How to get a cut-price deal on a 5-star hotel stay
Feeling clean out of bandwidth? Dying for a break? Desperate for a change of scenery, and a fancy one at that? Well, we don’t blame you. Now that the country has moved into Level 3 lockdown, our options for an autumn getaway feel more limited than ever.
Yet all is not lost. With hotel occupancy at an unseasonably low rate, several of Ireland’s top-tier hotels are hoping to attract locals with a slash on their nightly rate. All are adhering to Level 3 guidelines and are targeted at people living within the county who fancy a true staycation. And given that the Stay & Spend scheme offers you 20pc off what you spend in restaurants and hotels back in the form if income tax credits (with terms and conditions), now might be as good a time as any to think about a break.
If you’ve ever wanted to try the fivestar-hotel in your area, but found the price tag a little forbidding, now might be the time to bag a bargain stay in your own backyard.
Dublin
Dubliners can make their way right to the heart of the city centre, where the Morrison Hotel’s Big Deal offer allows guests to enjoy a night away for two with breakfast included, a three-course dinner at the award-winning Morrison Grill, a complimentary bottle of Prosecco and chocolates on arrival, room upgrade (subject to availability), late check-out, for €199 (a second night with breakfast is €100). The package would work out at normally €420. See morrisonhotel.com for more details.
The Merrion Hotel, a favourite haunt for celebrities visiting Dublin, has created its 5-Star Steal package. Where a weeknight stay with three-course dinner in the Garden Room, a bottle of champagne and breakfast might set a couple back €500, the lot can be booked from Sunday to Thursday for €350. Friday and Saturday can be booked with a supplement fee of around €45; usually, this package would set guests back around €710. See merrionhotel.com or call 01 603 0600.
Louth
If you’re a resident of Cork, the sumptuous Hayfield Manor is offering locals a ‘Corkonlyan’ exclusive. For €162 per person sharing, guests can enjoy an upgrade, the hotel’s famous breakfast, a four-course evening meal and access to their Beautique Spa leisure facilities (which include an indoor pool and outdoor Jacuzzi). To book, see hayfieldmanor.ie or call 021 4845900.
Limerick
No1 Pery Square, a member of Ireland’s Blue Book, is a slice of top-tier luxury in Limerick’s historic Georgian Quarter. For €169 per person sharing (down from €199 for room only), enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast, a four-course seasonal dinner, a glass of Prosecco or craft beer to enjoy at their fireside area, and €35 credit towards a treatment in their organic Voya spa. There are more details at oneperysquare.com, or by calling 061 402402.
Kerry
If you’re lucky enough to be based in the Kingdom, the Park Hotel in Kenmare — as seen on RTE’s At Your Service, and run by the Brennan brothers Francis and John — is offering a special rate for residents. From €175 per person sharing (down from €550 for two), enjoy a night in the hotel’s five-star accommodation (plus breakfast) and an evening meal in their famous Terrace eatery. See parkkenmare.com or call 064 6641200.
Louth
Living la vida lockdown in Louth? Try Ghan House near lovely Carlingford. Built in 1727, it’s a 4-star, AA-rated Georgian house with three acres of walled gardens. The hotel is encouraging locals to fall back in love with their county with a 15pc discount on their stay with the promo code ‘Louth’ for online bookings (one night’s bed & breakfast is usually €170). Avail of the offer at ghanhouse.com.
Kildare
Kilkea Castle in Kildare is offering a fantastic deal for a family of four. For €270, the package includes a night in a two-bedroom lodge, or a lodge bedroom in the castle itself, as well as a full Irish breakfast and a family dinner in Hermione’s restaurant. There’s also free admission to the Irish National Stud and the Japanese Gardens. The package would normally cost around €395.
See kilkeacastle.ie or call 059 9145600 for information.