The Europe Hotel & Resort

Killarney,
Co. Kerry
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The Europe Hotel & Resort, Kerry

• Outstanding new super-spa.
• Dream location with beautiful unspoilt views.
• Excellent food and service.

On our first visit to the Europe Hotel in Killarney recently we were astonished to learn that this modern luxurious hotel is actually over thirty years old! Recent renovation has added a state-of-the-art spa facility, and some of the public areas have had a make-over, but the sense of space and comfort, the majesty of the mountains and the serenity of the lake are as enchanting as ever. Some of the staff have been with the hotel for many years and their friendliness and efficiency together with the magical location and the elegant style and luxury made this a very memorable visit.

EPSA at the EUROPE

We had heard that the latest addition to spa hotels in Killarney – it being the spa capital of Ireland - was big enough to contain all the spas of the town put together, a massive 50,000 square feet! But when we did go down for treatments what we loved most was the clever contemporary design which encompasses privacy, luxury and total pampering . Colours are mooted and natural, a spiral staircase at the entrance is stunning, staff are exceptionally friendly and the treatment rooms are the best I have seen. They are bigger than usual and are open to the outside views when you enter, the curtains are drawn after consultation when the treatment is about to begin. The treatment menu is impressive and includes Ayurvedic inspired rituals, facial and body care and treatments for men as well as a couple of advanced signature treatments. There is also a Private Spa Suite which offers a very unique facility for couples. We opted for one of the two advanced signature treatments each and both were wonderfully pampering rituals with hot stone massage and took two hours. The dark relaxation room where we retreated afterwards enhanced that feeling of deep relaxation and we floated out of there eventually totally renewed.

ACCOMMODATION AT THE EUROPE HOTEL & RESORT

Our bedroom was on the fourth floor looking out over Lough Lein and the McGuillycuddy Reek Mountain range. It was a lovely bright afternoon when we arrived, and sitting out on the large balcony gave us a sensational view. We could see people sitting at outside tables on the new terrace enjoying drinks and food from the Brasserie. Our room was spacious with quality furnishings, flat screen television, comfortable sitting area, generous toiletries, separate large shower and bath and of course that great balcony.

DINING AT THE EUROPE HOTEL & RESORT

The aptly-named PANORAMA RESTAURANT provided the perfect setting for our dinner and also for breakfast the following morning. The food and service were faultless with a classic menu offering plenty of fresh seafood and locally sourced meat with vegetarians also being well catered for. We noticed a couple next to us having the rack of lamb for two which was dished out at the table by two servers and looked fabulous. We opted for a whole Dover sole on the bone and a grilled 8oz Angus beef. Both were generous and delicious. We started with a classic Caesar salad and warm Langoustines respectively. The wine list was very well chosen, and we opted for a lovely bottle of our favourite Old Coach Road Pinot Noir from Nelson in New Zealand. There was a piano playing throughout the meal, and we noticed plenty of contented families and couples enjoying the food and ambiance – and that stunning sunset!

Breakfast the next morning was a fulsome hot and cold buffet with home made breads and freshly prepared eggs. We noted that while the dining room was very busy – it was a Sunday morning – the service was attentive and efficient and everybody from the small children to the mature adults were all well catered for.

It is obviously a very popular hotel for local residents as well as for the hotel guests. There were many tables enjoying the Brasserie food during the day, and when we popped into the bar for a pre-dinner cocktail there was a good mix of people there too. The Hotel Europe does a very good job of catering for couples, families, locals and visitors within an environment that is at once classic yet contemporary and also pampering yet friendly.
It is certainly a hotel that encourages and welcomes repeat guests with its warm and kindly attention. We can see how having stayed there once, you would be keen to return.

At this stage of its long life the Europe Hotel & Resort remains a jewel in the crown of Irish luxury hotels.