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Butler Arms Hotel
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About
#1 of 4 hotels in Waterville
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
If you’re looking for a romantic hotel in Waterville, look no further than Butler Arms Hotel.
Given the close proximity of popular landmarks, such as Coomakesta Pass (0.2 mi) and Church Island (1.7 mi), guests of Butler Arms Hotel can easily experience some of Waterville's most well known attractions.
Guest rooms offer a flat screen TV, and Butler Arms Hotel makes getting online easy as free wifi is available.
You can also take advantage of some of the amenities offered by the hotel, including room service, newspaper, and baggage storage. In addition, guests can enjoy free breakfast during their visit. As an added convenience, there is free parking available to guests.
While visiting Waterville, you may want to try some ribs at one of the nearby restaurants, such as Dooleys Seafood & Steak House.
There is no shortage of things to do in the area: explore popular monuments and statues such as Charlie Chaplin Statue, Mick O'Dwyer Statue, and Longitude and Latitude Stone.
The staff at Butler Arms Hotel looks forward to serving you during your upcoming visit.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Beach
Hiking
Babysitting
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Secured parking
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Billiards
Darts
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Room service
Safe
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Ocean view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Business
Location
Ring of Kerry, Waterville 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: 75 out of 100
75
Kerry County Airport
59.3 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
13 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’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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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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Detailed Reviews
Unique type of place reminiscent of the Hamptons, etc. Reminds me of that place in the movie Dirty Dancing. They had the Charlie Chaplin Restaurant and I think Chuck is supposed to have frequented this place or slept here or something. The included breakfast had about five or six choices from the menu and was great. Nice looking place with fantastic sunset water views from our room. Very nice rooms and bathrooms.
On the slightly negative side: All of the electronic locks on the room doors had bare wiring and the batteries exposed. (Photo) Kind of schlocky for such a nice place. The shower controls were horrible. No grab bars except for when using the tub. Very slippery. Not enough to keep me from going back. Overall, a positive experience.
On the slightly negative side: All of the electronic locks on the room doors had bare wiring and the batteries exposed. (Photo) Kind of schlocky for such a nice place. The shower controls were horrible. No grab bars except for when using the tub. Very slippery. Not enough to keep me from going back. Overall, a positive experience.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
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.
Response from Michael Lally, General Manager at Butler Arms Hotel
Responded 6 Jan 2025
Dear Pobox518, Thank you very much for taking the time to review our hotel following your stay with us. I am delighted that you had a positive experience. Yes Charlie Chaplin was a big fan of the hotel and was a regular guest back in the day. I am sorry that our electronic locks were out of order during your stay with us, they have since been repaired. I look forward to hopefully welcoming you and Ruby back at some stage in the future to the Butler Arms Hotel. Kind regards, Michael Lally General Manager gm@butlerarms.com
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed for one night while walking the Kerry Way booked through Macs Adventures.
We arrived late after a long, arduous stage arriving at 6.30 pm, tired and hungry.
The receptionist was very friendly and helpful, the room was magnificent with sea views and with everything we needed to make us comfortable. The evening meal and breakfast was also excellent.
Our only regret was that we didn't take a rest day and stay for another night.
This is one of the nicest hotels we have stayed at in a long time and this was my sixth trek this year in addition to other holidays!
Well done!
We arrived late after a long, arduous stage arriving at 6.30 pm, tired and hungry.
The receptionist was very friendly and helpful, the room was magnificent with sea views and with everything we needed to make us comfortable. The evening meal and breakfast was also excellent.
Our only regret was that we didn't take a rest day and stay for another night.
This is one of the nicest hotels we have stayed at in a long time and this was my sixth trek this year in addition to other holidays!
Well done!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: If you are walking the Kerry Way, take a day off here and stay an additional night.
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.
Response from Michael Lally, General Manager at Butler Arms Hotel
Responded 28 Sept 2023
Dear bobe882, Thank you for taking the time to review our hotel following your recent stay with us. I am delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us and found everything to be fantastic! I look forward to hopefully welcoming you back at some stage in the future to the Butler Arms Hotel. Kind regards, Michael Lally General Manager gm@butlerarms.com
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent a very relaxing week here in early July. Given the current concerns around covid, Louise and Paula (the owners) are doing an excellent job of endeavouring to protect both guests and staff. All staff wear masks or facial visors around the hotel and restaurant. There is a dedicated staff member who spends the day cleaning all regularly touched surfaces in common areas. The room was spacious with a gorgeous view of the sea and coastline. The restaurant which has windows along one side looking out over the sea, is beautifully decorated with touches of art deco. But more importantly, while not cheap, the food is delicious. While we mostly explored the coast line between Catherdaniel and Valentia island, the hotel has several gorgeous communal rooms (many of which were rarely used). This is a great hotel for couples and singles. While it doesn't have a spa, it has old world charm that has been kept up to date. It's a excellent place to explore the area from, with Derrynane House ( interesting tours of Daniel O'Connells house & great coffee shop) and stunning beach a few kms away, and Valentia island with views over the skelligs also close by. We had a delicious (fish/seafood) meal at The Point gastropub. My only (very minor) complaint would be that I had to ask for tea/coffee facilities for the room - with the wild Atlantic, two days we couldn't see out of the room with the rain. But we had several sunny days and the beaches here don't disappoint.
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Date of stay: July 2020
Cleanliness
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.
We recently stayed at the Butler Arms Hotel and unfortunately we will not be making a return visit under the current management or ownership.
The appearance of the hotel is extremely tired and the bedroom that we occupied needs a full refurb with very dated and shabby decor and in-room facilities (instant coffee sachets!).
While the food was tasty and well presented, having booked dinner as part of our stay, the €50 allowance per person against the a la carte menu struck us as very low in proportion to the overall cost of our overnight package and the poor condition of our room.
The Butler Arms seems to be attempting to operate under its previous, historic reputation but currently is falling very short of that.
The appearance of the hotel is extremely tired and the bedroom that we occupied needs a full refurb with very dated and shabby decor and in-room facilities (instant coffee sachets!).
While the food was tasty and well presented, having booked dinner as part of our stay, the €50 allowance per person against the a la carte menu struck us as very low in proportion to the overall cost of our overnight package and the poor condition of our room.
The Butler Arms seems to be attempting to operate under its previous, historic reputation but currently is falling very short of that.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
Response from Michael Lally, General Manager at Butler Arms Hotel
Responded 15 Aug 2024
Dear MissyMC_2015, I am sorry that our hotel was not to your liking. To address the points that you made in your review - Hotel needing a refurbishment - Our hotel had substantial refurbishment works at the beginning of the season, with both the exterior and interior of the hotel all getting freshly painted. New 50 inch smart tvs were installed in all of our guestrooms. All of our exterior windows and doors were serviced and brought up to spec (needs to happen every couple of years due to our close proximity to the Ocean). New armchairs and desk chair in all of our rooms. New bedding. Additional ceiling lights in all rooms. Some guest rooms and hallways had new carpet fitted. The bathrooms were also all painted, and re-grouted along with the toiletries being upgraded. I'm lost as to what exactly you found extremely tired or shabby ?? Regarding dinner - our starters range in price from €7.50 to €14.90, the average being around €12 , our main courses range in price from €19.90 to €39, the average being €28 - €30 and our homemade desserts are all €8.50, so a €50 allocation does generally cover it. We do try our best to provide good value to our diners as much as possible. I am glad to note that you found the food tasty and well presented. We are very proud of our historic reputation and thankfully continue to have a huge amount of repeat customers who come back to us every year, some of which stay with us a few times per year and we always look forward to welcoming them back as well as our new guests, whether they are coming to golf or fish or go horseback riding or walk the Kerry way or cycle one of the many local cycle routes or just enjoy the beach and views of the water and mountains from their rooms. Kind regards, Michael Lally General Manager gm@butlerarms.com
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A very tasty, well priced and fun dinner at the Butlers Arms, in a lovely dining room, looking out at the Atlantic Ocean.
Oysters, Crab Cakes, Turbot. Pork Belly- all perfectly cooked and beautifully paired, washed down with an affogato to finish.
The wine list was also interesting and fairly priced. And the meal was lovingly brought together by cheery and attentive service from Lauren, Alina, Eliza and Maeve.
Will definitely be back next time we're in town. Thank you !
Oysters, Crab Cakes, Turbot. Pork Belly- all perfectly cooked and beautifully paired, washed down with an affogato to finish.
The wine list was also interesting and fairly priced. And the meal was lovingly brought together by cheery and attentive service from Lauren, Alina, Eliza and Maeve.
Will definitely be back next time we're in town. Thank you !
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Response from Michael Lally, General Manager at Butler Arms Hotel
Responded 22 Jul 2024
Dear Quentin S, Thank you very much for taking the time to review your recent visit to Charlies Restaurant. All of the team were delighted to read about your positive experience, especially the four that you named. Theyre a great bunch! I'm lucky to have them! I look forward to hopefully welcoming you back at some stage in the future to Charlies Restaurant. Kind regards, Michael Lally General Manager gm@butlerarms.com
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Visited Butlers Arms to have lunch. We hadnt booked. Walked into restaurant, waitress said to sit anywhere so we chose a table by the window and started perusing the menu. A man who acted as tho he was head waiter or restaurant manager came over to us snd rudely told us to move as table was booked. (No sign on table). He pointed to ano table and abruptly said sit there. No apology, restaurant not full. Poor waitress having to work with such a poor example of customer service. We regularly eat at better establishments than this appeared to be. We got up and left.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from Michael Lally, General Manager at Butler Arms Hotel
Responded 22 Jul 2024
Dear T9243PEsuee, I am sorry that you had such poor first impression. I will follow up with my Restaurant team. I do hope that you give us a chance to redeem ourselves at some stage in the future. If I can be of any assistance with any future reservations please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Kind regards, Michael Lally General Manager gm@butlerarms.com
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Absolutely terrible service, extemely rude receptionist and waitress (the older woman, the younger ones were friendly but badly trained). We never got our water, had to ask three times for ketchup and eventually had to get up to get it ourselves, the sandwich (10.95 for cheese tomato and onion toastie) was so stale and dry I could barely eat half of it. Waitress dripping with attitude when I complained about it. Very slow as well, we wasted ages sitting there. To be avoided, there are plenty of nice, friendly places on the Ring.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Response from Paula Huggard, Owner at Butler Arms Hotel
Responded 29 Jun 2022
Dear Stephanie, After reading your review I am absolutely shocked that a tour guide who works within the hospitality industry could write such a damaging and one sided review. My receptionist and my dining room team reported to me about your aggressive behavior in Charlie's restaurant last Saturday lunch time. You failed to mention in your review that your main problem with our restaurant was not the food and service that you received but the fact you were charged for your meal. You brought a party of six guests and according to my staff you made it quite clear to both the restaurant and reception teams that you were not happy that you were charged for your meal, and you made it quite clear that you would not bring guests to the Butler Arms again. Now it is not our policy to give anyone complementary meals we do not advertise group bookings for our lunch time service but do accept walk ins when we have availability. Our staff work extremely hard and should not have been spoken to in the manner in which you spoke to them, as a tour guide your recommendations and your reviews should not be based on weather or not you receive a complementary lunch.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We visited Charlie’s restaurant for dinner.
The evening was very enjoyable, excellent food, pleasant service, just a really nice night. We all had fish and the kids could get a half portion which was reasonably priced. The specials were varied - I had scallops to start and John Dory and my wife had tue monkfish curry. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
The evening was very enjoyable, excellent food, pleasant service, just a really nice night. We all had fish and the kids could get a half portion which was reasonably priced. The specials were varied - I had scallops to start and John Dory and my wife had tue monkfish curry. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
It had been a number of years since I lasted visited the Butler Arms Hotel, but given that it is still in the hands of the Huggard family who have been in the hospitality business for generations. I had no hesitation in recommending a stay to my friends
We spent the Easter weekend and it did not disappoint. On arrival we were greeted by friendly and very helpful staff. It has a feeling of a warm family run hotel as apposed to other hotels in which I have stayed. All areas were beautifully and tastefully decorated, with ample lounges to give a spacious feeling. The bedrooms were spacious with a sea view.
We had dinner in the dining room on the first two evening, which was excellent both the quality of raw material and cooking and presentation 100% We would have dined in the third night but as the menu was the same, we choose to eat else where. (unfortunately)
Well done to Paula and louise Huggard for professionalism and attention to detail.
The only negative point I will make is on room pricing. (I am comparing this hotel with very similar hotels in which I have stayed) single occupancy is charge at the same rate at double occupancy. I believe this to be unfair as one person is using have the towels, hot water etc and eating one breakfast rather than two. If a charge is to be made it ought to be a supplement. The full rate discriminates against single people. I would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel but personally would not stay again re pricing of room policy.
We spent the Easter weekend and it did not disappoint. On arrival we were greeted by friendly and very helpful staff. It has a feeling of a warm family run hotel as apposed to other hotels in which I have stayed. All areas were beautifully and tastefully decorated, with ample lounges to give a spacious feeling. The bedrooms were spacious with a sea view.
We had dinner in the dining room on the first two evening, which was excellent both the quality of raw material and cooking and presentation 100% We would have dined in the third night but as the menu was the same, we choose to eat else where. (unfortunately)
Well done to Paula and louise Huggard for professionalism and attention to detail.
The only negative point I will make is on room pricing. (I am comparing this hotel with very similar hotels in which I have stayed) single occupancy is charge at the same rate at double occupancy. I believe this to be unfair as one person is using have the towels, hot water etc and eating one breakfast rather than two. If a charge is to be made it ought to be a supplement. The full rate discriminates against single people. I would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel but personally would not stay again re pricing of room policy.
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Date of stay: April 2022
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.
We stayed here last night and were so happy we picked the Butler Arms. It's a really lovely hotel in the middle of Waterville and has the most amazing sea views. We stayed in an executive room which was absolutely gorgeous. The view from the room was magnificent. Yesterday was an extremely wet and stormy day, and it was fabulous to sit in our two arm chairs looking out of our huge picture window as the storm unfurled. The view at night was equally spectacular, especially as the wind howled. This morning was lovely and dry and the sun started to come out. We had to delay our departure to enjoy an extra cup of tea and admire the wonderful view and different colours now that better weather had returned. The hotel is just across the road from the beach so perfect for strolling or running on the prom.
In COVID times, this is a really clean and safe hotel. I think we counted about 5 hand sanitiser stations between reception and our room, all placed discretely on occasional tables. All staff wore masks. Tables in the dining room had been rearranged to ensure distancing and breakfast times were staggered. The food in Charlies was delicious. Breakfast was so generous with so many options. I had hake which was panfried and served with tomato and lemon juice. Yum! Porridge, fresh fruit, granola, yogurt, scones, anything you wanted was available.
We met friends for dinner in Charlies restaurant and were so happy we chose to eat in the hotel. This is restaurant and not hotel food. Wonderful produce and cooked perfectly. The black sole should not be missed.
Improvements, not many to note. I don't like soap dispensers in bedrooms and was glad we had brought gel etc from the place we stayed in the night before ( Voya and amazing). Our room was painted yellow and probably next in line for redecoration. The bed was very comfortable and the room was lovely and warm.
As you can tell, we had a wonderful time and look forward to returning soon.
In COVID times, this is a really clean and safe hotel. I think we counted about 5 hand sanitiser stations between reception and our room, all placed discretely on occasional tables. All staff wore masks. Tables in the dining room had been rearranged to ensure distancing and breakfast times were staggered. The food in Charlies was delicious. Breakfast was so generous with so many options. I had hake which was panfried and served with tomato and lemon juice. Yum! Porridge, fresh fruit, granola, yogurt, scones, anything you wanted was available.
We met friends for dinner in Charlies restaurant and were so happy we chose to eat in the hotel. This is restaurant and not hotel food. Wonderful produce and cooked perfectly. The black sole should not be missed.
Improvements, not many to note. I don't like soap dispensers in bedrooms and was glad we had brought gel etc from the place we stayed in the night before ( Voya and amazing). Our room was painted yellow and probably next in line for redecoration. The bed was very comfortable and the room was lovely and warm.
As you can tell, we had a wonderful time and look forward to returning soon.
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Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Go for an executive room.
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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"You will find a bit of a wait for breakfast as its cooked to order. Allow for this as it is worth it."Read full review
"If you are walking the Kerry Way, take a day off here and stay an additional night. "Read full review
"The tub is quite a step up/down to the floor. Be careful, especially when stepping out!"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
€170 - €252 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
butler arms waterville, hotel butler arms
LOCATION
IrelandProvince of MunsterCounty KerryWaterville
NUMBER OF ROOMS
29
Prices are provided by our partners, 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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Claim Your ListingBUTLER ARMS HOTEL | UPDATED 2024 Reviews & Price Comparison (Waterville, Ireland) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Butler Arms Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Butler Arms Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Charlie Chaplin Statue (0.2 km), Waterville Beach (0.2 km), and Mick O'Dwyer Statue (0.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Butler Arms Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Butler Arms Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Butler Arms Hotel?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Butler Arms Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Lobster Bar & Restaurant, Dooleys Seafood & Steak House, and Fishermen's Bar.
Is Butler Arms Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.06 km away from the centre of Waterville.
Are pets allowed at Butler Arms Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Butler Arms Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and a banquet room during their stay.
Are there any historical sites close to Butler Arms Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Derrynane House (7.8 km), Church Island (2.7 km), and The Atlantic Telegraph Waterville (0.5 km).
Does Butler Arms Hotel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is Butler Arms Hotel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.