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In the heart of Ireland’s Lakelands, this hotel is beautifully located on the tranquil shores of Lough Ree.
Summary of reviewsThe Hodson Bay Hotel enjoys an enviable location on the shores of Lough Ree, offering breathtaking views of both the lake and the surrounding golf course, contributing to a tranquil and picturesque setting. The serene lakeside environment provides ample opportunity for nature walks, water sports and Viking tours right from the pier outside the hotel, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.
The breakfast experience at the hotel receives high praise for its generous selection and quality with a variety of hot and cold options and an attentive and friendly service. The breakfast room's scenic views over the Shannon River add to the experience, despite occasional busyness and wait times during peak hours.
Rooms at the Hodson Bay Hotel are frequently described as spacious, comfortable and spotlessly clean with modern and spacious bathrooms enhancing the stay. Guests particularly enjoy rooms with stunning views of the lough. However, some feedback indicates that certain rooms could benefit from updates and enhanced maintenance.
Staff at the Hodson Bay Hotel are widely commended for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere throughout the hotel. Guests often praise the front desk, housekeeping and restaurant teams for their exceptional service and attentiveness.
The hotel's dining options receive mixed reviews; while the main restaurant is lauded for its delicious and well-presented dishes, the bar food garners varied opinions due to limited menu options and occasional issues with food quality and service speed.
Cleanliness across the hotel receives predominantly positive feedback with many guests noting clean and well-maintained rooms and public areas. However, a few guests pointed out issues with specific areas needing better upkeep, such as windows and certain breakfast dishes.
The hotel's spa is highly praised for its excellent facilities and treatments, contributing significantly to guests' relaxation and overall stay experience. Although some guests mention restricted access and additional costs, the spa remains a notable highlight for many.
Gym facilities at the hotel are well-regarded for their comprehensive equipment and cleanliness, enhancing the overall health and wellness experience for guests. The pool facilities, including a heated pool and various additional amenities like a whirlpool and sauna, are also appreciated for their cleanliness and family-friendly environment, although occasional crowding and limited children's hours are noted.
Parking at Hodson Bay Hotel is generally found to be convenient and secure with ample spaces available. However, some challenges are noted during peak times with a few guests finding the parking situation inconvenient due to distance from the hotel entrance.
Overall, the Hodson Bay Hotel offers a well-rounded, pleasant experience with its beautiful location, friendly staff, notable breakfast spread and excellent spa and recreational facilities, making it an appealing choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and family-friendly activities. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Located just outside Athlone, the hotel is set adjacent to the greens of the 18 hole Athlone Golf Course in amazing surrounds on the shores of Lough Ree.
Hotel with Spa
From the moment you arrive at the award-winning Spa you will realize that you are in a very special place, where the pace of life slows down to its natural rhythm.
Family Friendly Hotel
The hotel's award winning kids camp is open to its young guests, with activities and entertainment for all.
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
Hodson Bay Hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stay connected. The hotel also features modern rooms.
Accessible Hotel
Facilities for disabled guests are available.
Hotel with Gym
Boasts a well-equipped and spacious gym that visitors frequently praise for its cleanliness. Guests consistently note that the gym facilities are in very good condition and provide a comprehensive selection of equipment to meet various fitness needs.
4-Star Hotel
Located near Roscommon, this 4-star hotel offers a unique blend of adventure, golf, and family experiences. It has excellent customer service and a warm, friendly greeting.
Hotel with Children's Pool
Located on the shore of Lough Ree, this hotel features a 20m pool and a kids' pool area. It is known for its floating waterpark, offering a unique and fun experience for children.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Romantic Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Indoor Pool Children's Pool Pool Lap Lanes
Business Hotel
Hotel for Yoga
Hotel with Pool Lap Lanes
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Hotel with Heated Pool
Room Types
Double or Twin RoomRequest double/twin when booking.
A double room will automatically be allocated unless a twin is requested.
Retreat with Lake View (Adults Only)These luxurious rooms have partial views over Lough Ree and the surrounding countryside. Includes an en suite bathroom with bath and shower, as well as free toiletries and a hairdryer. Also features free Wi-Fi, a TV with satellite channels and pay-per-view movies, a work desk, and tea/coffee facilities.
Please note that these rooms are located in Adults Exclusive Wing of the hotel and children cannot be accommodated in these rooms.
Family Room (2 Adults + 1 Child)A spacious Family Room with 1 double and 1 single bed. Includes an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, as well as free toiletries and a hairdryer. Also features free Wi-Fi, TV, a work desk, and tea/coffee facilities.
Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)Rate based on 2 adults and 2 children. Includes an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, as well as free toiletries and a hairdryer. Also features free Wi-Fi, TV, a work desk, and tea/coffee facilities.
Single RoomIncludes an en suite bathroom with bath and shower, as well as free toiletries and a hairdryer. Also features free Wi-Fi, a TV with satellite channels and pay-per-view movies, a work desk, and tea/coffee facilities.
Retreat Deluxe with Lake View (Adults Only)Rooms are 26 square metres.
Please note that these rooms are located in Adults Exclusive Wing of the hotel and children cannot be accommodated in these rooms.
Penthouse Suite (Adults Only)This double room has a balcony and spa bath. It also benefits from a lake view.
Retreat Double Room (Adults Only)This double room has a electric kettle, flat-screen TV and tile/marble floor.
Please note that these rooms are located in Adults Exclusive Wing of the hotel and children cannot be accommodated in these rooms.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
The Hodson Bay Hotel boasts an exceptional location right on the shores of the stunning Lough Ree, offering guests breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding golf course. This serene lakeside setting provides a perfect backdrop for leisurely walks and relaxation with many visitors praising the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere. The hotel is conveniently accessible from the motorway and just a short drive from Athlone Town, making it an easy destination to reach while still being excluded from busy traffic and noise.
The picturesque surroundings contribute to a tranquil experience with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as nature walks, water sports and Viking tours that depart from the pier just outside the hotel. Guests frequently highlight the idyllic setting, describing it as absolutely fabulous and perfect for a relaxing weekend. The spacious and clean rooms often position guests to enjoy stunning views of the bay, enhancing their overall stay.
The Hodson Bay Hotel's combination of prime location, scenic beauty and convenient accessibility makes it a standout choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure in a beautiful setting by the lake.
Breakfast
Breakfast at the Hodson Bay Hotel consistently receives high marks from guests, who describe it with terms like very good, superb, delicious and wonderful. The breakfast buffet is praised for its generous selection and variety, offering both hot and cold options, including fresh fruits, cereals and a full Irish breakfast. The service during breakfast is frequently mentioned as attentive and friendly, contributing to the overall positive experience.
Many guests highlight the beautiful setting of the breakfast room, complemented by lovely views over the Shannon River and a well-organized dining environment. However, it is important to note that the breakfast room can get quite busy and noisy, especially during peak times like Saturday mornings, sometimes leading to long waits and difficulty in securing a table.
Although most guests find the breakfast options extensive and satisfying, a few have noted occasional shortcomings such as a lack of fresh fruit, very dry hot food and instances where the breakfast was cold. Specific elements like the pancakes, which some describe as more suitable for children and the bacon, which was tough for some, also received mixed reviews.
Despite these minor issues, the overall consensus is that the breakfast at Hodson Bay Hotel is a standout feature with many guests appreciating the variety, quality and service, making it a highlight of their stay.
Dinner
Hodson Bay Hotel offers a mixed dining experience with significant praise and notable criticisms. Many guests find the food in the hotel restaurant to be exceptional, highlighting delicious and well-presented dishes, fabulous steaks and a great atmosphere. The restaurant service is frequently commended for being professional and friendly, contributing to an overall enjoyable dining experience. Evening meals and breakfast are often described as very good or excellent and the Valentine's meal was particularly memorable for some.
However, the bar food receives mixed feedback. Though some guests enjoy tasty dishes and good service, others experience issues such as limited menu options, food being served cold or oily and expensive prices not matching the quality. Lunch menus are often noted as limited and the delay in bar food availability during bank holidays can be inconvenient. Service speed in the bar area can also be slow with occasional mix-ups in orders.
The dining room itself garners polarized reviews, from fabulous meals to disappointing experiences marked by cold food and hygiene concerns. The food quality can be inconsistent with some guests noting that vegetarian options don't match the quality of meat and fish dishes.
Overall, while the main restaurant at Hodson Bay Hotel seems to excel and leave a lasting positive impression, the bar food and service present areas for improvement, leading to a diverse range of guest experiences.
Rooms
The guest reviews of Hodson Bay Hotel highlight several key aspects of the rooms that suggest a mix of positive and negative experiences.
Guests frequently praised the spaciousness and comfort of the rooms. The descriptions "lovely spacious rooms" and "large comfortable room" were common, complemented by mentions of "modern and spacious bathrooms." Cleanliness stood out as a strong positive note with multiple reviews emphasizing the rooms as "spotlessly clean" and "very clean and spacious." Many rooms were described as cozy and nicely decorated with some offering fantastic views of the lough, adding to the appeal.
However, a number of issues were also noted. Some guests felt the rooms were outdated and in need of upgrades, describing them as "dated" or "worn." Room readiness at check-in was a problem for some with mentions of rooms not being ready even by late afternoon. There were also complaints about rooms being dark, cold or having a bad odor. Other specific problems included malfunctioning room key cards, issues with water temperature in showers and inadequate cleaning.
Overall, the feedback paints a picture of generally comfortable and spacious accommodations with beautiful views and good cleanliness, but with occasional lapses in maintenance and readiness. The ambiance and view options are high points, while consistency in room quality and maintenance are areas needing improvement.
Beds
The beds at Hodson Bay Hotel have generally received high praise from guests for their comfort and size. Many reviews highlight the beds as being very comfortable with words like "super comfy," "excellent," and "extremely comfortable" frequently mentioned. Guests often describe the beds as large, huge or even massive, contributing to the overall comfort of their stay.
There are also comments about the pillows with opinions varying—some found them very comfy, while others noted that they were too soft and in need of replacement. About the mattresses, a few guests were not satisfied, especially when two single mattresses were combined to form a double bed, leading to an uncomfortable sleep experience. However, the use of memory foam mattresses by the hotel was appreciated by some for added comfort.
While a couple of reviews point out specific issues such as overly soft beds, beds being too warm or rooms being too hot, the general consensus leans heavily towards satisfaction with the sleeping arrangements—commendations on the hotel’s clean and firm beds, their suitability in terms of stiffness and the overall comfort provided.
In summary, Hodson Bay Hotel’s beds are widely regarded as very comfortable and spacious, enhancing the overall guest experience. With only a few exceptions, most guests left feeling well-rested, thanks to the hotel's focus on providing quality bedding and comfortable rooms.
Cleanliness
The Hodson Bay Hotel has received mixed reviews regarding its cleanliness. On the positive side, many guests praised the hotel for being spotlessly clean with rooms frequently described as very clean, comfortable and well-appointed. Public areas, including the pool and reception, were also noted for their cleanliness. The hotel’s general upkeep, including the décor, was commended for providing a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.
However, several reviews pointed out some concerns. Issues were raised about specific areas such as dirty windows, bird droppings on balconies and less-than-clean pool facilities. Some guests encountered dirty dishes at breakfast and unsatisfactory room cleaning with reports of dust, cobwebs and unclean bathrooms. Hallways and corridors were also mentioned as needing better cleaning.
Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviews leaned towards a positive experience, emphasizing excellent cleanliness of individual rooms and general areas. The beautiful views and friendly staff further enhanced the overall perception of a clean and welcoming environment at Hodson Bay Hotel.
Staff
Hodson Bay Hotel has garnered an abundance of positive feedback for its staff, described frequently as friendly, helpful and welcoming. Guests consistently highlight the courtesy, attentiveness and professionalism of the hotel employees. The staff's efforts in making stays comfortable often leave a lasting impression with many reviews commending their exceptional service. The front desk team receives particular praise for being both efficient and accommodating. Additionally, the restaurant and bar staff are noted for their friendliness and attentiveness, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
Guests appreciate the genuine politeness and caring attitude of the employees, which extends to every part of the hotel, from housekeeping to the spa services. Despite a few mentions of issues such as slow reception service and occasional lapses in organization or training, the overall sentiment remains highly positive. The hotel staff is frequently described as going above and beyond to assist guests, contributing significantly to the hotel's warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Wi-Fi
Visitors to the Hodson Bay Hotel have generally positive impressions of the WiFi service. Guests frequently highlight the seamless, fast and free WiFi connectivity. Many appreciate the strong signal and good reach, which enhances their stay. Several reviews note that there is no need for concern about WiFi issues with mentions of stable and satisfactory internet connections.
However, it's worth noting that a few guests encountered problems with the WiFi. Some reported weak signals or limited range, while others mentioned they were unable to access the facilities via barcode due to connectivity issues. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the majority of reviews reflect a favorable experience with the hotel's internet service.
Spa
The spa at Hodson Bay Hotel is widely praised by guests for its excellent facilities and comprehensive therapies. Visitors often remark on how relaxing and well-maintained the spa area is, enhancing their overall stay. Notable offerings include high-quality treatments, such as massages, which many found to be wonderful and top-class. The spa retreat experience is frequently described as fantastic with accommodating and lovely staff contributing to the positive ambiance. Highlights include the spa's excellent condition, the soothing atmosphere and top-notch service.
However, several guests note that the spa has limited opening hours and costs extra with access restrictions unless treatments are booked. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment towards the spa remains extremely favorable with many considering it a significant highlight of their visit to Hodson Bay Hotel.
Gym
The Hodson Bay Hotel boasts a well-equipped and spacious gym that visitors frequently praise for its cleanliness. Guests consistently note that the gym facilities are in very good condition and provide a comprehensive selection of equipment to meet various fitness needs. Despite a few mentions of broken items, the overall sentiment about the gym remains positive. The gym complements the hotel's other recreational amenities, such as the pool and golf options, contributing to a well-rounded health club experience.
Pool
Hodson Bay Hotel offers a well-regarded pool experience for its guests. The pool is frequently praised for being great, lovely and superb with specific mentions of its warm and perfect temperature. Families find the pool to be particularly enjoyable with features like a heated pool and a separate kids’ pool, making it a fun destination for children.
The hotel’s pool area is described as very nice, lovely and well-kept, featuring additional amenities such as a whirlpool, sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pools. These added features contribute to a relaxing experience with many guests appreciating the complimentary access to the leisure facilities.
Despite the overall positive feedback, a few reviews mention that the pool can be crowded at times and some found it inconvenient that the pool opens for kids only after 10am when check-out is at 11am. A couple of reviews highlighted that the pool area could be cleaner and on rare occasions, the pool has been noted to be cold or too shallow.
Overall, the pool facilities at Hodson Bay Hotel are highly rated for their cleanliness, warmth and family-friendly environment with a comprehensive leisure complex that enhances the guest experience.
Parking
When it comes to parking at Hodson Bay Hotel, guests have shared varied experiences. Many guests appreciated the convenience and security of the large parking lot situated in front of the hotel, highlighting that there are plenty of free parking spaces available and several other options including a big indoor car park and underground parking. These ample parking arrangements have been noted by some reviewers as good and convenient with several emphasizing the secure and large nature of the car park.
However, some challenges were also pointed out. During peak times, parking proved difficult and some reviewers faced issues with the lack of parking spots nearby, describing the situation as mayhem and noting parking shortages. Additionally, the location of the car park was sometimes considered too distant from the hotel entrance, posing inconvenience particularly for elderly guests. Despite these occasional problems, the overall sentiment hints at generally satisfactory parking facilities with room for improvement during high-traffic periods.
Family
The Hodson Bay Hotel is highly recommended for families seeking a welcoming and accommodating getaway. Reviews consistently highlight its suitability for family vacations, specifically praising the spacious and well-appointed family rooms. The hotel boasts an array of kid-friendly amenities, including a highly appreciated kids club that ensures children have an enjoyable experience.
A highlight for families is the hotel's impressive pool area, although some noted that it could get crowded with young swimmers. For those seeking activities, the location and facilities are ideal with exciting options such as water sports and a Viking boat experience that delight both children and adults alike.
The service provided at Hodson Bay Hotel stands out with guests frequently commending the friendly, kind and helpful staff. The hotel’s great location, combined with stunning views from the rooms, adds to its appeal as a family-oriented destination. Despite minor inconveniences such as longer waits due to Covid-19, the overall experience remains positive and many guests expressed a desire to return with their families in the future.
Golf
The Hodson Bay Hotel offers impressive views of both the beautiful lake and an adjacent golf course, enhancing the overall appeal for guests. A scenic walking trail meanders alongside the golf course, providing a delightful experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The golf course itself is conveniently located, reachable within just three minutes from the hotel, making it highly accessible for golf lovers. Additionally, the presence of a gym alongside the golf amenities adds to the convenience for fitness-conscious visitors. This proximity and ease of access to golfing facilities make the hotel an attractive option for those who enjoy the sport.
4 Star
The Hodson Bay Hotel generally offers a commendable four-star experience, as highlighted by numerous guests who appreciated its four-star service, facilities and amenities. The hotel features well-maintained decor that aligns with its rating, especially in the restaurant and lobby areas, which are described as warm and inviting. Guests have enjoyed a lovely stay with accommodations that meet expectations for a four-star hotel.
However, there are contrasting opinions where some found the hotel not living up to its supposed rating. Issues such as outdated rooms and lack of essential amenities - including no fridge, water or functioning AC - detract from the overall experience. Additionally, specific complaints include structural problems, such as leaking rooms and faulty lights. These shortcomings suggest that for some, the hotel did not meet the standards expected for its price.
Overall, while many visitors rate their stay positively, noting effective and pleasant staff, others believe that the hotel falls short of the true four-star experience.
Business
The Hodson Bay Hotel offers commendable support and facilities tailored for business travelers. Featuring a large conference area, it is well-suited for hosting extensive business meetings and events. Visitors highlighted the helpful and attentive nature of the staff, particularly praising the assistant duty manager for their assistance. The accommodations provide a comfortable stay after busy days filled with business-related activities. Despite encountering some issues with billing charges to the room, the overall experience for business stays remains positive. With its strategic location near places like the Summerhill office park, Hodson Bay Hotel effectively caters to the needs of those traveling for work.
Accessible
The 'Hodson Bay Hotel' generally offers good accessibility for guests with disabilities, including wheelchair access and easy entry to common areas and the reception. The hotel is fully accessible for most guests, ensuring minimal barriers to mobility. However, some issues were noted, such as bathrooms in accessible rooms being difficult to navigate. While the hotel features well-decorated suites and grounds, overall cleanliness and access were areas of concern for some guests. Despite these drawbacks, the easily accessible facilities and design elements cater well to guests with disabilities. Staff support, particularly during breakfast, could benefit from better management oversight to enhance the overall experience.
Children's Pool
The children's pool at Hodson Bay Hotel receives notable praise in guest reviews. It's frequently described as a separate and dedicated area specifically for small or young children. The convenience of having a pool nearby ensures easy access for families, making it a popular feature among guests. The kids particularly seem to enjoy it with multiple mentions of children loving the pool and having an excellent experience. The pool is also commended for its ample space, which adds to its appeal for family use. Despite the occasional mention of poor service and warm room conditions, the children's pool consistently stands out as a highlight for families staying at the hotel.
Heated Pool
The heated pool at the Hodson Bay Hotel consistently impresses guests, offering a delightful and luxurious experience. Families particularly highlight that the kids thoroughly enjoyed the warmth of the pool, making it a fun activity for all ages. Described as an indoor pool, it provides a comfortable escape regardless of the season. While there are exceptions, most reviews emphasize the pleasure of swimming in this well-maintained heated facility, contributing positively to the hotel's overall appeal.
Indoor Pool
The indoor pool at Hodson Bay Hotel received high praise from guests, who frequently described it as nice, lovely and wonderful. The pool area itself was highlighted as a great facility with many appreciating its luxury and the overall experience of the swimming pool. Despite some minor issues, such as occasional cold water or shower pressure concerns, the excellent pool facilities remained a favorite feature for visitors. Spa services complement the pool area, enhancing the overall relaxation experience at the hotel. Overall, guests seemed to greatly enjoy the indoor pool during their stay.
Luxury
Hodson Bay Hotel offers an exceptional experience characterized by several luxurious features. Guests frequently praise the establishment's fine dining, noting the incredible food experience. The hotel's commitment to cleanliness and high-quality room service stands out as well. The luxurious spa and the pool also garner positive feedback, enhancing the overall sense of indulgence. Customers highlight the premium room options, often noting the fantastic views available. The hotel's beautiful rooms and stunning surroundings contribute significantly to its prestigious reputation. Although not universally flawless, the luxurious aspects of Hodson Bay Hotel create a memorable stay for most visitors.
Yes, Hodson Bay Hotel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool, Children's Pool, Pool Lap Lanes.
Yes, a spa is available at Hodson Bay Hotel.
No, Hodson Bay Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Hodson Bay Hotel.