Hotel review: Outstanding food, service and decor thrill at this ambitious new five-star

Great Irish hospitality is setting this Mayo hotel apart

The Grace Kelly suite at The Grace, Westport, Co Mayo.

The Grace
Westport, Co Mayo
Rating:	9/10
Web:	thegrace.ie

Location

A five-minute drive or short walk from Westport train station, The Grace is easily accessible by car and rail. On the grounds of Westport House, the family-owned hotel enjoys a great location along the Wild Atlantic Way with picturesque Westport on its doorstep. Built in the footprint of the Hotel Westport, and then heavily modernised and expanded, the elegant planting and smart entrance way are doing their best to distract from a less than handsome exterior.

• 9/10

Style & design

The Grace's chic and cohesive interior was designed by Grainne Weber

The Grace’s inviting décor has been conceived by one of our favourite designers, Grainne Weber, whose work we’ve long admired across other hotels (most recently Haddington House and The Wilder). Drawing on a West coast palette, she’s harnessed moss, bracken, gorse and granite tones to create a chic and cohesive colour scheme that’s soothing and elegant. Weaving natural fibres, tweeds, wools, herringbone throws from Foxford, contemporary prints and eye-catching art works together, this cosy and contemporary space leans into its Irishness. From a classy lobby to a smart restaurant and bar, it’s delightfully comfortable, sophisticated and welcoming.

• 9.5/10

Service

The Grace's staff are some of the best in the country

The staff training at The Grace is nothing short of excellent. Everyone learns the guests’ names upon arrival and every interaction is underpinned by friendliness. Charming staff are engaged, interested and clearly proud to work here. The Black Sheep restaurant staff know the menu inside out, with both dinner and breakfast service swift, informed, and detail-oriented. There’s a notable can-do approach which clearly comes from the top down, and an upbeat energy that’s hard not to love. These are some of the best staff in the country.

• 9.5/10

Guest rooms

Our Premium room has a big balcony with stylish outdoor furniture and woodland view, when seated. While the balcony is large, the room is surprisingly compact for a five-star hotel. Despite its size, it is exquisitely finished, with a restful green palette evoking nature. We loved the organic greens and fabric choices, from the headboard and wardrobes, to wood panelling and bathroom tiles. Cool accents, like reeded glass, botanical art, comfy armchairs, good lighting, a slick bathroom and dreamy bed make it a calm, considered space.

• 8/10

In-room perks

A coffee machine and kettle, Barry’s and Ronnefeldt tea, water and shortbread complete the standard enough offering. We don’t love the UHT milk portions but the Ground lavender and bergamot pillow spray is a classy turn-down treat.

• 7.5/10

On the menu

The Grace's Black Sheep restaurant

Head of culinary Thomas Haughton and executive head chef Martin O’Donnell are playing a blinder at The Grace. Dinner at The Black Sheep is original and innovative, with such highlights as Clew Bay barbecued scallops with a Korean glaze, shiso and dashi; charred miso hispi cabbage with aged Kylemore cheese, and silky Cuinneog buttermilk pannacotta with bee pollen, honeycomb and rhubarb. Cooking is both precise and confident.

Breakfast is easily one of the best around with a pastry selection to rival any top bakery. The offering changes daily and may include cinnamon buns, almond croissants, scones, custard tarts and sublime Mescan stout and treacle oat bread (the recipe is shared with guests as a kind parting gift). A vast buffet includes ginger shots, baked ham, fruit salad, guacamole, Irish cheeses and chia pots. Alongside a strong hot buffet, we ordered a good shakshuka for a €5 supplement. Cute take-away boxes allow guests grab a pastry and coffee-to-go for the trip home.

The Black Sheep's menu is original and innovative

• 9.5/10

Activities & amenities

A revamped leisure club has seen a dated space cleverly transformed into a sophisticated pool and thermal area with sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and loungers, while the spa offers Ground rituals across six treatment rooms. Surrounding Westport House and Estate is undergoing a multi-million euro investment which will reopen in two years with activities and adventure spaces. With the greenway and Westport on its doorstep there’s plenty to do in the area.

• 8.5/10

The bill

B&B from €225 per double.

• The Hotel Examiner was a guest of The Grace

Room to improve?

Our bedroom was surprisingly small. Though stylish, cleverly designed and comfortable, it felt a little cramped when two suitcases were introduced. We were surprised to be able to pick up the rumble of conversations from the room next door. Our bedroom balcony offered a lovely view of treetops when sitting down, but standing up we were overlooking a work yard where the waste bins are kept. The spa decor isn’t as premium as the hotel’s and despite the professional staff and an excellent Ground massage in a comfortable space, some fittings and finishes fall short.

Access for guests with disabilities? Yes, with all accessible rooms at ground level.
Family-friendly? Yes. Family rooms and interconnecting rooms available.
Dogs welcome? Service dogs only.
EV chargers? Yes.