Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

First time visiting west cork and staying at Inchydoney for 2 nights having booked a Deluxe balcony room I had high expectations and arriving Sunday 18th May the weather was amazing and what a fabulous location. Check in was quick the lovely Aileen was very friendly and offered us a drink while getting us checked into room 403 on the 4th floor, we arrived in the room it was nice not wow I think I expected a bigger room for a deluxe room we were on the left hand side looking over the beach and the apartments and the sun was at the other side of the hotel by the time we checked in but we were advised the balcony would get all day sun during the day. The room was clean the chairs were like rocking chairs and not comfortable in the room and being a plus size girl I rang reception for a larger rob as the one in the room was tiny only to be told they are all the same size I was a bit shocked for a spa hotel thought they might have been size inclusive so I took myself off to the pool in my tracksuit to the 3rd floor to be greeted by 10 steps down to the pool a small sign so was confused what way to go and then if you want to go to the relaxation room it up another set of stairs I found it quiet confusing and all over the place and the pool itself is ok but I expected a sea view given the location. The pool area ceiling looks like it's falling apart, and all the water jets are rusty and could do with a revamp for the price you're paying. The floor in the ladies changing room hadn't been swept as it was so wet the twice I was there and the girl at the pool reception wasn't really interested in being there. The pool and spa area for me isn't what brings you to this hotel as its not 5 star the hotel staff, location and food is what made our stay. Dinner in the Gulfstream was delicious, great menu, great service, very relaxing. We were rudely awoken early both mornings by the sound of lorry's reversing into deliver goods and we were on the 4th floor this isn't what I expected for this calibra of a hotel and we also were asked upon check in if we would like a paper which we said yes to an independent newspaper to not receive it either of the mornings so not sure why we were asked. I didn't get the ladies name upon checkout she had blonde hair was from down near mizen head she was very friendly and a credit to the hotel. All in all I have stayed in top spa's in Ireland for the same money which are 10/10 and for me Inchydoney isn't 10/10. It's the little things that make it and there are areas that are bringing it down for me we would return in the future if down that way to give it a 2nd chance but for the money they are charging they need to do better in certain areas.

This hotel is so relaxing, the landscape is stunning. The care taken by the staff is above and beyond, right from Check in where they welcome you warmly. Cleaning staff is excellent, friendly and helpful, and the evening turndown service is a real treat. Breakfast in the Gulfstream Restaurant is very well done, the staff in there works very well together. Dinner in the Gulfstream is delicious, great menu, great service, very relaxing. I can't wait to go back.

This is an exceptional hotel…stunning sea views in every room with a balcony or terrace…two choices for food in the bar or restaurant…both are really good with plenty of choices, excellent service and staff who cannot do enough for you. The hotel is very clean, well maintained and the service throughout is excellent.