Brook Lane Hotel

Kenmare
Co Kerry.
Brook Lane Hotel enquiries
www.brooklanehotel.com

• Contemporary Chic Boutique Hotel.
• Lovely location on the Ring of Kerry.
• Very good food & friendly service.

Kenmare in County Kerry enjoys a great reputation as the discerning tourist’s favourite location. It has often been called the real gourmet capital of Ireland; it has been a favourite town for many international celebrities over the years; it is loved by the locals; has been the setting for several movies; and enjoys unrivalled scenery and activities. And now it is home to a modern family owned tasteful little hotel that really does go that extra mile when it comes to a great guest experience. We were impressed on our most recent visit there, and found much to recommend about this Boutique Hotel.

ACCOMMODATION AT BROOK LANE HOTEL.

There is a sign outside the hotel that says simply “Very Nice Rooms”. It catches your eye as you drive past and is a clever way of letting you know that this hotel is putting a lot of thought into the accommodation. Indeed the rooms are very nice – they have everything on the wish list – really comfortable beds and quality linen and robes, free broadband access, great bathrooms and lovely toiletries and towels. The last time I stayed in the Junior Suite and even had a private balcony. Both times I stayed I was escorted to the bedroom, and offered tea or coffee which arrived shortly afterwards as I was unpacking. They also do a nightly turn-down service which is so nice to comeback to after dinner – curtains drawn, bed turned-down, chocolates on the pillows and the bathroom refreshed with new towels and toiletries.

CASEY’S AT BROOK LANE HOTEL

The menu here is very interesting with dishes such as “Mum’s Traditional Lamb Stew”, “Double Cooked American-Style Pork Ribs”, “Baked Chicken and Sweet Cranberry Parcel” and “Gourmet Fish Pie with Potato & Spring Onion Crust” to name just a few. There is plenty of imagination and a good helping of passion in the food here. But we went fairly traditional with Black Sole on the Bone (in a delicious Almond, Pernod and Prawn cream) and a huge Irish Hereford Sirloin Steak with tasty homemade chunky chips. Be warned if you are planning to eat here, bring your appetite with you as portions are very generous. From the ten starters on offer we chose the Chef’s Gourmet Prawn Cocktail which was exactly as we hoped it would be; and a most unusual take on the lovely St Tola Goat’s cheese which came warm on a leek and potato Terrine and balanced with a homemade Piccalilli. While dinner is served in Casey’s Bar, the food is certainly much more than bar food and we found that both the dishes and the service were definitely of restaurant standard. Breakfast was served in the Silverspoon Restaurant which is used for private parties, small weddings and special events. Plenty of fresh fruit, home-made breads and all hot food cooked to order – just what we look for in a good breakfast. But back to dinner – we were particularly impressed by the wine list. Consisting of just 33 wines, each has been carefully chosen to provide the best quality at a good price point. Most of the wines were in the €20 range, with a couple of specials in the €40s and €50s and you could push the boat out with a bottle of Louis Roederer at €80 They have not added the greedy multiple mark-up like many restaurants, and we really appreciated that. We enjoyed a bottle of Sangiovese which was light to medium bodied and complemented both our meals perfectly. It was very well priced at €21.50

“ME TIME” BEAUTY ROOMS.

Now with so many hotels building spas to enhance their guests’ experience, it is almost expected that there will be some kind of “wellness” experience available. Brook Lane Hotel have not disappointed in this area. Even though they have just 20 rooms, they also have an on-site Beauty Rooms that offer a full range of excellent treatments including facials, massages, body wraps and various packages for women, men and teenagers including Bride To Be, Mum To Be etc. The product ranges, including the organic Eminence range together with highly professional and helpful therapists guarantee a fabulous treatment time. I enjoyed an eminence Unique Facial, which was quite different to most facials, and left the skin feeling silky and luxurious.
After the treatment there is a choice of going back to the lobby to sit and avail of the wireless by the fire, enjoying a book in their comfortable library and or perhaps sampling a light lunch in Casey’s Bar. It is a short stroll into the town of Kenmare where shopping choices are varied and with the stunning scenery all around, Brook Lane Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the region. A member of the Private Ireland collection – www.privateireland.com – this is a stylish hotel that we at Hotel Reviews Ireland would highly recommend.
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