The Luxury Hotels of Ireland
Jun 27, 2013, 6:33 pm
#31
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SEA
Posts: 2,556
Thank you, David. Just checked their webpage; seems very nice indeed. It may be just what I was looking for (even though it's south of the Liffey, but at least in a quiet area, it seems).
Any other ideas anyone may have for nice places north of the Liffey, as well, would be appreciated.
Any other ideas anyone may have for nice places north of the Liffey, as well, would be appreciated.
Dec 23, 2013, 8:23 am
#32
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
I'm considering a trip to Ireland this fall (October) Is it worthwhile to blow most of my hotel budget on Ballyfin for 2-3 nights? Or should I take a more temperate approach that would allow me to spend time at the FS in Dublin and perhaps other upscale properties throughout my stay...
FDW
FDW
Dec 23, 2013, 12:17 pm
#33
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: BNA
Programs: Virtuoso, FSPP, RC STARS, Rosewood Elite, Bellini, SPG LP, Dorchester Diamond, PenClub
Posts: 357
The Luxury Hotels of Ireland
I absolutely adored my visit to Ballyfin. I would not hesitate to stay there for 2-3 nights and blow the budget. In full disclosure, I did not get the opportunity to sleep there, but I could tell by one afternoon that it was a very special place and worthy of its accolades.
Dec 24, 2013, 3:22 am
#34
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Dublin
Posts: 188
I'd say it depends on what you want out of the trip. If it's a hotel-centric trip, then perhaps yes, otherwise definitely not, as the location is somewhat remote. While you won't get the full Downton Abbey experience anywhere else, there are alternatives that are much better loctaed in terms of an overall tourist experience. So I would say it depends almost entirely on what kind of traveller you are.
Dec 24, 2013, 4:20 am
#35
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
I'm considering a trip to Ireland this fall (October) Is it worthwhile to blow most of my hotel budget on Ballyfin for 2-3 nights? Or should I take a more temperate approach that would allow me to spend time at the FS in Dublin and perhaps other upscale properties throughout my stay...
FDW
FDW
Dec 24, 2013, 12:17 pm
#36
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E75K, Amex Plat, NEXUS, Aman-user (not really a -junkie)
Posts: 1,721
Dec 25, 2013, 12:29 pm
#37
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: luxury traveler
Posts: 105
Ballyfin is incredible... an absolutely wonderful experience. It's a museum, park, hotel, chateau, pub, amazing restaurant... Just a cultural haven that is elegant, romantic, charming and a true escape with outstanding service. For me, Ireland is lovely and a pub is a pub (although they are quite lively!) Ballyfin is truly all I needed to see of Ireland with the exception of the west coast golf course Tralee... wow!
Dec 25, 2013, 7:18 pm
#38
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,855
I am not sure from the Ballyfin web page -- are rates all-inclusive, i.e., including meals, laundry, and all the other stuff listed, or are those just available at extra cost?
What about alcohol, is that extra? Are VAT and service included or extra? Is it a Virtuoso or FHR or something else property? Thanks in advance!
What about alcohol, is that extra? Are VAT and service included or extra? Is it a Virtuoso or FHR or something else property? Thanks in advance!
Dec 25, 2013, 8:13 pm
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
I am not sure from the Ballyfin web page -- are rates all-inclusive, i.e., including meals, laundry, and all the other stuff listed, or are those just available at extra cost?
What about alcohol, is that extra? Are VAT and service included or extra? Is it a Virtuoso or FHR or something else property? Thanks in advance!
What about alcohol, is that extra? Are VAT and service included or extra? Is it a Virtuoso or FHR or something else property? Thanks in advance!
http://www.ballyfin.com/Accommodatio...amenities.aspx
(not in FHR 2013 directory or website)
http://www.virtuoso.com:80/hotels/11164645/ballyfin >
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Guest's choice of: Selected and paired bottle of wine with dinner and a departure gift OR traditional afternoon tea for two, once during stay
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
Guest's choice of: Selected and paired bottle of wine with dinner and a departure gift OR traditional afternoon tea for two, once during stay
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Dec 25, 2013 at 9:01 pm
Dec 25, 2013, 10:17 pm
#40
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,855
Since I posted above, I also found that the meals are included in the rate. Liquor is extra but they post their wine list and the prices look quite reasonable.
The Virtuoso benefits in this case are pretty minimal, hopefully there is also a price concession.
Still unclear if VAT and service are included or not.
The Virtuoso benefits in this case are pretty minimal, hopefully there is also a price concession.
Still unclear if VAT and service are included or not.
Dec 26, 2013, 9:53 am
#41
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
Pre – dinner drinks in the beautiful public rooms including champagne, wine and spirits
Gratuity & tax
Gratuity & tax
rates are inclusive of...VAT and gratuities
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Dec 26, 2013 at 10:39 am
Dec 26, 2013, 10:05 am
#42
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
Since I posted above, I also found that the meals are included in the rate. Liquor is extra but they post their wine list and the prices look quite reasonable.
The Virtuoso benefits in this case are pretty minimal, hopefully there is also a price concession.
Still unclear if VAT and service are included or not.
The Virtuoso benefits in this case are pretty minimal, hopefully there is also a price concession.
Still unclear if VAT and service are included or not.
This is what is listed as the amenities...
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast, already included in rates
• Guest's choice of selected and paired bottle of wine with dinner and a departure gift OR traditional afternoon tea for two, (once during stay)
So not so much a benefit.. however, at least for the days I'm interested in they are offering a CHARMING IRISH ESCAPE rate which is about 10% less than the Nightly rate; which I think would go for....
FDW
Dec 26, 2013, 10:35 am
#43
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
thanks! calendar shows mar 14 > dec 7
http://www.relaischateaux.com/en/sea...n/offers/59554
reservations on ballyfin site is accessed by link above newsletter to left of text here http://www.ballyfin.com/Accommodation/Reservations.aspx
https://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?Hotel...O&locale=en-US
http://www.relaischateaux.com/en/sea...n/offers/59554
reservations on ballyfin site is accessed by link above newsletter to left of text here http://www.ballyfin.com/Accommodation/Reservations.aspx
https://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?Hotel...O&locale=en-US
Nightly rate includes...VAT , gratuities.
Dec 26, 2013, 11:12 am
#44
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,855
Thanks all. Very tempting to try Ballyfin for 2-3 nights on an upcoming trip. Note that the Chsrming Irish Escape rate excludes lunch, which is included in the main rate. Still might be cheaper, especially if one is planning to leave before lunch.
Dec 26, 2013, 5:57 pm
#45
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
Any ideas of what else to do in Ireland? Thinking of three nights in Dublin (3rd night free at FS or using points somewhere) and 2-3 nights at Ballyfin (midweek, October) and then maybe 3 nights somewhere else- any ideas?
FDW