Readers suggest hotels that do it right, and complain about car hire, to CONOR POPE

Hotels to bring a smile to your face

We have been asking readers of the Pricewatch blog to send in examples of good and bad holiday experiences in Ireland this summer. Perhaps surprisingly, the responses so far have been almost entirely positive.

Tom Ennis was first up. He spent two nights in the Westport Plaza, Co Mayo in June and says he’d always recommend it.

“They’re usually doing a midweek deal that’s good value and it’s definitely not a plastic, have-a-nice-day outfit. The welcome always feels genuine,” he says.

For a reader named Maeve, the Connemara Lake Hotel in Oughterard, Co Galway has been the stand-out destination this summer.

It is owned by Olivier Jasko, formerly of Jasko’s Bistro on Dublin’s Dame Street, and she describes the food as “superb” and says “the amazingly designed rooms are only €65”.

She was also one of a number of readers to recommend the Park Inn in Mulranny, Co Mayo, which she says is “offering great mid-week deals for families”.

Paul M got a great deal for the June bank-holiday weekend in the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, Co Clare. “It was a delight to stay in a family-run hotel, the staff were very friendly, the town has a great atmosphere and it’s well situated to get to all the towns and sights around Clare.”

He admits that he sounds “like a brochure for the place, but I’m normally quite critical so it’s only fair to give credit where credit is due. When it’s done right, it’s a delight to holiday in Ireland.”

Driven around the bend by car-hire costs

Stephen had less kind words to say about the rental-car sector. “An example of good value that turns into bad value is renting a car from pretty much any car-hire company.

“It’s obvious from the line of tourists in car-hire shops who are confused at all the extra costs and insurance that it is a real slap in the face when you first arrive here. This is something that should be highlighted more in the media,” he says.

He’s not entirely negative and offers some recommendations for anyone heading in the direction of Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim. “For value and quality food go to both Cryan’s Quay Side Hotel, Victoria Hall and especially The Oarsman, which has some of the best food in the country.

“The price of a pint is also good around the whole town, and there are plenty of small villages around that area that are worth a look.”

He also warns readers not to miss Costello memorial church beside the clock in the town. It is, he says, “the smallest church in Europe (supposedly)”.

Last up this week is Tim Daly, who said anyone spending time in Dublin should take a day trip to Wicklow with Wicklow Tours.

“They take you to Glendalough, Lough Tay and up the Wicklow Mountains to some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen.”

Been ripped off or bowled over by exemplary customer service?

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