In the interest of an honest review I will present Renvyle as seen, but my opinions changed for the better as I experienced the stay and it helped me understand some of the negatives.
I feel the hotel is firmly 4 star as advertised. If you want to look squarely at facilities, it may be a 3 star; but if you review the people, service, food and location… you may be on to a 5 star.
The hotel contains a lot of history, but it is certainly dated in a mixture of 80’s/90’s areas amongst some lovely period detail. Sadly, most will be disappointed in the bedrooms when considering the price point. Bedroom decor in the upgraded rooms is very 80’s Executive, but clean and in good condition. Side sea views. The older main house rooms are smaller, but possibly a bit more charm in a 1930’s simplistic way. The Connemara marble bathrooms (“new” wing) are aghast as first, but by the end of the stay you would have it no other way. Showers just fine, linens spotless. The 80’s style furnishings are sadly evident throughout the hotel. The bar fireplaces had been covered with furniture and really ruined the charm a historic hotel bar should retain. This may have been a required response to Covid safety however. The remaining public fire seating was quickly snapped up, with other fires being disappointingly electric. Another lounge area had the atmosphere of a gymnasium floor with inappropriately standard furnishings. Very little antique bric a brac to tie in with the main house architecture.
The hotel shines on service and food experience. The staff work long hours but are unfailingly polite and cordial. Management makes a strong effort to make their guests feel special…with great success. Staff are a mix of Irish charm and efficiency with some youthful Continental European talent providing excellent dining room service. The menu is thoughtfully executed ensuring guests with longer stays have an excellent quality food experience with variety. The food quality at dinner is excellent with local provision. The set dinner menus had amazing variety and offer excellent value. The breakfasts cater to all tastes and are served to order, but promptly. A fantastic food experience.
The hotel is pet friendly and that adds to the overall charm. Pet interaction allow guests to engage with each other with ease. While not permitted in the dining room, the staff will walk your dog while you dine. Otherwise, you may avail of the bar menu with you pet by your side. This will draw an audience seeking the rare pet friendly hotel. If you holiday with your pet, shuffle Renvyle to the top of your list.
Overall, an excellent experience in a brilliant location. Investment in decor and furnishings in line with the history would go a long way, but perhaps that would shift the price point upwards and make this gem inaccessible to many. By the end of your stay, you will likely forgive some decor shortcomings and join the many return visitors that return often. I wish this hardworking team great success as they clearly enjoy what they do. This guest appreciated every effort.
