The Waterside House Hotel

Donabate,
Dublin
The Waterside House Hotel enquiries
www.watersidehousehotel.ie

• It is right on its own private beach!
• Unpretentious comfort and superb service.
• Golfing, swimming and dining heaven!

It was a beautiful hot and sunny day when I pulled up to the hotel and found a scene that reminded me of great holidays abroad. It was so long since we had seen the sun these past few months that the picture of children playing on the beach, families enjoying good food and drinks on the patio, blue sea and soft waves and even gently swaying palm trees, was fantastic. And this was the north county Dublin resort of Donabate, and the tastefully refurbished Waterside House Hotel. And this was bliss!

ACCOMMODATION AT THE WATERSIDE HOUSE HOTEL

This hotel was taken over a couple of years ago by the Slattery family who run the Station House Hotel in Co. Meath, and they have certainly taken this seaside hotel up a notch or two. Both hotels have beautiful fresh flower arrangements and the family have their own florist who looks after these. From single carnations on each dining table, to large colourful and sweetly perfumed arrangements, this is just one little touch that makes a hotel really special. One of the most obvious improvements at The Waterside is the addition of a new wing which boasts sixteen large rooms with balconies. Half of these are looking out on the beach, Lambay Island and the meandering cliff walk. As we enjoyed one of the balmiest days of late summer, we enjoyed this vista at its absolute best. Guests on the other side of the hotel overlook the golf course, but for us the beach front was perfect. Our room was spacious and comfortable with water, chocolates, tea/coffee making facilities and a really good iron with pull out ironing board. The bathroom had good water pressure, and also one of those magnifying mirrors that all good bathrooms should have. These rooms are cleverly designed with all modern comforts, and make maximum use of the uniquely scenic setting.

DINING AT THE WATERSIDE HOUSE HOTEL

Before we went into the Signal restaurant for dinner, we sat out on the patio and watched the tide go out and the sun prepare to go down. We watched as a number of African people dressed in long white robes sang hymns on the beach while we sipped some cool Sauvignon Blanc and nibbled at a cheese and fruit platter. It was an incredible setting! Shortly afterwards the singers ambled away and we were told our table was ready. Sitting by the large window we continued to enjoy the setting sun as we enjoyed our dinner. Of the starter choices we each picked something a little more unusual, samosas and stuffed Portobello mushroom. Both were very tasty and light, leaving us enough room for our mains, a fillet steak and some sea-bass. We shared some delicious chocolate cake for dessert. We lingered long over our meal, and enjoyed a couple of glasses of Champagne and a glass of Pinot Noir. By the time we had finished, the sun was well and truly set, and a most enjoyable and unusual day had come to an end!
The next morning while sitting on our balcony we saw many people going for a run along the beach front. Feeling somewhat lazy, we decided to go for a cliff walk instead. It is a totally unspoilt area and views of Lambay Island, Howth Head, Ireland’s eye and Malahide Harbour were all enjoyed on our early morning walk. They it was off for an early morning appointment in the city for my companion, while I was able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
I spent a while in the lobby availing of the broadband wireless access on my laptop, and watched as Manager, Paul Slattery looked after all his guests and staff in an exceptionally friendly and hands-on manner. I had experienced that myself throughout my stay from not only the manager, but indeed from all the staff at Waterside House Hotel. Whether it was the Senior Citizen’s party, or the young newly-weds, the families or the corporate guests, the customer care is the same. Warm and welcoming, the service at this hotel was appreciated as much as their dream location.
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