Uncover Ardmore's Hidden Gem: The Round Tower Hotel Awaits!
Uncovering Ardmore's Secrets: The Round Tower Hotel – A Whirlwind Review (Buckle Up!)
Alright, folks, let's talk about the Round Tower Hotel in Ardmore. I just emerged, blinking, from its…well, its everything. This place is a proper EXPERIENCE. Forget your polished, generic hotel chains. This is Ardmore, baby! And trust me, this place isn’t just about a room and a bed. It's a whole vibe.
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- Title: Uncover Ardmore's Hidden Gem: The Round Tower Hotel Awaits! - A Detailed Review
- Keywords: Round Tower Hotel, Ardmore, Ireland, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, Wi-Fi, Family-Friendly, Beach, Coastal Hotel, Luxury Hotel, Amenities, Things to do in Ardmore, Hotel Amenities, Disabled Access, Dog-Friendly (if allowed!), Family Friendly Hotel
- Meta Description: Is the Round Tower Hotel your next escape? Dive into our honest review! We cover accessibility, dining, spa experiences, cleanliness, and everything in between. Get ready for a candid look at this Irish gem!
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic)
Pulling up, the Round Tower does stand out. It's… well, round. And majestic. And then… there’s the car park situation. Let's just say, if you’re used to a sprawling, readily available parking space, prepare for a bit of an adventure. Thankfully, it's free (Car park [free of charge]), phew! Finding a spot was akin to a mini treasure hunt. But hey, it adds character, right? (Car park [on-site] – technically). The entrance? Grand. The staff at the 24-hour front desk were lovely, genuinely friendly. You know, the sort who actually seem happy to see you, not just reciting a script. The check-in? (Contactless check-in/out) Surprisingly smooth. Felt like magic!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and a Lesson in Real Life)
Okay, here’s where things get… real. The hotel offers facilities for disabled guests. (Facilities for disabled guests) And the elevator (Elevator) is there. However, navigating the building? Not always seamless. Let's just say, I'd recommend calling ahead and being specific about your needs. Some areas are just… a little less accessible than others. It’s not bad, but it definitely wasn’t perfect. I spotted a few stairs, and there's probably a better way to get around than I did. It's not a deal-breaker, but definitely something to be aware of, particularly if wheelchair accessible (Wheelchair accessible) is a huge priority.
Rooms: Cozy and Quirky
The rooms? (Rooms sanitized between stays). I'm in! Clean. (Cleanliness and safety). And they’ve got a charming, slightly old-world feel. Think comfy beds (Extra long bed – definitely not complaining), nice linens (Linens), and everything you need. (Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens). I loved the little touches, like the complimentary tea (Complimentary tea) and the extra pillows. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? (Free Wi-Fi) Big win! The internet (Internet) was generally good, though I did have a slight hiccup streaming a movie one evening. (internet access – wireless).
That Pool with a View and other relaxing things
The pool with a view (Pool with view) is… wow. Just WOW. Seriously, the view is worth the price of admission alone. I spent a solid two hours just floating, staring out at the ocean. Pure bliss. And the spa? (Spa) It’s a must! I indulged in a massage (Massage) and almost drifted off to sleep. (Spa/sauna). They also have a sauna (Sauna) and steam room (Steamroom). Things to do (Things to do, ways to relax) are definitely not in short supply here. Honestly, I might have stayed in there forever.
Dining: A Culinary Adventure (and a Few Minor Mishaps)
Let's talk food. The restaurants (Restaurants) are pretty good. The Breakfast [buffet] (Breakfast [buffet]) is epic! (Breakfast [buffet]). I overate. Several times. The pastries were my downfall! You can enjoy A la carte in restaurant (A la carte in restaurant) and there are also Restaurants (Restaurants) for your lunch and dinner. They've got a good range of options. The Asian Cuisine in restaurant (Asian cuisine in restaurant) was a pleasant surprise. Vegetarian restaurant (Vegetarian restaurant) options are available. and the Bar (Bar) is a great place for a casual bite.
The service? (Staff trained in safety protocol). Generally very attentive, ready to help at all times. Okay, I had a mix-up with my room service (Room service [24-hour]) order one night. They brought me the wrong thing (a very spicy dish when I had specifically requested mild). BUT, they fixed it immediately, and the manager was incredibly apologetic. Mishaps happen. What matters is how they are handled, and they handled it brilliantly.
Cleanliness and Safety in a Post-Pandemic World
The hotel is taking cleanliness seriously. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment). You can see the effort everywhere. Lots of hand sanitizer stations, staff wearing masks, and generally a feeling of security. Room sanitization? (Rooms sanitized between stays). Excellent. They really made me feel safe. It’s reassuring to witness such meticulous care, even if some measures might seem a little over the top.
Extra Bits and Bobs (The Quirky Stuff)
- The Terrace: (Terrace) Perfect spot to sip a cocktail and watch the sunset. Bliss.
- The Shrine: (Shrine) Yes, there's a shrine. Seriously. Adds to the unique charm.
- Babysitting service: (Babysitting service). I did not use it, but it is there for your children!
- The Staff: Seriously, the staff. They are the heart and soul of this hotel.
- Smoking area: (Smoking area) They have a smoking area. You've been warned!
Things That Maybe Weren't Perfect (Because Perfection is Boring)
- The gym/fitness center could use a bit of an upgrade (Gym/fitness).
- Some areas are a little dated. Not a huge deal, but it does add to the ‘old-world charm’ feeling.
- The car park!! I’ve said it before, but… the car park.
Overall Impression: Would I Go Back? (Absolutely!)
The Round Tower Hotel isn't just a place to sleep. It's an experience. Yes, it has its imperfections. Things are not always perfect. In fact, the slightly messy, slightly quirky nature of the place is part of its charm. It's not a sterile, predictable hotel chain. It's a vibrant, breathing, slightly imperfect place.
The staff, the views, the spa… it’s all worth it. And the feeling you get—the feeling of being truly away—is priceless.
I’m already planning my return. Book it! You won't regret it. Just maybe bring a map for the car park. 😉
Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars (and a prayer for a better parking spot!)
Escape to Paradise: Bali's BEST Sari Room B&B Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my attempt to conquer (and maybe fail spectacularly) the Round Tower Hotel in Ardmore, Ireland. Prepare for rambles, tangents, and enough emotional whiplash to make you seasick.
Subject: Round Tower Rumble: Ardmore & All Its Quirky Glory (and maybe just a little drizzle)
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Immediate Panic)
10:00 AM - Dublin Airport (DUB) - The Great Escape: Okay, so, the flight was delayed. As always. Honestly, I feel like I've spent half my life staring at a departure board. The other half? Probably fantasizing about Guinness. Anyways, running late, because naturally. Managed to grab a lukewarm coffee and a ham sandwich that tasted suspiciously like airplane glue. This is going to be a trip.
12:30 PM - Catching the Rail (hopefully) - The bus. The bus! Don't judge me, I'm cheap. I got on the bus, because I couldn't be late or else I'd miss the only bus that goes to Ardmore.
2:00 PM - Ardmore - The Sea, the Sand, and the Sudden Realization I Forgot Socks: Stepped out of the bus, took a deep breath of that salty Irish air. It was… glorious. Actually, the most glorious thing I'd seen since I last looked at a map of Ireland. The Round Tower loomed against the sky, majestic and ancient. Then I looked down. Bare ankles. Socks. Panic. Not the best first impression to be making. Luckily, the hotel was a stone's throw away.
2:30 PM - Round Tower Hotel Check-In - (Un)packing Chaos: The hotel lobby was like… stepping into a postcard. Cozy, charming, and smelling faintly of old books and maybe a hint of wet wool. I'm a sucker for that smell. But, wow, they're very serious about being in the hotel. I was exhausted before I was in the room. And the room! Oh, the room. Quaint, with a view that nearly knocked me over. Right, unpack. Right? More like, fling things. The 'organized chaos' of a seasoned traveler, they say. More like 'I’m pretty sure my suitcase exploded in there'. Where are my socks!?
3:30 PM - The Quest for Socks (and Guinness) - Found a shop in the village. Grabbed a pair of the brightest, most offensively patterned socks I could find. Success! Then, the pilgrimage began: The pub. O'Neill's. It has to be done. The first pint of Guinness. That creamy head, that rich, dark… it was like liquid velvet. I sat there, feeling the stress of the day melt away. Took a deep breath. Life was good.
6:00 PM - Sunset Stroll…and the Unforeseen Mud: Okay, feeling optimistic after the Guinness. Decided on a walk on the beach, only to find the best view. Gorgeous. Then I stepped in a squelchy, muddy puddle. Cue the sigh. Right. Clean socks. And maybe some waterproof boots. Note to self.
7:30 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant - (Almost) Culinary Perfection: The food! The food was incredible. Fresh seafood, melt-in-your-mouth lamb. Ate so much, I thought I might roll straight upstairs. Except then I noticed a couple on a very romantic date, and I just kind of… stared, a little wistfully. Solo travel, you know? It has its lonely moments.
9:00 PM - The Late Night- (Over-enthusiastic) Star Gazing: They told me the light pollution was minimal. So I sat out on the balcony, drinking tea (trying to be civilized) and staring at the stars. Absolutely covered in midges. Swatting and muttering. Decided to go in. Maybe star-gazing isn't my thing.
Day 2: Round Tower Focus & Tidal Woes
8:00 AM - The Hotel Breakfast - (Scrumptious, Though I May Have Over-Caffeinated): Full Irish breakfast, the works. Fried bread, black pudding, the whole shebang. Fueling up for a day of exploring! Coffee was strong. Too strong.
9:30 AM - The Round Tower’s Secrets: It's even more impressive up close. The history, the architecture. I got a tour. The guide's name was Finn, and he was brilliant. He made it all come alive. It was amazing.
11:00 AM - Cliff Walk - (Unexpected Cardio): The cliff walk! Dramatic views! Breathtaking! Until my legs started screaming. Seriously, it's not just a walk, it's a hike. But the scenery was worth it. I even saw a seal. Seriously. A real seal.
1:00 PM - Lunch at a Local Cafe - (Accidental French Lesson): Stopped for lunch at a tiny café in the village. Managed to order a sandwich by somehow speaking in slightly broken French to the waiter, who looked a little bewildered. Success!
2:30 PM - Beach Exploration - (Tidal Woes and Pensive Moments): Back to the beach. Tried to take a photo of the waves. Got splashed. Realized the tide was coming in a lot faster than I thought, as in almost-trapped-by-the-sea fast. Rushed back to the hotel. Wow.
4:00 PM - Relaxing in the Room - (Maybe. A Little): Tried to chill. Read a book. Kept getting this weird urge to run out and do something. Maybe I'm not the best at relaxing, but I did get to admire the lovely view from my room.
6:00 PM - Dinner at…Somewhere Else: Decided to venture away from the hotel. Found a charming place that served the freshest fish I've ever tasted. Simple, perfect.
7:30 PM - Evening Stroll - (The Quest for Local Ghosts?): Back out. The light was golden. The village was quiet. Wandered past the graveyard. Maybe I'm being silly, but I swear I heard a whisper of wind. Cue spine-tingle. I didn't see ghosts, but I did see some really old headstones.
Optional Day 3: Maybe I'll Stay (or Maybe I'll Flee)
- 8:00 AM - Another Irish Breakfast (duh)
- 9:00 AM - Last Minute wander and gift shop.
- 10:00 AM - Final Views
- 12:00 PM - Departure
Things I Learned:
- Irish weather is unpredictable. Bring a jacket!
- Guinness is a food group.
- Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you don't plan.
- I need better planning skills (and maybe a laundry service).
- Ardmore has its own magic. I'm already planning my return. (Just gotta get some better socks.)
Overall Emotional Rating: A solid 9/10 (with a slightly damp sock-related deduction). This trip? Worth every slightly soggy step.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Venus, Ooty - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
So, is this Round Tower Hotel thing actually *hidden*? Because I'm terrible at finding things.
Okay, “hidden” might be a *slight* exaggeration. It’s not like the Ark of the Covenant, you know? But Ardmore's pretty small, and you *could* easily drive right past it if you weren't paying attention. Which, let's be honest, I've done. More than once. It’s tucked away just off the main road, a bit like a well-kept secret...mostly because Ardmore's got its own vibe, and not everyone *knows* to look for boutique hotels. Think of it as...a treasure hunt where the treasure is comfy beds and good Guinness. Just watch out for the sheep, they'll judge your driving skills.
Alright, alright. What's the *vibe* like? Is it all stuffy and fancy-pants, or…?
Thankfully, NOT stuffy. Thank. God. It's more... relaxed elegance, I'd say. Think cozy fires, beautiful views (especially at sunrise!), and a genuine friendliness from the staff. I actually remember one time, I spilled coffee *all over* my favorite sweater at breakfast. Total mortification. But the waitress? She just laughed, said "Happens to the best of us, love," and brought me a steaming mug of fresh tea, and a stain remover magically appearing like she was a wizard. Saved my day, seriously. They're good people. Really good people. And I mean, they *have* to be, dealing with tourists all day.
About these "Round Towers"... are there *actual* round towers? And I’m hoping for epic views.
There’s *a* round tower. Obviously. It's one of the oldest monastic sites in Ireland. Yeah, seriously, it's pretty cool. And yes, the views are epic. You're right there on the coast, with the cliffs, the sea, the whole shebang. One time, I was sitting in my room, procrastinating (as usual), staring out the window, and I *swear* I saw a pod of dolphins playing! Maybe it was the Guinness talking, but it was magical. Okay, it was probably the Guinness. But still! Breathtaking. Pure escapism. Just, you know, pack binoculars. Unless you believe in dolphin telepathy, in which case, more luck with that. I'm still learning.
The food. Let's get real. Is it any good? Because hotel food can be a crapshoot.
Okay. Look. I'm a foodie. I *crave* good food. And the food at the Round Tower? Is. Delicious. Seriously. Like, I would go back just for the chowder. Creamy, rich, with just a hint of…I don't know. Secret ingredient? I have no idea. But it's heavenly. Their seafood is insanely fresh, obviously, given the location. And they do a mean Sunday roast. My advice? Book a table. Seriously. Book. A. Table. You will NOT regret it. Just be prepared to unbutton your trousers afterwards. (Or at least I did, every single time.)
I'm a complete klutz. Are the rooms…easy to navigate? Not crammed with antiques I'll break?
Relief! They're beautifully decorated, yes, but not *crammed* with breakables. They've got style, but they're also functional. You can *move* in them. I've been in hotel rooms that are so jam-packed with furniture, you feel like you're in a museum, terrified to breathe. This isn't like that. And the bathrooms! Clean, spacious, with good water pressure (a MUST!). Though, I do remember one time, I managed to lock myself out on the balcony. Couldn't get back in. Had to wave desperately at some poor couple in the garden below. Mortifying. Thankfully, the staff were super understanding *and* quite amused. They even gave me a free drink. So, learn from my mistake. Don't get locked out on the balcony! (Seriously, though, it *could* happen to anyone...).
What's the best time to go? I'm thinking avoiding crowds…
Shoulder seasons are the sweet spot! Think Spring or Autumn. You get the beautiful scenery without the summer crowds (and the price hike!). Summer is gorgeous, but it's busy, and you'll be jostling for space. Winter can be atmospheric, but it can also be...well, cold and rainy. Spring is perfect for walking the coastal paths. Autumn, for cozying up by the fire. I went in October once. Glorious. The colours! The smells! The general sense of "Ah, this is the life!". Do your research, look at the weather forecasts, and then...book! Seriously, just book it. You deserve it.
This sounds great. But what's the catch? There's always a catch.
Alright, alright. The "catch"... Well, expect to spend money. It's a boutique hotel, so it's not exactly budget travel. But, c'mon, you're treating yourself! And the quality justifies the price, honestly. Also, it's Ardmore. It's a *small* place. If you NEED to be in the thick of things, with tons of shops and nightlife, this isn't it. This is a place for chilling out. Actually, the other catch…and this is more of a personal problem… I always, ALWAYS end up wanting to stay longer. Seriously, I go for a weekend, and I'm suddenly trying to re-arrange my life to stay for a week. It’s that relaxing. Or maybe I just need to get a grip. Hmm.
Okay, sold. Any insider tips for a first-timer? Spill the beans!
Okay, okay...here's the lowdown... First, book a room with a sea view. Worth. Every. Penny. Second, pack walking shoes! The coastal walks are incredible. Third, try the pub next door. It's got heaps of character and you might meet a local or two who'll tell you about the "real" Ardmore. (Ask for Mary, she knows everything!). Finally…and this is the most important…don't be afraid to just… *be*. Read a book, stare at the sea, and just…breathe. That’s the magic of the Round Tower Hotel. You’ll thank me later. Probably. Or maybe you won't. Either way, enjoy!
