brosna
Jun 8, 08, 2:52 pm
Stayed at the Crowne Plaza in Dundalk, Ireland last weekend. This was a Bank Holiday weekend in Ireland and I was delighted in the previous round of PointsBreaks to be able to book this hotel for 2 nights for just 10,000 points in total.
The hotel is located on the outskirts of Dundalk Town near new shopping and entertainment complexes. The hotel itself can be seen from miles away as it is 13 stories high and is probably the only building above 3 or 4 stories for many many miles. The other tall landmark is a windmill situated right beside the hotel.
On check in we were automatically upgraded (I am platinum) - I think the upgrade was related to the floor and view of the coast in the distance as opposed to any difference in the type of room. I asked about breakfast at checkin (a bit of a cheek I know - but worth a try) and I was advised that it was not included in the rate and that they don't have breakfast vouchers. The reception staff were very friendly and accommodating.
The rooms were very comfortable, ours had two double beds and though not the largest rooms were more than able to accommodate two adults and two children. Furnishings and fittings were new and everything was very well maintained. The bathroom had a large double shower plus a seperate bath. Lots of towels and two bathrobes were provided. Large probably 32" Flat Screen T.V. with normal Irish/UK channels plus pay movies available.
The room contained an ironing board, iron, mini bar and tea, coffee, hot chocolate making facilities along with biscuits and two complimentary bottles of water each night. There was a turndown service each evening if required. A small pack of two locally handmade chocolates were provided each night.
Free wireless internet access was available on the ground floor - lobby and bar/restaurant area. Wired access was available at a charge in the rooms. There was what we considered a good deal available for 9.99 euro per night that allowed unlimited internet and movie access in a 24 hour period. With two kids and retiring to our room relatively early - we found this to be very good value.
The main restaurant is situated on the 13th Floor with wonderful views of the coast and countryside in the distance. Breakfast was served here and was the normal hot/cold buffet. The standard and selection of items was very good. I would consider the breakfast was expensive at 16 euro for the full breakfast - however when I went to breakfast on our first morning with two children we were charged only for the 1 adult. On our second morning we were charged for 1 adult and 1 child. Based on this we could not complain.
Even better was when we checked out and discovered that they had provided us with free continental breakfast and only charged us the difference between the continental and full breakfast which was about 4 euro.
We had a very nice reasonably priced meal in the Bar on on of the evenings. Dinner was also available in the restaurant on the 13th floor with an early bird good value menu available on some evenings - I think possibly on Monday to Friday's. There did appear to be a number of people using the restaurant at night who were not staying in the hotel - which is also a good sign.
There was a small gym in the hotel but no swimming pool or leisure ctr. However there is an excellent public leisure ctr. in Dundalk within a mile or two of the hotel along with a full size indoor skating rink.
We found all of the staff in the hotel to be very friendly and professional. We would certainly return to this hotel. A car would be definitely required when staying here. From a location perspective - you are approx half way between Dublin and Belfast.
Parking on site is free.
This is my first trip report - so I hope I have managed to cover the main points of interest.
The hotel is located on the outskirts of Dundalk Town near new shopping and entertainment complexes. The hotel itself can be seen from miles away as it is 13 stories high and is probably the only building above 3 or 4 stories for many many miles. The other tall landmark is a windmill situated right beside the hotel.
On check in we were automatically upgraded (I am platinum) - I think the upgrade was related to the floor and view of the coast in the distance as opposed to any difference in the type of room. I asked about breakfast at checkin (a bit of a cheek I know - but worth a try) and I was advised that it was not included in the rate and that they don't have breakfast vouchers. The reception staff were very friendly and accommodating.
The rooms were very comfortable, ours had two double beds and though not the largest rooms were more than able to accommodate two adults and two children. Furnishings and fittings were new and everything was very well maintained. The bathroom had a large double shower plus a seperate bath. Lots of towels and two bathrobes were provided. Large probably 32" Flat Screen T.V. with normal Irish/UK channels plus pay movies available.
The room contained an ironing board, iron, mini bar and tea, coffee, hot chocolate making facilities along with biscuits and two complimentary bottles of water each night. There was a turndown service each evening if required. A small pack of two locally handmade chocolates were provided each night.
Free wireless internet access was available on the ground floor - lobby and bar/restaurant area. Wired access was available at a charge in the rooms. There was what we considered a good deal available for 9.99 euro per night that allowed unlimited internet and movie access in a 24 hour period. With two kids and retiring to our room relatively early - we found this to be very good value.
The main restaurant is situated on the 13th Floor with wonderful views of the coast and countryside in the distance. Breakfast was served here and was the normal hot/cold buffet. The standard and selection of items was very good. I would consider the breakfast was expensive at 16 euro for the full breakfast - however when I went to breakfast on our first morning with two children we were charged only for the 1 adult. On our second morning we were charged for 1 adult and 1 child. Based on this we could not complain.
Even better was when we checked out and discovered that they had provided us with free continental breakfast and only charged us the difference between the continental and full breakfast which was about 4 euro.
We had a very nice reasonably priced meal in the Bar on on of the evenings. Dinner was also available in the restaurant on the 13th floor with an early bird good value menu available on some evenings - I think possibly on Monday to Friday's. There did appear to be a number of people using the restaurant at night who were not staying in the hotel - which is also a good sign.
There was a small gym in the hotel but no swimming pool or leisure ctr. However there is an excellent public leisure ctr. in Dundalk within a mile or two of the hotel along with a full size indoor skating rink.
We found all of the staff in the hotel to be very friendly and professional. We would certainly return to this hotel. A car would be definitely required when staying here. From a location perspective - you are approx half way between Dublin and Belfast.
Parking on site is free.
This is my first trip report - so I hope I have managed to cover the main points of interest.