Hotel review: This coastal Waterford escape is full of potential

One of Ireland’s finest coastal hotels, but perhaps the true wow-factor of this property remains unharnessed.

A view from the shore of Cliff House Hotel

Cliff House Hotel, Co Waterford

Our rating: 8.5/10 

Location

As Irish coastal hotels go, the views at Cliff House are up there, in every sense. 

Hewn into the cliff sides that flank the village of Ardmore, Co Waterford, this five-star boutique hotel offers panoramic views from the bay to the Celtic Sea. 

However, unlike many a seafront hotel elsewhere in Ireland, the serenity isn’t disrupted by a car park, driveway, nor otherwise. It’s unspoiled, glorious vistas sea sprayed to the horizon.

• 9/10

Style and design

The Cliff House harnesses its design cues from the land, sea, and elements, and that all begins with an earthy stone facade contrasted with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, leading to a reception lobby which spills out to the bay behind.

It’s an enrapturing sight. However, even with all that natural light, that stone effect which extends into the lobby does feel dull on a cloudy October day and it is worth noting that the hotel occupies a northeastern aspect along this horseshoe bay, meaning direct light is capped. 

So come for the sunrises rather than the sunsets.

Elsewhere, there is plenty of character from cavernous, almost cruise ship-like corridors, aesthetically lined with Hunter wellington boots while treasure chest doors lead to the luxury guest rooms. 

A sublime central staircase, whose carpet gently cascades in colour as it weaves through the floors, is one of the finest architectural features in any hotel in Ireland.

The latter, along with several aspects (like the swish bathrooms), give the hotel a sexy, contemporary air but on the other hand, furnishings here are a little stuffy and conservative.

There’s potential to make the Cliff House a national icon in terms of hotel design, but for me, personally, it just feels a little lost at sea.

• 7.5/10

Service

General manager Kresimir Krezo runs a tight ship here.

The hotel team is extremely friendly and warm throughout from check-in, to the spa, to both dining experiences.

From a five-star slant, a valet service is also available for those tight cliffside parking spots.

• 9/10

Guest rooms

The Terrace Suite

Cliff House offers 39 rooms ranging from entry-level deluxe balcony rooms to split-level veranda suites — which feature the likes of outdoor tubs and twin rain showers overlooking the bay.

I was staying in a deluxe terrace room which, inspired by the sea thrifts and heathers which cluster along the coast, was a pretty-in-pink, generously- sized haven with double decks overlooking Ardmore Bay.

There’s plenty of texture and warmth, from cosy bed throws to a central faux fire feature which serves both areas of the suite.

An en suite mosaic tile bathroom is impressive, with a standalone tub, walk-in shower, and, uniquely, the Cliff group’s very own products from The Well Spa.

• 8.5/10

In-room perks

Tea and Nespresso facilities are provided, as well as in-house filtered water and a stock of complimentary treats for all guests: Joe’s Crisp’s, artisan lemonade and Cadbury’s chocolate. 

There’s also a turndown service which offers a sleeping kit (yet no bedside choc!).

• 9/10

On the menu

Cliff House guests have the choice of two dining spaces that are linked by a central foyer. 

Flagship here is the Michelin-starred House Restaurant, where executive head chef Daniel Crewe has created a series of menus — beginning with a three-course table d’hôte for €120. 

I dined at the Oceanfront restaurant bar, which offered a very fine alternative for about half that price, with plenty of flavour and fine dining finesse.

Breakfast doesn’t feature a buffet but rather each table is served a tiered offering of breads and pastries, yogurt, and a (rather sad) fruit bowl.

Hot menu options, including my kippers, were tasty but nothing too head turning.

• 8.5/10

Activities and amenities

The pool at Cliff House Hotel

The hotel’s 15m pool, which floats over the bay to infinity, remains as striking as ever and must rank as one of the most beautiful Irish hotel pools.

The thermal suite also features an outdoor hot tub, sauna and steam room.

The hotel’s The Well by the Sea spa offers treatments, while there are a plethora of local activities which can be arranged by the concierge.

• 9/10

Checking in

The bill? B&B for two from €329.

Room to Improve? No Smart TV in a suite clocking a €590 weekend rate is sub-par for a five-star hotel. Both the pool and breakfast room temperatures were fresh, bordering on chilly. Some corridors lack character and ambiance and design and interior elements detract from potential for this property to be a national icon property.

Accessibility? Two accessible rooms – a deluxe balcony room and a terrace suite.

Family-friendly? Interconnecting family rooms plus children’s recreational zones.

Dog-friendly? Two pet-friendly rooms for dogs under 15kgs (€50 surcharge).

EV chargers? Three.

• Cliff House Hotel
• Ardmore Co. Waterford
• cliffhousehotel.ie
• The Hotel Examiner was a guest of Cliff House Hotel.