Having had one of the more memorable dining experiences ever in the hotel restaurant last year I decided to return with some friends to repeat the experience and this time to also stay overnight. I might say at this point that I am fusy and have stayed in some of the best hotels in the world so The Cliff had a lot to live up to! In fact this stay followed two nights in two other five star hotels, but while all different, making comparisions seems fair as each hotel was almost the same in cost.
The location and restaurant again did not dissapoint. The food here is amongst the best in Ireland and worth making the journey for. Based on the fact that the restaurant and hotel seemed full for the weekend says it all in these economic times.
The leisure facilities are very nice with a lovely pool, outdoor hot tub, small but adequate gym, steam room and sauna. The walks around the area are also worth mentioning.
Why just short of the top rating - I told you I am hard to please! But I think I must mention when comparing The Cliff with the experience of the other same priced hotels - the rooms, while nice, are on the small side. The bathrooms are bright and spacious but did not have a thermostatically controlled shower valve (trying to get the temperature right was difficult) and this was the same for the shower in the pool area. I also thought that the toiletries were scarce and of an unknown quality.
Finally, the staff was very friendly and helpful but the reception seemed to be under staffed both at check-in and check-out. Also only newspapers available were the previous day and when I asked I was given the impression in both the bar and reception that they would do me and that a newspaper was a newspaper!
To sum up - this is a great small hotel with a fabulous restaurant and location - however, I think there are little improvements needed to justify the price when you compare it to other hotels.
- Cliff Hotel Ardmore
