Utente ospite
31 ottobre 2024
Prior to this weekend I referred to The Europe as my “favourite place in Ireland”. Unfortunately it was not the place I had remembered from 12 years ago. My boyfriend and I booked a 2 night package which comprised of 2 nights b+b and a meal in the Panorama restaurant (€955). On arrival the first thing I noticed was the crowds of people - fair enough, it’s a bank holiday weekend. However considering the cost of the package, and The Europe’s reputation as being “luxurious” and “a real treat” I was surprised (and yes slightly disappointed) to see the quantity of children running around the place. I felt like I had just checked into a busy airport. We were grateful that we could check in early and mesmerised by the size of the tv and cleanliness of the bathroom (lovely shower too). However our bed was actually two single beds pushed together - we’d make a better effort if we had guests staying at home. Our first visit to the spa was like a visit to Centre Parcs. Children everywhere - splashing and jumping into the infinity jacuzzi. The “adults only” thermal suite had kids running in and out playing with the ice bowl. The bar does in fact stay closed till 5.30pm. So unless you beat the crowd to the cosy spots in the lounge or library you’ll have to settle for a seat in the reception area beside screaming babies. Staff were also clearly very stressed and under pressure. Dinner in the Panorama restaurant was lovely, but again children everywhere. 5* food but not particularly 5* fine dining experience. The following day we were up early to play a game of tennis. The courts were disgraceful. The surface was (a) unplayable and (b) dangerous. Seriously though - considering the expense of the place you would think they could afford to put some money into fixing the surface. Needless to say, our tennis game didn’t last long. On our second evening we had dinner in the Brasserie. We were told we could not book a table but they operate on a first come first serve basis. Thankfully we only had to wait 30 mins for the table as we arrived at 6pm. However we noticed a number of couples had to wait up to two hours for a table. Again, this is not 5* standard. The cost of the two night stay would have got us a week abroad. We were aware that was going to be the case prior to the weekend, and we have no problem spending on a 5* experience. The Europe has not kept up with other 5* hotels in Ireland. I won’t be returning.
Traduci