Hodson Bay Hotel
Athlone
Westmeath
www.hodsonbayhotel.com
www.hodsonbayspa.com
We sent Aoife and Kevin off to check out the romantic rating at Hodson Bay Hotel in advance of our February Valentine’s issue. Kevin did not say too much except that he was bowled over by the fabulous food – which goes to show that the way to a man’s heart is through the stomach! Aoife however, waxed lyrical with the following review:
Longing for a romantic break but depleted at the thought of spending my Friday evening sitting in hours of Dublin traffic, the Hodson Bay hotel in Athlone provided the ideal location. Leaving slightly ahead of rush hour, we flew down in under an hour and a half!!
On arrival we were greeted by Emer who it seems is always there with a friendly smile and a genuine accommodating attitude. There was a lovely buzz around the hotel the sun shimmered on Lough Ree, ducks waddled on the grass by water’s edge, and people sat in the afternoon’s sunshine enjoying a lovely Friday evening. Staying in the Hodson Retreat we spent the evening in a virtual romantic paradise, sipping champagne while relaxing in the Jacuzzi bath snuggling into fluffy robes, watching the wide-screen plasma television and vegging on the huge bed. All the rooms also offer free broadband connection for anyone who wants to bring a bit of work along!!
There are two restaurants at Hodson Bay Hotel and under the culinary expertise of executive chef Kevin Ward they offer some of the finest food you will find in any hotel in the country. We were impressed! Sticking to fish myself (trying to leave plenty of room for chocolate desert – I’d been here before) my dearest completely surprised me by ordering antelope and then surprised me even further by completely loving it.
Making it an early night, it had been a work day after all, we awoke relaxed and refreshed on Saturday morning and after a hearty breakfast we headed into Athlone to hit the shops. A lovely town, we rummaged through all the boutiques and larger chains and found loads of bargains!!
That afternoon we hit the Spa. My love, airing slightly on the side of cave man rather than Metro sexual was slightly apprehensive having never been to a Spa before. However was immediately put at ease by the therapist who after a chat recommended a deep tissue message (after all he had carried all my shopping bags around Athlone). Myself, I decided to opt for the beauty and had a mini facial, eyelash tint and mini pedicure.
With him relaxed and me re-beautified we headed back to L’Escale restaurant where the extensive choice led him to Ostrich which he again consumed with a very satisfied smile. After dinner he headed into the bar for an after dinner drink where we were met with a mixture of guests and locals enjoying the chatter and music.
Early on Sunday Morning we headed back to the Spa for a spell in the out door hot tub (while enjoying champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries) followed by a prelude massage after which we floated off to breakfast. Leaving at about twelve we made great time back to Dublin (just over an hour).
In summary, a fantastic spot in a great location and well worth a visit at any time, but for those of looking for a spell of luxury and romance, it’s a winner!”
If you have stayed somewhere that really impressed you, why not tell us, and the rest of the world, all about it.
Pen your comments to info@hotelreviewsireland.com
Athlone
Westmeath
www.hodsonbayhotel.com
www.hodsonbayspa.com
We sent Aoife and Kevin off to check out the romantic rating at Hodson Bay Hotel in advance of our February Valentine’s issue. Kevin did not say too much except that he was bowled over by the fabulous food – which goes to show that the way to a man’s heart is through the stomach! Aoife however, waxed lyrical with the following review:
- Exquisite service that strives to accommodate every taste
- Luxury Spa oozing comfort and sophistication
- Award winning restaurant that provides gastronomic delight
Longing for a romantic break but depleted at the thought of spending my Friday evening sitting in hours of Dublin traffic, the Hodson Bay hotel in Athlone provided the ideal location. Leaving slightly ahead of rush hour, we flew down in under an hour and a half!!
On arrival we were greeted by Emer who it seems is always there with a friendly smile and a genuine accommodating attitude. There was a lovely buzz around the hotel the sun shimmered on Lough Ree, ducks waddled on the grass by water’s edge, and people sat in the afternoon’s sunshine enjoying a lovely Friday evening. Staying in the Hodson Retreat we spent the evening in a virtual romantic paradise, sipping champagne while relaxing in the Jacuzzi bath snuggling into fluffy robes, watching the wide-screen plasma television and vegging on the huge bed. All the rooms also offer free broadband connection for anyone who wants to bring a bit of work along!!
There are two restaurants at Hodson Bay Hotel and under the culinary expertise of executive chef Kevin Ward they offer some of the finest food you will find in any hotel in the country. We were impressed! Sticking to fish myself (trying to leave plenty of room for chocolate desert – I’d been here before) my dearest completely surprised me by ordering antelope and then surprised me even further by completely loving it.
Making it an early night, it had been a work day after all, we awoke relaxed and refreshed on Saturday morning and after a hearty breakfast we headed into Athlone to hit the shops. A lovely town, we rummaged through all the boutiques and larger chains and found loads of bargains!!
That afternoon we hit the Spa. My love, airing slightly on the side of cave man rather than Metro sexual was slightly apprehensive having never been to a Spa before. However was immediately put at ease by the therapist who after a chat recommended a deep tissue message (after all he had carried all my shopping bags around Athlone). Myself, I decided to opt for the beauty and had a mini facial, eyelash tint and mini pedicure.
With him relaxed and me re-beautified we headed back to L’Escale restaurant where the extensive choice led him to Ostrich which he again consumed with a very satisfied smile. After dinner he headed into the bar for an after dinner drink where we were met with a mixture of guests and locals enjoying the chatter and music.
Early on Sunday Morning we headed back to the Spa for a spell in the out door hot tub (while enjoying champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries) followed by a prelude massage after which we floated off to breakfast. Leaving at about twelve we made great time back to Dublin (just over an hour).
In summary, a fantastic spot in a great location and well worth a visit at any time, but for those of looking for a spell of luxury and romance, it’s a winner!”
If you have stayed somewhere that really impressed you, why not tell us, and the rest of the world, all about it.
Pen your comments to info@hotelreviewsireland.com