I ordered a 7up as i was driving and my fellow fisherman ordered a Budweiser shandy which he said was fine. There was a good selection of meals and toasted sandwiches to choose from. I ordered lasagne and my friend ordered a chicken dish. The food was very enjoyable and although i felt that the portion of lasagne was small, the plentiful chips and side salad made up for it. I had a look around the bar as there was no one inside and noticed some photographs and memorabilia.

The toilets are somewhat old fashioned but were useable and clean. I did notice a stray bar stool in here but didn’t bother to think about it too much! I am certainly glad that we stopped at Kikshaws bar and would head back again for a bite to eat. These sentiments were echoed by fisherman no 2! Seeing as it is nearly peak season for this part of Cork you can be sure that this place will be busy and do well.

Toilet rating: 6.5/10
Pint rating: 7.5/10
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Final comment: Kikshaws was a convenient stop off for us today and we will surely head back again.

Dooleys

Published on April 18, 2006 in hotel and Waterford. 1 Comment

Dooleys is a hotel that i have stayed at twice, the most recent at a stag night.

Greeting & Check-in
On the two occasions i have been here i have found the check in staff to be both helpful and informative. There have been no delays at eithier time. The reception area is bright and spacious.

Appearence & Location
It is located on the quay in Waterford City across from the bus station. It is only a few minutes walk from the city center. There is nothing too striking about the hotel if standing outside on the street. It is a lot bigger than it appears to be. There is a nice view out over the water from the hotel.

Staff & Service
Overall it has to be said that the staff in this hotel are generally friendly and pleasant to deal with. I did find that one woman who was in charge at breakfast one morning to be loud and obnoxious to staff and other guests. The service in the bar where we spent a good lot of time watching a match was very good. The rooms at the hotel are well kept and generally clean. The first time i was there i got a better room. The bed was very comfortable and the facilities what you come to expect from decent hotels.

Food
I had a dinner in the bar on my first visit to Dooleys. I had steak and i found it very edible and quite enjoyed it. The breakfast served is buffet style and you will not go hungry. The key is to go early and avoid any crowd that may appear. It is a very decent feed.

Internet Access
I didn’t notice anything about internet access but apparently rooms are fitted with a line for connection purposes.

Price
On my first visit i got a very good deal. I booked my one night stay for two including breakfast and it came to 77 euro. This was a Saturday night as well. That is indeed very good value as prices in hotels go. I booked the deal at www.centralr.com This website is well worth a look for good value hotel rooms. On the second occasion for the stag party it cost 65 euro pps including breakfast. That was directly from the hotel. Still not bad value it has to be said. When you have use of the internet it is worth looking around at different sites for the best deal possible. Dooleys is a place that i will head back to in the future.

http://www.dooleys-hotel.ie

Hotel Champs Elysees Plaza

Published on April 17, 2006 in hotel and Outside Ireland. 0 Comments

Hotel Champs Elysees Plaza is a top class hotel in Paris, France. Myself and Jen stayed here back in January.

Greeting & Check-in
We arrived at this hotel mid afternoon and were greeted by a very pleasant man at the front desk. He spoke perfect English and went through the check in details. He provided us with any information we needed about the hotel and Paris City. It is a very upmarket hotel and this guy was certainly very professional.

Appearence & Location
This hotel has an enviable location in Paris. Rue De Berry is where it can be found less than 5 minutes walk from the famous Champs Elysees. The hotel is very classy and appealing from outside. There is a small lobby and small bar but no restaurant. To be honest in Paris you don’t eat in your hotel anyway. There is a small breakfast room here as well. The manager told me that they were adding a bigger hotel bar in the near future.

Staff & Service
Firstly let me talk about our room in this hotel. There are executive rooms, superior suites, deluxe suites and the plaza suite. We stayed in a superior suite with 484 square feet of space, a king size bed, cd player, jacuzzi bath, power shower, the works! It is the nicest and most comfortable room we have ever stayed in. It really was ultimate luxury. The staff were very pleasant especially a night porter that we met. The breakfast was the only let down. It was included in our price but we didn’t find it great.

Food
The only food that we sampled at the hotel was the breakfast and as i said this was somewhat disappointing. The croissants and different breads were fine but there was lots of bakerys not far from the hotel with delicious hot food.

Internet Access
Our room was fitted with internet access but we didn’t make use of it.

Price
The reason i choose this hotel is because i got engaged while in Paris. It is extremely romantic and you couldn’t ask for a better location in Paris. I booked the room through last minute.com. I paid 771 euro for three nights in a superior suite with breakfast. Was it value for money? No question about it for the weekend that was in it. If you were to book the same room for a three night weekend break at the end of April you can expect to pay 1130 euro. This figure comes from the hotels official website. I would only recommend this hotel to people that are looking for a very special weekend away in an extremely plush hotel.. If you are just looking for a weekend break in Paris there are far more affordable options.

Check out http://www.champselyseesplaza.com for more information.