Hospitality Defined
Ireland Adventures delivers a full spectrum of lodging experiences for its guests, from cozy B&B's to lavish castle hotels. Lumping this broad spectrum of accommodations into specific categories is tricky business. Still distinctions must be made. Failte Ireland, the country's tourism authority, follows an elaborate formula for grading hotels, measuring every possible amenity. At Ireland Adventures we've devised our own classification scheme, with a keen focus on guest experience. Each our featured accommodations falls into one of the following categories:
Budget: Budget accommodations largely fall under the category of hostels, of which there are more than 200 across Ireland. Irish hostels are cheap, comfortable spots for the budget traveller in city centers and remote rural locations. Accommodations are typically dormitory style, with dormers sharing rooms with 4 - 12 beds. Alternatively many budget accommodations often feature private rooms, either singles, doubles or twins. Most provide a basic continental breakfasts, as well as a self-catering facilities where guests can prepare their own meals. Budget accommodations are the perfect place to rest your weary head while travelling on a budget.
B&B: Bed and Breakfasts have long been the hallmark of Ireland's tourism industry, with over 1,300 premises affiliated with Town and Country, Ireland's largest B&B network. Predominantly family-owned and operated, Ireland's B&B's deliver an experience that's intimate, friendly and highly personalized, with expert local advice readily dispensed. As a rule, B&B's in Ireland feature 3- 6 guest rooms, most with en suite bathrooms, tea-coffee making facilities, and televisions. Usually there is a communal sitting room for relaxing, reading or watching television. And true to their name, guests can count on a fabulous breakfasts, often the highlight of their stay. Ireland's B&B's provide by far the best value of all accommodation classes, with guests typically paying between €35-55 per person.
Guesthouse: Ireland's Guesthouses (along with its urban cousin the townhouse), range in size from six rooms to more than twenty. Guesthouses are an something of an in-between category: larger than a B&B yet not quite a hotel. Guesthouses are usually family run, providing a highly personalized experience, with a casual and relaxed atmosphere that make guests feel right at home. Guesthouses may provide evening meals, but often do so exclusively for their guests. Some guesthouses may have a lounge or small bar that serves drinks.
Manor / Country: Ireland's Manor and Country Houses provide charming, highly atmospheric accommodations, with distinctive architectural and period decor. Each Manor House Hotel has its own special character, tied into its unique history that often spans across centuries. Informal luxury is the prevailing theme of Ireland's Manors and Country Homes. Usually Family run, they provide friendly, personalize service. For the visitor, the experience is decidedly Irish, drawing upon a rich heritage of Irish country life. Irish Manors and Country Houses are often connected to the land, set on scenic wooded estates, many with well-manicured gardens and farmlands, which provide a cornucopia of food for the dining rooms. You can be all but certain to enjoy excellent breakfasts and and fabulous, creative dinners when staying at Ireland's Manors and Country Homes.
Many of Ireland's Manors and Country Homes have become culinary destinations, with proprietors operating restaurants on the premises and utilizing produce and meat produced on the estate and surrounding farms. Its tantamount to a local food revolution. From the guests perspective, you can be all but certain to enjoy excellent breakfasts and and fabulous, creative dinners when staying at Ireland's Manors and Country Homes.
Three Star Hotel: From small, family-owned premises to large, modern operations, Ireland's three-star Hotels provide a comfortable, affordable lodging experience, usually with the added benefit of a restaurant and pub on premises. When staying at a 3 star hotel, some comforts are a given, including: en suite bathrooms, televisions, hair dryers and tea / coffee facilities. Many three star hotels also include leisure facilities, including pool, jacuzzi, and fitness equipment. As a rule of thumb, three star hotels generally cost between €45 - 70 per person, from low to high season, based on double occupancy.
Four Star Hotel: Four Star Hotels have blossomed across Ireland's landscape, greatly enhancing Ireland's hospitality offerings. Ireland's four star hotels range in size from 20 rooms to more than 150. Guests enjoy greater privacy and anonymity than a guesthouse. Four star hotels provide fine dining at one or more restaurants on premises, as well as at least one bar, where guests can relax, enjoy a pint or late drink. Table d’hôte and/or a la carte lunch and dinner menus are also usually available. Ireland's four star hotels usually provide a leisure centre that includes a pool, sauna, and jacuzzi, and gym. These days most every four star hotels also features a spa which offers various massage and beauty treatments. Prices for a four star hotel can range from €70 - 150 per person, depending on the season.
Five Star Hotel: Ireland's five star hotels provide luxury at the highest of international standards. They range from elegant, stately castles to prestigious country clubs and top class city hotels. The defining standard of five star hotel is pure luxury, from the standard room to the deluxe suite. Ireland's five star hotels boast some of the country’s finest restaurants, delivering a culinary experience not to be missed. Bars are usually highly atmospheric, as are the various lounges and sitting areas throughout the premises. Five star hotels also come equipped with top-notch leisure facilities and world-class spas. Exceptional service and a personalised welcome are the norm in Ireland's five-star hotels. Such experiences come with a price. Guests can expect to pay between €125 and 250 per person when staying in a five star hotel.
Self Catering: Ireland's Self Catering Accommodations covers a variety of premises in urban and rural areas, ranging from quaint cottages, modern bungalows, ‘semi-detached’ two-storey houses, renovated out buildings and hunting lodges, and purpose-built units clustered in a holiday destination. Generally available on a weekly basis, Self Catering accommodations provide the rare opportunity to stay put, thoroughly explore one region, and experience daily life in Ireland. Kitchen facilities are fully stocked, so you can prepare dinners and breakfasts. Self Catering accommodations provide a sense of freedom, to set your own schedule, breakfasts early or late, sip wine by a cozy fire to the wee hours. In short they provide a semblance of home. Prices generally range from €150 - €750 per week, depending on the destination and season travelled.
