Arlington Lodge

John’s Hill,
Waterford.
Arlington Lodge
Arlington Lodge enquiries

• Excellent Home Cooking.
• Historic luxury town-house.
• Genuine hospitality and comfort.

A country house hotel in the city of Waterford, Arlington Lodge ticks all the hospitality boxes when it comes to getting it right in today’s changing climate. I found it easily enough (excellent directions on the website) and it was just a couple of minutes drive from the centre of the city. Yet once inside this oasis of elegant tranquillity, I felt a million miles away from the bustle of every-day life. Dating from the early eighteen century the house has a long local history and was the Bishop’s Palace for over a hundred years before it was lovingly restored by present owner Maurice Keller to a luxury boutique hotel.

ACCOMMODATION AT ARLINGTON LODGE

There are twenty individual bedrooms, each one decorated and appointed with its own unique style, and most are exceptionally spacious. Mine had a four poster bed, large pieces of antique furniture, beautifully framed old paintings and soft mooted colours. Yet there was also a bright bathroom with great shower pressure, oodles of hot water, large mirrors and quality toiletries. There was also a warm heated towel rail which ensured that the large towels were permanently warm – such luxury! The room had great attention to detail, beautiful drapes, warm colours and an exceptionally comfortable ambiance with television and entertainment system and wireless internet access! A tasteful blend of the modern and the traditional, and with large sash windows that actually opened and a fire place with heat control, it made for the kind of comfort and control I enjoy most in a hotel bedroom.

DINING AT ARLINGTON LODGE

It is in the light-filled dining room that you appreciate why Arlington Lodge is extra special. Known as the Robert Paul fine dining restaurant, this is one of the most popular eateries in the region. With a firm emphasis on fresh, local and seasonal foods simply and tastefully prepared, the result is a great feast for your ‘inner foodie’. The home made breads are excellent and far too good to resist, and the wine list is very extensive and exceptionally well priced with a very good range of half-bottles. We started with Arlington Chicken Liver Pate, which was gorgeous with subtle hints of garlic and flavourful coriander. We also went for the delectable St Tola Goat’s Cheese gently toasted on soda bread and both starters came with a simple salad beautifully dressed. For mains we had Waterford Ham and Symphony of Dunmore East Seafood, both being very local and fresh and came with a great selection of vegetables.
We bravely continued through to desserts and while I had the Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream (the best comfort food) our other choice was the Arlington Dessert Platter which gave a taste of Bread & Butter Pudding, Chocolate Cake and a Meringue which were all as good as you mother ever made!

Arlington Lodge is famous for lobster, and the tank in the hallway allows guests to view their catch before ordering, if they desire! Other choices from the seasonal menu included local Hereford Beef; Chicken stuffed with Black Pudding; and Organic Smoked Salmon Pate.
The William Morris Bar is a cosy little bar where we enjoyed an aperitif prior to going through to the dining room. With an open fire and cosy seating we could have stayed there the evening, but hunger dictated that we move through to the restaurant.

The night we ate was quiet enough, but some nights the restaurant which seats almost fifty, can be full and very busy. With food that that is this good, ambiance so elegant and service that is formal yet friendly, it is clearly a gem of a restaurant as well as a luxurious hotel.
For breakfast the next morning I opted for the Traditional Waterford Blaa – it is always great to try something new for breakfast, and the Waterford Blaa is certainly an unusual soft bread roll with a history that dates back to the early days of bread making with white flour. My breakfast choice was described as “A unique and indigenous soft and fluffy bun, served with two poached eggs and melted Kilmeaden Cheddar”. Delicious, I did not need anything else other than some good fresh coffee to set me up for the day.
Arlington Lodge is a gem of a town house, tucked away in a quiet area of Waterford with private off-road parking. Yet it is minutes from the city and all access roads. If you have business in the region there are full conference facilities and if you want to tour the region, it is a great base. Either way, Arlington Lodge guarantees great food, historic and cosy ambiance, comfort and luxury and friendly service. Check out Arlington Lodge Waterford