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The Valkenburg
The Valkenburg Hotel Main Street, Ballinrobe Ireland
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About
4.0
#1 of 1 special inn in BallinrobeLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
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Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Quaint
Property amenities
Paid public parking nearby
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Room types
Family rooms
Location
The Valkenburg Hotel Main Street, Ballinrobe Ireland
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 57 out of 100
57
Knock Intl Airport
42.2 km•
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Car Hire
12 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
17Reviews0Q+A3Room tips
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Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
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Detailed Reviews
This is a handy cheap and cheerful spot and great location in the heart of the village
This hotel has a lot of character and the staff could do enough for you they were great did get a chance to try the food or the restaurant but looked clean and tidy
This hotel has a lot of character and the staff could do enough for you they were great did get a chance to try the food or the restaurant but looked clean and tidy
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Date of stay: November 2018Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ballinrobe is a small town that has suffered with the economy. However, it has horse racing/steeple chases and that is worth the stay. This hotel/restaurant/bar is in the middle of town. The room was clean and comfortable. We were on the 2nd floor which in the US it would be the third and there are no elevators. There is a moving chair to the 1st floor that is fitted in the stairwell.
The bar is open 'til 9 pm and the restaurant doesn't open until 9 am so we never ate or drank there.
Unfortunately, the lady who runs the hotel is also only available between 9 am and 9pm and you can not reach her or any staff after 9 pm. There is no phone in the room and since no one answers when you try to call the hotel I guess it doesn't matter. There was a TV but the controls needed batteries and again we couldn't reach anyone so no TV.
We didn't know all of this and so had a problem trying to pay our bill because we came in after the races and dinner about 9:15 and needed to leave at 8 the next morning.
The bar is open 'til 9 pm and the restaurant doesn't open until 9 am so we never ate or drank there.
Unfortunately, the lady who runs the hotel is also only available between 9 am and 9pm and you can not reach her or any staff after 9 pm. There is no phone in the room and since no one answers when you try to call the hotel I guess it doesn't matter. There was a TV but the controls needed batteries and again we couldn't reach anyone so no TV.
We didn't know all of this and so had a problem trying to pay our bill because we came in after the races and dinner about 9:15 and needed to leave at 8 the next morning.
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Date of stay: April 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are few places that I've stayed where I have been made to feel like family, but this is one of them!
I have stayed at the Valkenburg before, but since my last stay there have been some subtle changes. One such change is the inclusion of the proprietors daughters - Sadhbh and Inez as principle staff. Having grown up and and around hospitality, as well as gaining valuable experience overseas, these two young ladies know what the public expect. A warm smile, quick and efficient service and answers to any questions that you may have. To this end, I cannot fault them.
The other subtle change is the variety of food that the restaurant now provides. Although there is a standard menu that rarely changes, the daily specials are now varied and well priced.
Even though Ballinrobe isn't one of those places that you may have down on your list of places to visit in Ireland, it is well worth a look. With Ashford Castle a few miles down the road and Castlebar half an hour the other way, make sure to stop in and have a meal at the Valkenburg.... Tell them I sent you 😉
I have stayed at the Valkenburg before, but since my last stay there have been some subtle changes. One such change is the inclusion of the proprietors daughters - Sadhbh and Inez as principle staff. Having grown up and and around hospitality, as well as gaining valuable experience overseas, these two young ladies know what the public expect. A warm smile, quick and efficient service and answers to any questions that you may have. To this end, I cannot fault them.
The other subtle change is the variety of food that the restaurant now provides. Although there is a standard menu that rarely changes, the daily specials are now varied and well priced.
Even though Ballinrobe isn't one of those places that you may have down on your list of places to visit in Ireland, it is well worth a look. With Ashford Castle a few miles down the road and Castlebar half an hour the other way, make sure to stop in and have a meal at the Valkenburg.... Tell them I sent you 😉
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Date of stay: July 2015Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Having no reservation in nearby Cong (where I usually stay for €5 less than I was charged at The Valkenburg for a proper 2.5/3 star hotel for B&B) I had no alternative but to stay in nearby (10km?) Ballinrobe. The Valkenburg had been well-reviewed on a hotel consolidator booking website by a few folks who had stayed there in the past and so I thought I'd give it a go.
Check in, if you can call it that, was done at the bar (when I finally found it after trying a series of unwelcoming locked doors in the hallway) where I was told to wait until the server was finished what she was doing and then she'd deal with me. Charming. I explained I was soaked and in a hurry to change and go out again and so she showed me to the room. Essentially the "hotel" rooms appear to be on the second floor of the home of the people who own the pub downstairs - you have to pass through that floor to gain access to the rooms (an assumption; "I had to" I should say). The stale greasy smell permeated through the floors all the way to my room, a basic bedroom which appeared clean on first appearances.
The bathroom was basic too but this is where the issues first manifested themselves; the shower tray was bigger than the actual shower doors and glass walls so there was a perimeter of stagnant murky residue contained between. The doors did not close properly so the bathroom floor was wet seconds after starting the shower. There was only one hand towel and one bath towel. Basic but functional - I didn't look too closely. I got changed and went straight out again.
When I returned later that evening the downstairs bar was closed, no one was around at all. I let myself in only to hear a couple arguing (and then making up and then...) through the wafer thin walls. Before getting into bed I pulled back the new-looking duvet cover to see lots of hairs ironed into the sheets as though the linen had been cleaned and pressed; but not terribly well cleaned. (I slept in my clothes that night.)
Cobwebs and dust on the carpets and skirting (especially behind the bed - I had to pull it out to access a power socket to charge my phone) and the room felt unused and generally damp.
Checking out was as interesting as checking in - not a sign of anyone between 7.45 and 8.15am. I telephoned - the phone was unanswered. Eventually I gave up, left the keys, a note and instructions to charge the credit card they had on file (through the consolidator website) and to email me a copy of the receipt (which they did that morning).
I've stayed in more comfortable hostels with better hygiene standards and superior EVERYTHING in third world locations. In Ireland in 2014 this standard of "hotel" has no place. The view is also worth mentioning; a depressing roof scape of weeds and flaking paint.
While this was a cheap stay, it was poor value for money. Abysmal.
Check in, if you can call it that, was done at the bar (when I finally found it after trying a series of unwelcoming locked doors in the hallway) where I was told to wait until the server was finished what she was doing and then she'd deal with me. Charming. I explained I was soaked and in a hurry to change and go out again and so she showed me to the room. Essentially the "hotel" rooms appear to be on the second floor of the home of the people who own the pub downstairs - you have to pass through that floor to gain access to the rooms (an assumption; "I had to" I should say). The stale greasy smell permeated through the floors all the way to my room, a basic bedroom which appeared clean on first appearances.
The bathroom was basic too but this is where the issues first manifested themselves; the shower tray was bigger than the actual shower doors and glass walls so there was a perimeter of stagnant murky residue contained between. The doors did not close properly so the bathroom floor was wet seconds after starting the shower. There was only one hand towel and one bath towel. Basic but functional - I didn't look too closely. I got changed and went straight out again.
When I returned later that evening the downstairs bar was closed, no one was around at all. I let myself in only to hear a couple arguing (and then making up and then...) through the wafer thin walls. Before getting into bed I pulled back the new-looking duvet cover to see lots of hairs ironed into the sheets as though the linen had been cleaned and pressed; but not terribly well cleaned. (I slept in my clothes that night.)
Cobwebs and dust on the carpets and skirting (especially behind the bed - I had to pull it out to access a power socket to charge my phone) and the room felt unused and generally damp.
Checking out was as interesting as checking in - not a sign of anyone between 7.45 and 8.15am. I telephoned - the phone was unanswered. Eventually I gave up, left the keys, a note and instructions to charge the credit card they had on file (through the consolidator website) and to email me a copy of the receipt (which they did that morning).
I've stayed in more comfortable hostels with better hygiene standards and superior EVERYTHING in third world locations. In Ireland in 2014 this standard of "hotel" has no place. The view is also worth mentioning; a depressing roof scape of weeds and flaking paint.
While this was a cheap stay, it was poor value for money. Abysmal.
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Date of stay: August 2014Trip type: Travelled on business
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Stay in a different hotel.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here for a night on business. Checked in at counter in the small bar. There was a ton of elderly people playing cards just off the stairs. Two flights of stairs later I was shown to my smelly room which was like a bedroom in an old house which had not been touched for years. No kettle for tea or coffee which I would expect anywhere I stay. Only the Irish channels on the TV which I would get over because it's a small town in Mayo. The shower mat was soaked even before I turned on the shower. There was a used shower cap up on top of the shower door. Breakfast didn't start until 9am which is not ideal if your staying on business. Staff were friendly. I often find the accommodation in the West of Ireland poor but for the main hotel in the area a few simple things would make a big difference. Get it together Valk !
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Date of stay: September 2014Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Booked in a hurry for lack of other options, I arrived at The Valkenburg.
The staff were very friendly and helpful.
The room was very basic and whilst not dirty, could have been a lot fresher. It's old and Ballinrobe is not the thriving town I remember of not too long ago, so not surprising.
The hotel really is just a room. The staff are not there and you get a key and the code for the door - that's it. The Wifi (that I needed) wasn't on but no-one to speak to.
Like another reviewer, I had problems paying the bill and I had to leave a note. The hotel are very hard to communicate with and I have ended up paying extra bank fees and charges (having already done so to charge GBP to Euros) to send the payment as an international transfer.
It would have scored average, but this lack of any sort of communication - even an info sheet in the room has brought the score down.
In these difficult times it may be harsh, but they're still running a business that I'm expected to pay for.
Just a few brief instructions on how to check out would have made the whole thing a lot less troublesome.
The staff were very friendly and helpful.
The room was very basic and whilst not dirty, could have been a lot fresher. It's old and Ballinrobe is not the thriving town I remember of not too long ago, so not surprising.
The hotel really is just a room. The staff are not there and you get a key and the code for the door - that's it. The Wifi (that I needed) wasn't on but no-one to speak to.
Like another reviewer, I had problems paying the bill and I had to leave a note. The hotel are very hard to communicate with and I have ended up paying extra bank fees and charges (having already done so to charge GBP to Euros) to send the payment as an international transfer.
It would have scored average, but this lack of any sort of communication - even an info sheet in the room has brought the score down.
In these difficult times it may be harsh, but they're still running a business that I'm expected to pay for.
Just a few brief instructions on how to check out would have made the whole thing a lot less troublesome.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2017Trip type: Travelled on business
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stayed 12 nights with work most friendly place i have ever stayed .in town centre plenty bars res near ideal for tourists to the area do not overlook it great big rooms nice bar res and staff.stayed in room 5 two double beds room was masive
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Date of stay: March 2015Trip type: Travelled on business
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â only stayed in room 5 no probs
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had the pleasure of stating at the Valkenburk whilst visiting Ballingrobe recently.
To be honest, I am a bit of a hotel snob and on first appearance I certainly wasn't enthralled with the place. In order to get to the rooms, you have to navigate quite narrow stairs! As my room was at the very end of the hall on the second story, carrying a full suitcase, laptop bag and a backpack full of my camera kit.... it was indeed an ordeal.
The rooms are very basic and don't expect much more than a bed, an ensuite and free wifi. There are no coffee / tea facilities, no iron or ironing board, no mini bar and no desk. So that's the down side.
Once I got myself settled, I went downstairs and met the owner. This is where the Valkenburg shines! The hotel itself is over 150 years old and given the age, you have to forgive some of the simplicity that it exudes. But the staff, they more than make up for the initial shock. They really can't do enough for you.
The food is simple, yet hearty - but the atmosphere is warm and the locals are happy to have a joke with you (being from Australia I think that I was mainly the joke but that's half the fun).
As it was November and I would say low season in this area of Ireland, I guess that I could have been the only person staying there at the time. It is also easy to see that during the warmer months, this little place would be heaving and you could very easily become another number. But as I didn't experience any of that, I have to give this little gem two thumbs up!
To be honest, I am a bit of a hotel snob and on first appearance I certainly wasn't enthralled with the place. In order to get to the rooms, you have to navigate quite narrow stairs! As my room was at the very end of the hall on the second story, carrying a full suitcase, laptop bag and a backpack full of my camera kit.... it was indeed an ordeal.
The rooms are very basic and don't expect much more than a bed, an ensuite and free wifi. There are no coffee / tea facilities, no iron or ironing board, no mini bar and no desk. So that's the down side.
Once I got myself settled, I went downstairs and met the owner. This is where the Valkenburg shines! The hotel itself is over 150 years old and given the age, you have to forgive some of the simplicity that it exudes. But the staff, they more than make up for the initial shock. They really can't do enough for you.
The food is simple, yet hearty - but the atmosphere is warm and the locals are happy to have a joke with you (being from Australia I think that I was mainly the joke but that's half the fun).
As it was November and I would say low season in this area of Ireland, I guess that I could have been the only person staying there at the time. It is also easy to see that during the warmer months, this little place would be heaving and you could very easily become another number. But as I didn't experience any of that, I have to give this little gem two thumbs up!
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Date of stay: November 2014Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Staff very friendly, chatted away, made us feel very welcome.Breakfast was excellent, overall enjoyable stay. Great location, very central, on street parking. Perfect if exploring general area.ideal if you were attending the Ballinrobe races.
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Date of stay: April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So we arrived and were met by Jill who was very welcoming and very helpful. As our stay was for business and we were leaving early, Jill kindly organised a kettle to make tea with homemade brown bread and left it for us in the morning. I found it very strange that you could not get breakfast before 10am. The hotel served its purpose with a clean bed however the shower was scalding hot and it could not be regulated. The showerhead needs descaling as it sprayed water everywhere. The showertray was nearly overflowing at the end of a quick shower (due to water temp). There is no one in the building in the evening. You are given a front door key.In this day and age the Valkenburg needs to up its game. We stayed in room 5 and while it is a spacious room with 2 double beds the shower facilities were very poor.
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Date of stay: May 2018Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LOCATION
IrelandWestern IrelandProvince of ConnachtCounty MayoBallinrobe
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Valkenburg
What are some of the property amenities at The Valkenburg?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at The Valkenburg?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Valkenburg?
Yes, paid public parking nearby is available to guests.