Deluxe and delight for our girly city break

I ONCE saw a gaunt-looking David Guest strutting through a Dublin hotel and as any good media type would do, I followed him.

On seeing the company he was in (Anne Widdecombe for one) I realised it was in fact Bruno Tonioli — the usually dashing Italian judge from Strictly Come Dancing. It was a sharp reminder of the chasm that often exists between a well-lit media image and its harsh reality. (The Widdi looked frisky and firm by the way.)

Clearly Hotel Kilkenny also knows the importance of good lighting. Their website glistens with up-lit night-time veranda scenes, French martinis and turquoise pools. Expectations of luxury were dangerously high.

Would Hotel Kilkenny be more Bruno than Anne? I and two of my girlfriends went to investigate.

First impressions

First impressions were solid. Sun-shine, cream parasols and a buzzing outdoor terrace kicked off a holiday feeling you don’t often get in Irish hotels. Not a French martini in sight, however, as pints seemed the order of the day.

The girl at reception was cheerful (you’d be surprised how many are not), efficient and knowledgeable. We would be sharing two deluxe rooms. Let the luxury begin …

The room

One room had a small balcony which was claimed with the grace of a stampeding buffalo by friend A, who had already lit up.

“I’ve been waiting for an ice-bucket for half an hour,” she said, anxiously twitching as she sat beside a bottle of warming Prosecco.

I scanned the room. Creamy in colour, soft in texture, a relaxing vibe. Boutique marble bathroom, velvet headboards, crisp bed sheets laid with robes and slippers. A fresh fruit plate, box of handmade chocolates and drinking water completed the deluxe welcome. Now I ask you, who could possibly complain in a room like this?

“Oh God it’s enormous.” Room service had arrived and friend A was aghast at the sandwich which had arrived along with the late bucket. “Issh too big,” she said, mouth full.

I, being from Dundalk, believe that no sandwich (or TV) can ever be too big, so while I want to be honest with this review, I must disassociate myself from that complaint.

The food

With good value at €30 for three courses and €20 for two, dinner started well with entrées of tempura prawn with tomato risotto (juicy prawns, light batter and good flavour and bite from the risotto) and bruschetta.

The main courses were a little harder to praise but we all agreed the star of the meal was a dessert of a light delicious prosecco sorbet.

As for breakfast. The buffet looked like something from a Roman feast — plates teeming with fresh fruit, berry coulis, pastries, cheeses, breads and inventive little gooseberry yoghurt ‘desserts’.

The breakfast menu offered everything from porridge to the Mexican huevos rancheros. Americanos were brought instead of house coffee and the waiting staff couldn’t have been nicer.

Dining highlight outside the hotel was Zuni’s restaurant on Patrick St (great early bird with local food!)

The amenities

Hotel Kilkenny has a great pool. Big, warm and acres of room for families, supplemented by a steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. The only downside is the changing rooms which need some TLC.

The gym looked impressive, at least it looked impressive as I walked past. The front desk did assure me residents can attend a variety of free classes.

As a mum of a gloriously high-maintenance four- year- old, who was at home with Daddy, I had to check out the Kids Club which opens from 9.30am — 12.30 and from 5pm till 10pm. A happy wedding guest informed me it also includes a supervised dinner.

I did have one problem with the club, however — like some others I’ve seen, the programme of daily activities seemed to depend on numbers. That’s not good enough as the big rule with kids is — if you say you’re going to do something, you need to do it.

What to do

Alongside magnificent breakfasts and wonderful staff, the best thing about Hotel Kilkenny is, well … Kilkenny! A mere leafy avenue stroll and you’re there.

Shopping

Full of old butter-slip streets and terrific independent shops, the festival dance performances and lectures were skipped in favour of some great shopping.

First stop was Folkster on Patrick St; a glittering emporium of vintage dresses, coats, furs and accessories, purchases included a silver vintage handbag for a tenner.

Gorgeous, 14 John St, is an art and design-inspired interiors and gift shop where we bought Ostrich feather dusters (if one must clean…)

Yesterdays, an interiors shop on Patrick St, saw us walk away with ten round cream ceramic door-handles which my husband now tells me won’t fit the new doors!

Nightlife

At seven months pregnant I forsook the Hen and Stag filled night life of Kilkenny city and retired to my deluxe room leaving Pals A & D to research the scene.

The next morning they reported Bridies and The Blue Bar as particular highlights. They were less appreciative of The Left Bank, which they deemed “too young” and “full of 20-year-old men”.

The bottom line

Hotel Kilkenny are offering a 2 night mid-week break with breakfast, dinner and treatment from €144pps. There’s also a family getaway — accommodation for 2 adults and 2 children stay free with full Irish breakfast, complimentary car parking and Hi-speed WIFI and full use of the Kids Club. From €€120 per night. See hotelkilkenny.ie for more offers.

Anything to add

The Orchard Spa in the grounds of the hotel offers a really interesting variety of treatments, from pedicures to cancer massage. Savour Kilkenny takes place on Oct 23 — 28. Taste your way around the Food Village on the Parade in front of Kilkenny Castle, pick up tips from top chefs and check out the next generation of upcoming foodies at the Savour Buds young producers’ market. (See www.savourkilkenny.com or discoverireland.ie for more details ).