Our Rating
So, after hearing many great reviews from friends and family I finally decided to visit Muckross Park Hotel and see what all the fuss was about myself. I’ve stayed in some of the World’s best hotels while travelling with work and sometimes I’m a bit underwhelmed with some 5 star hotels in Ireland. This was not the case with Muckross Park Hotel & Spa. The hotel is situated in Killarney national Park which has some of Ireland’s most fantastic scenery and walking trails. It was easy to find and looked enchanting from the outside.
As we drive into the parking area which is well laid out we saw this very modern hotel. I had expected something a little more Country manor style but the architecture was only devine. Staying in tune with an the ancient Ireland feeling you want when visiting the Island you can see the turret, the most modern Castle Turret I’d seen. The windows must be cleaned weekly from the look of them and it looked so fresh it seems as though the painters had just left.
I was thoroughly impressed before even setting foot in the building.
The inside was even more impressive. The cleaners must be on rotating shifts because the hotel was spotless. The lobby had gorgeous hand marble tile with custom fitted furniture- extremely comfortable I must add. Fresh flowers were scattered everywhere and the aroma from the Spa filled the halls from the second you entered the hotel.
The concierage dressed in classic hotel attire was extremely friendly. Even though we arrived almost two hours before checkin they received our bags and said they’ll be brought to the room for us and we should have a beverage at the bar when we waited.
Afternoon Tea at Muckross Park Hotel
We actually arrived early on purpose because I had booked us in for afternoon tea. It was my girlfriends birthday so I wanted to do something nice on this occasion. I booked us in for a deal available from the Muckross Spa website. It was the Pure Decadence package which included afternoon tea, a 50 minute full body massage or facial and full access to the thermal suite all for €99.
Did I mention it was St Patrick’s Day and I wanted to forgo coffee in favour of a tasty pint of the black stuff as you can see below. The afternoon tea came was fabulous, it really impressed my girlfriend. Salmon, Egg, Ham & Cheese sandwiches with bricoche buns, macaroons, banoffee tarts, scones and sweet chocolate sorbeé.
The hotel outdid themselves in regards to my special request. I wondered if they handled my special request over the phone and presented it in top fashion. She even allowed us to forgo the embarrassing happy birthday much to Aileen’s delight. The staff were fantastic I have to say.
The Duluxe Room at Muckross
The room was elegant, clean and the furnishings were lovely. I don’t think I’ve had a sleep like I had in this bed in years. The mattress and pillows were so comfortable I wanted to ask the staff who supplied everything for the hotel so I could purchase it myself.
Some features of the room:
- Air conditioned
- Espresso Machine
- HD Television ( You can rent films from reception as well)
- Power shower (I didn’t want to get out of it)
- Room Service available.
- Free Wifi and Internet points
- A Desk (where I started writing up this review.)
The Muckross Hotel Spa
Now on to my favourite part of the trip. The Muckross Park Hotel Spa. You walk through the doors in a hallway with scented aroma’s and dimmed blue lighting. Before even entering the Spa you’re expecting big things from the sculpture and calming tea lights as you walk in.
We simply signed our names and confirmed our booking and off we went. The staff guided us to the leather couches where we had to sign off on an allergies we may have had or if anyone has an special skin conditions staff should be made aware of. Our hot towels were brought to us and staff guided us to the thermal suite where our masseuse would come find us when they’re ready.
As you can see from the photo below this isn’t your average pool. The architecture was amazing with greek sculptures and roman arches guiding you to your jacuzzi. There was no children allowed in this area. Kids don’t bother me at all but it did make for a peaceful quiet atmosphere.
I didn’t even want to go for a massage because I was so relaxed. However 10 minutes later our masseuse arrived. The two girls were very polite and brought us into our rooms where we’d signed up for the Penovia full body massage. We opted for separate rooms but there was an option for couples to go in one room together.
The next 50 minutes had me converted. I’d never had a full body massage before and this was just heaven. I suffer from trapped nerves and bad nots from my days playing rugby. Leaving here I had non. I think I fell asleep like 3 times there. They are very good and ensure you’re getting the pressure you want on your muscles. The soothing music, the changing lights and the comfortable masseuse table had me feeling like I was in heaven.
Afterwards we were taken to the relaxation area to have our warm fruit cups filled with grapes, pears, apples and cranberry. It was amazing.
I fell asleep on the couples relaxation bed looking up at the rain belting off the glass above me. I’d highly recommend this package if you’re in need of a treat for you or your spouse.
The Breakfast
Again, this hotel out did itself. The staff were very friendly and guided us to our table. The buffet was like nothing I had seen. I thought the honeycomb feature was a lovely touch.
As you can see by my face I was very happy with the breakfast. Again the three tier pastries and toast was impressive. My favourite part of the breakfast was the eggs Benedict in hollandaise sauce. They even had a fruit smoothie prepared for the guests.
As you can see below the hotel has won many awards in recent years and I can see why. I’d highly recommend staying in Muckross Park Hotel. You won’t be disappointed and it’s a great starting point any morning for anyone going to travel the Ring of Kerry. There’s so much to do locally as well and it’s all within a short distance.
