The Hydro Hotel
Main Street, Lisdoonvarna Ireland
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About
#4 of 7 hotels in Lisdoonvarna
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
The Hydro Hotel is an excellent choice for travellers visiting Lisdoonvarna, offering a charming environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay.
The Hydro Hotel offers guests an array of room amenities including a flat screen TV, and getting online is possible, as free internet access is available.
The hotel offers 24 hour front desk, room service, and baggage storage, to make your visit even more pleasant. The property also features a lounge. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking.
If you like pubs, The Hydro Hotel is conveniently located near The Roadside Tavern, The Matchmaker Bar, and The Royal Spa.
Enjoy your stay in Lisdoonvarna!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Bar / lounge
Tennis court
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour front desk
Public wifi
Restaurant
Laundry service
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Room features
Room service
Telephone
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
Languages Spoken
English, German
Location
72Somewhat walkable
Grade: 72 out of 100
11Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
5Attractionswithin 0.5 km
Contact
Main Street, Lisdoonvarna Ireland
Getting there
Car HireSee all Lisdoonvarna car hire
334Reviews2Q+A46Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviewsTripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore 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.
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Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
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We perform checks on reviews
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.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Stayed here over the Oct bank holiday weekend with an organised tour. From beginning to end it was a dreadful experience! 1st thing people wanted after a 4.5 hour bus trip was food, none available! Manager said the kitchen was too busy preparing dinner for 220 people, that was the start of it! The music event had to be moved to another hotel because the proposed function room had no seating near the stage, this room was used as a dining room and daytime bar, the stage was blocked by pillars and walls so impossible to see the acts. There were two sittings for dinner, 6.30 and 7.30 and instead of asking guests to book ahead, it was first come, first served, we had to queue outside the restaurant from about 6.00pm. The group included a lot of elderly people on walking sticks who also had to queue. The food choice was very limited and not nice, one had to make do or go elsewhere, no discussion! We were not allowed to choose our seats and were expected to share tables with strangers when there were free tables clearly available, this caused arguments and upset. The seats were so cramped together that once seated you could not get out or indeed move your arms at the same time as your neighbour. No concessions were made and when we asked for more water we were told to wait. There were 220 guests that weekend and I know this because the hotel and restaurant manager both told us so many times whenever anyone complained! This was the answer to everything! They clearly couldn't cope. The staff on duty in main area's were rude and unwelcoming and not happy to serve us. I have noticed from the reviews that only the positive ones were addressed by management and not the negative ones, thus ignoring us once again. It is clear to see that the attitude of this hotel towards groups and couples differ enormously and the attention, food, and service given is quite different. To summarise, as a group we were not looked after, it was as though we were not paying guests. The food was awful, service was awful and the whole atmosphere was tense throughout the weekend. Think carefully!…
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Date of stay: October 2019
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Go to a different hotel!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
We stayed here from 25th for 3 nights. We were part of an organised music festival which wasnt very organised. This hotel knew how many people were arriving but didnt put any effort into accommodating the party. Food was a total disgrace and beer ran out very quick.there were no tables or chairs in the main function room. We had to go find our own which the staff werent pleased about. The staff werent very friendly. I gave one star and that was for the cleaning staff
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Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Stayed here on a coach tour. Terrible experience, staff don't speak much English, no interaction between staff and customer only a nod from their head. only three options on the menu for dinner, which I don't eat and asked a waiter could I get something small like a sandwich but was point blank refused. I went and talked to the receptionist she was extremely unhelpful and said my only options was what's on the menu. I ended up going to the local chipper. never have I been treated this way as a driver in any of the hotels iv stayed in. There is a lack of leadership and zero customer service at this hotel.
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Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
4 Helpful votes
Helpful
+1
Steak was great, said the meat eater, and granny liked the egg mayonnaise. Veggie lasagne had seen better days and accompanying veg were rather tired. However, there is a certain charm to the place and its history, which enables some indulgence. Did not stay, but some working WiFi would be good in public areas. Is the man in the suit, who is a great dancer, the proprietor?!
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Date of stay: September 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I stayed in the Hydro for 3 night,and I can honestly say it is one of the worst hotels I have ever stayed in,cold cooked food,tiny bathroom,and the wait for the water to heat up,that should not be the way I. A modern hotel,it is totally different to the website photos.And they charge for tap water in the bar,I asked why and I was told it was because of the festival,so rip people off because of a festival.not good enough.And the day I was due to check out,I got a phonecall from reception telling me it was time to go,this was at 11.59 check out was 12.00,no free time in this hotel,and please decorate the hotel room I stayed in,the same curtains are one the window from 3 years ago,and also the lack of WIFI in the rooms is not on,and only a bad signal in the lobby.most of the staff are friendly but a lot of them are only here for the season,they really are not interested in the paying Irish guests,…
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Date of stay: September 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Great Location in the west of Ireland to visit many of the local attractions. The hotel has a Old world feel about it but what makes the place is the Staff. They are so friendly. Breakfast is served direct to you table and the staff are so efficient & friendly. Food was plentiful and no delay even though it was quite busy on both mornings. The rooms are quiet roomy and super clean. Nice towels & Comfy beds.
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Date of stay: August 2019
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from hydro2017, Reservations at The Hydro Hotel
Responded 3 Sep 2019
Dear KazMeath, Thank you taking the time out to share your visitor experience. We appreciate your positive feedback. Kind regards,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is a slightly old fashioned hotel, family run I believe, and all the better for it. Staff were really friendly and helpful and the rooms large and really comfortable. Ate in the restaurant - a 20 euro steak dinner and it was excellent. I would definitely recommend you give it a try. You wont be disappointed.
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Date of stay: August 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from hydro2017, Reservations at The Hydro Hotel
Responded 3 Sep 2019
Dear 864lesliej, Thank you for sharing your positive visitor experience on TripAdvisor. Kind regards,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Booked with Booking .com Location of Hotel in Lisdoonvarna is excellent . Perfect for travelling to other local towns of Doolin and Lahinch. Walking distance to pubs and restaurants . Hotel looks impressive on approach and staff were very welcoming. Room was at top of house with poor outlook but was clean if very out of date. Bathroom was also clean but in need of refurbishment. Hotel staff were friendly and helpful throughout. Breakfast was served to table and was nice but not impressive. Only stayed one night but would be happy to recommend but with proviso that it has some issues at present.
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Date of stay: August 2019Trip 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.
Helpful
Response from hydro2017, Reservations at The Hydro Hotel
Responded 3 Aug 2019
Dear Mearns2019, Thank you for sharing your visitor experience on TripAdvisor. We appreciate your honest feedback. Kind regards, Reservations
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
I stayed at the Hydro Hotel for two weeks this summer and I loved it so much I started making plans to go back in February only to find out they are closed over the winter! (Nov-Feb). My loss! This is a great Victorian spa hotel in an old Victorian spa town. Unfortunately the spas are not still open, but there is a great Heritage Center located at one of the old spas, which is just a two-minute walk from this hotel. The location is amazing. Lisdoonvarna is the perfect quaint little Irish town that I was looking for in my first trip to Ireland, but could not find in Doolin or Dingle. Lisdoon (as the locals often call it) is a bit smaller and quieter than those two and the better for it. Small and quiet, the town still boasts 2 general stores, 1 pharmacy, 1 post office, 1 tourist shop, and numerous pubs, bars & retaurants. The Hydro Hotel is a five-minute or less walk to all of these things. The Hydro is also located right next to the town's football pitch, so it is pretty quiet most of the time, and guests have easy access to watch a Gaelic football practice if they want. The inside of the Hydro displays its Victorian origins, with antique books lining the walls next to fireplaces, chandeliers, and lounge furniture. A few previous reviewers complained that the place needs an upgrade, with some carpets turning up in corners, etc., but to me that just adds to the authentic charm. I mean, this is a 3-star and not a 4-star hotel. But, it is amazing! There is one large lounge near the check-in, but it is separated into about 3 separate areas, so you don't have to feel like you're hanging out with strangers there if you don't want. There is also a bar, a dance hall (where they have trad music concerts most nights in summer), and a formal dining room. My stay included a full breakfast and a 3-course dinner for every day and the food here is above average for what I've encountered elsewhere in Ireland. The menu usually offered 3-4 appetizers, 3-4 entrees, and 3-4 desserts to choose from. There is always at least one vegeterian entree & appetizer option (& all desserts), however if you're vegan, make sure to ask to speak to the chef personally. One in my party was vegan and it took 24 hours before they had good food options for her. But, once they did -- oh my! Her food looked better tasting than ours! Yum! The food always came out warm and fresh tasting. Since I stayed for such a long time, the chef even made special dishes for my party twice: a sweet & sour chicken with veggie, and a ginger chicken with veggies. Both were superb! I believe the chef is from an Asian country and this is her forte --the Hydro would do well to lean on that and serve more of her native dishes which were the best meals I had at the Hydro. Breakfast consists of choices of cereals, porriges, granola, fruit, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, brown bread, tea, coffee, etc. Nothing eccentric or super fancy, but they did a great job poaching my eggs most mornings and I was very happy with both breakfast and dinner service. While I did not meet a bad staff person anywhere in the dining room, I would like to specially acknowledge my regular server Anil for his friendliness, flexibility, and overall competence. The rooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so be clear with the front desk about what you are looking for. I had to change my room right after checking in because the first room I was given was right above the front door where people stood to smoke and I couldn't stand the smell of the ciggarette smoke coming in through my window. The hotel staff was very accomodating and friendly about the issue and right away gave me a different room further into the building. Housekeeping was great. I got an extra towel and bedsheet quickly and Mol, my housekeeper, even reembered to continue giving me an extra bedsheet whenever she changed the sheets. Every staff person I met at the Hydro was very thoughtful and kind. Other reviewers have pointed out that the Hydro caters to German tour buses. This is true, and many signs in the lobby and the restaurant menu can be found in both English and Germans. My group, however, was not a German tour bus and I do not feel as if we were neglected in the slightest. The Hydro staff all gave us generous attention and friendliness and I found all of the German tour bus groups friendly & smiling as well. The music concerts each night are only put on because of the tour bus crowds, so having the tour buses come there is a positive for other Hydro guests. The bartenders at the Hydro are friendly and quick. Drink prices there are equivalent to other bars in town. You can order a drink before going into dinner and take your drink with you. After dinner I suggest either having a drink at the hotel bar or walking in to the Roadside Tavern. While I might not be able to stay at the Hydro this February, I will definitely be coming back again next summer and will be recommending Lisdoon and the Hydro to anyone else traveling in the area.…
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: To avoid cigarette smoke, ask for a room that is not facing over the front door.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from hydro2017, Reservations at The Hydro Hotel
Responded 3 Aug 2019
Dear angie8_12, Thank you ever so kindly for taking the time out to put such a positive and detailed review of your visitor experience on TripAdvisor. We appreciate your honest feedback and are truly grateful for all the comments. I will personally pass on your compliments to Anil and Mol. We are delighted that you have enjoyed your stay and already looking forward to welcome you at Hydro Hotel next summer. Kind regards, Aksana
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
As a coach driver I have had the misfortune of staying in this hotel on many occasions and the only positive feedback I can offer is that it looks nice from the outside and when you are in the lobby. That is all. The negatives are that I have been allocated a room without a window on a few occasions, the food at dinner time ( tilapia and turkey ) and breakfast time leaves a lot to be desired and the staff are not particularly friendly. Coach parking can also be very difficult. Would I stay here if I didn't have to? A definite no!
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Date of stay: May 2019Trip type: Travelled on business
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
ALSO KNOWN AS
hydro hotel lisdoonvarna
LOCATION
IrelandProvince of MunsterCounty ClareThe BurrenLisdoonvarna
NUMBER OF ROOMS
110
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Hydro Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Hydro Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Burren Smokehouse (0.2 km), The Roadside Tavern (0.2 km), and The Market Bar (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Hydro Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at The Hydro Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Hydro Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Roadside Tavern, Sheedy's Hotel & Restaurant, and The Burren Storehouse.
Is The Hydro Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.2 km away from the centre of Lisdoonvarna.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Hydro Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and German.
Are there any historical sites close to The Hydro Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Poulnabrone Dolmen (10.3 km), Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations (10.3 km), and O'Brien's Tower (11.1 km).
Is The Hydro Hotel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.