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Summary of reviewsThe Abbey Hotel Donegal, nestled in the heart of Donegal Town, stands out for its prime location, making it an excellent base for exploring the local area. Its central position offers easy access to various local bars, restaurants and historic sites, including Donegal Castle, while also providing peaceful and picturesque views from rooms overlooking the square or the river. Guests often enjoy the hotel's classic style and lively weekend atmosphere, supported by friendly and helpful staff.
The dining experience at the Abbey Hotel is highly praised with the Market House Restaurant and the ground floor bar receiving kudos for their quality and variety of food offerings. Meals are well-presented and delicious with the bar's live traditional music adding to the enjoyable ambiance. Despite some occasional service inconsistencies, the hotel's dining options are largely recommended for both casual and special occasions.
Breakfast receives mixed reviews; while many find it delightful and varied, others consider it overpriced and not always included in the room rate. The need to pre-book times and occasional shortages of items like croissants are noted issues. Nonetheless, dedicated staff members like Mary and Geraldine are acknowledged for their excellent service.
Guest rooms are described as spacious, clean and comfortable, though some suffer from outdated decor and maintenance issues like stained carpets and flaking paint. Efforts to refresh certain rooms have been appreciated, indicating potential for further improvement. Cleanliness throughout the hotel is generally maintained to a high standard, despite occasional lapses in individual rooms.
The hospitality of the hotel's staff is frequently highlighted with particular praise for their professionalism and friendly demeanor. Exceptional service from individuals like Karen and Kieran has left positive impressions, enhancing guest experiences significantly.
However, the hotel's WiFi service does not meet expectations with many guests reporting unreliable connections, especially in rooms. Despite these connectivity issues, family-friendly amenities and activities make the Abbey Hotel an attractive option for travelers with children.
Guest opinions on the beds are split with some finding them very comfortable and others noting issues like old mattresses and hard pillows. The hotel's three-star rating reflects its blend of charm, practicality and value for money, although ongoing refurbishments are expected to bring the facility closer to modern standards.
Accessibility requires attention with some guests noting challenges both outside and inside the hotel. Enhancing room accessibility and bathroom facilities would greatly benefit guests with disabilities.
Overall, the Abbey Hotel Donegal offers a charming and convenient stay, bolstered by friendly staff and quality dining, albeit with some room for improvement in certain areas. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Located in Donegal Town, offering access to nearby golf courses, including Donegal Golf Club.
Business Hotel
The Abbey Hotel, along with the Central Hotel, offers flexible meeting and event rooms with modern settings. It provides a dedicated event coordinator, audio-visual equipment, natural daylight in meeting rooms, high-speed internet, bar facilities, and restaurant catering.
Accessible Hotel
The Abbey Hotel Donegal offers 'Enabled Access Rooms' and is generally wheelchair accessible throughout its premises, including a lift. Guests also have complimentary access to leisure facilities in its sister hotel, Central Hotel, indicating a commitment to accessible amenities.
3-Star Hotel
Located in the main square of Donegal, this 3-star hotel is next to Donegal Castle. It offers comfortable rooms.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Room Types
Twin Room - Room OnlyThis room includes a flat-screen TV and private bathroom with a hairdryer. Tea and coffee making facilities are also provided.
Please let Abbey Hotel Donegal know your estimated arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking or contact the hotel.
The property hosts music / entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday nights during the summer season. Some rooms may be affected by noise.
Double Room - Room OnlyThis room includes a flat-screen TV and private bathroom with a hairdryer. Tea and coffee making facilities are also provided.
Triple Room - Room OnlyThis room includes a flat-screen TV and private bathroom with a hairdryer. Tea and coffee making facilities are also provided.
Deluxe Triple RoomOffering free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a shower. The triple room offers a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 3 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.7
Good
Location
Situated right in the heart of Donegal Town, the Abbey Hotel Donegal boasts a central location that is nothing short of ideal for travelers keen on exploring the area's vibrant offerings. A stone's throw from numerous local bars, restaurants and cafes, the hotel's prime spot makes it easy to savor the local scene, whether guests are in the mood for some evening entertainment or a leisurely stroll around the town's historic sites, including Donegal Castle.
This charming hotel, located on the diamond, offers the convenience of being close to public transport options, such as buses to Dublin Airport, making it suitable for travelers on the move. Its setting is also praised for its peaceful and picturesque views, particularly from rooms facing the square or the river.
The hotel itself exudes a classic style and a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends, ensuring guests have both a comfortable stay and plenty of activities to enjoy. With spacious, warm and comfortable rooms, it provides a solid base for both leisurely visits and sightseeing.
Overall, the Abbey Hotel Donegal's central, convenient location, coupled with friendly staff and a welcoming environment, makes it a favored choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the charm of Donegal Town.
Breakfast
Guests at the Abbey Hotel Donegal have mixed opinions about the breakfast offerings. On the positive side, many found the breakfast to be very good, lovely and delicious with a good variety of options. Several guests praised the excellent breakfast, describing it as tasty and hearty. The breakfast room was often mentioned as nice and staff like Mary and Geraldine received commendations for their helpfulness and delightful service.
On the less satisfactory side, some guests felt the breakfast was overpriced and not worth the cost with several noting that it was not included in the room price. Complaints also included breakfast being just average or mediocre with limited selection and inconsistent quality. Service issues were highlighted, such as running out of items like croissants and unresponsive staff. Additionally, certain guests mentioned logistical concerns such as the need to pre-book specific breakfast times and potential forfeiture for not adhering to them.
In summary, while many guests enjoyed a pleasant and varied morning meal, others found the cost and quality to fall short of expectations, indicating that breakfast experiences at the Abbey Hotel Donegal can vary.
Dinner
Abbey Hotel Donegal's dining experience is consistently praised for its high quality and variety. Guests often commend the hotel's multiple dining options, including a well-regarded main restaurant and an inviting ground floor bar. The Market House Restaurant, in particular, stands out for its impressive menu and exceptional food quality, making it a preferred choice for special occasions.
Visitors frequently highlight the delicious and beautifully presented meals with the steaks receiving specific mentions for their excellence. The bar food is also well-received, noted for its great value for money and generous portions. Live traditional music in the bar at night adds to the overall enjoyable dining atmosphere, enhancing the hotel's evening entertainment.
While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the food, a few mixed comments indicate that the service can be variable and that some meals might not always meet expectations. Nonetheless, staff are generally praised for their friendliness and responsiveness to guest needs.
Breakfast and dinner often receive excellent reviews with guests especially enjoying the superb array of dishes and top-class food. The hotel's commitment to quality and consistency in dining makes it a strong recommendation for both casual and special dining experiences in Donegal.
Rooms
The rooms at the Abbey Hotel in Donegal have garnered mixed reviews from guests, highlighting both positive and negative aspects. On the bright side, many visitors appreciated the spaciousness of the rooms, often describing them as large and comfortably accommodating. Cleanliness was also frequently mentioned as a strong point with numerous reviews noting that the rooms were clean and tidy. The majority of rooms provided ample space, comfortable beds and functional bathrooms, offering a pleasant stay for many guests. Some rooms even boasted nice town views, which added to the overall experience.
However, the hotel rooms seem to suffer from a significant issue of outdated decor and facilities. Many guests felt that the rooms were in need of modernization and refurbishment, citing old-fashioned furnishings, dated decoration and occasional maintenance issues such as stains on carpets, flaking paint and malfunctioning appliances. A few rooms were criticized for being too warm or too cold and some guests reported problems with noise, both from within the hotel and from external sources like air conditioning units or the street.
Despite the mixed feedback, the hotel's efforts to update some rooms were noticed and appreciated by guests who stayed in recently refurbished accommodations. Nonetheless, it appears that a comprehensive renovation of all rooms might be necessary to meet modern standards and guest expectations fully. The hotel's charm and potential are evident, but improvements in room maintenance and upgrades are needed to enhance the overall guest experience.
Beds
The guest reviews on the beds at Abbey Hotel Donegal are notably varied. While many guests found the beds to be very comfortable with several specifically mentioning they had a good night's sleep, others felt quite the opposite, describing the beds as uncomfortable or too hard. Some reviews highlighted that the mattresses seemed old and worn, occasionally even allowing guests to feel the springs. There were also mentions of the beds being small and the pillows too hard. However, numerous guests still appreciated the cleanliness of the beds and a few specifically noted the beds were comfy. Overall, the sentiments about the beds range significantly, suggesting a mixed experience depending upon individual preferences and possibly the specific room allocated.
Cleanliness
Abbey Hotel Donegal receives generally positive feedback regarding its cleanliness with many guests praising its clean and modern facilities. Numerous reviews highlight that the rooms and common areas are kept very clean and tidy, contributing to a comfortable stay. Visitors also appreciate the clean and comfortable beds that often guarantee a good night's sleep. However, there are noteworthy mentions of areas needing improvement. Several guests reported issues with dirty bathrooms, unemptied bins and dusty corridors. Some specific complaints include musty smells, stained carpets and instances of rooms not being adequately serviced, such as leftover items from previous guests or unwashed cups. Despite these concerns, overall cleanliness is frequently lauded, suggesting the hotel generally maintains a high standard, although some areas may benefit from more consistent attention.
Staff
The Abbey Hotel Donegal has received numerous commendations for its staff, who are frequently described as friendly, helpful and accommodating. Guests consistently highlight the professionalism and responsiveness of the team, particularly noting the positive interactions with receptionists and bar staff. Exceptional individual efforts by certain staff members, such as Karen and Kieran, were also acknowledged for their exemplary service.
The staff’s ability to provide a warm welcome and go above and beyond in their duties has left a lasting impression on many guests. The front desk staff, in particular, were praised for their helpfulness and accommodating nature. Even amidst occasional critiques, such as inexperienced bar staff or unaccommodating receptionists, the general consensus remains overwhelmingly positive regarding the hospitality.
Visitors frequently mentioned the excellent service at both the bar and restaurant, alongside favorable comments about the quality of food. Personalized and attentive service, combined with genuine friendliness, contributed significantly to the overall positive experiences of many guests at the Abbey Hotel Donegal.
Wi-Fi
The Abbey Hotel Donegal has received mixed feedback regarding its WiFi services. While some guests noted the availability of free WiFi, the majority found the internet connection to be unreliable with many comments highlighting poor or non-functioning WiFi. Issues were noted both in the rooms and throughout the hotel with some guests reporting that connecting to the internet was only possible in the lobby. Despite these concerns, it seems that a stable internet connection is an area where the hotel could significantly improve.
Family
Abbey Hotel Donegal comes highly recommended as a family-friendly destination, offering several amenities and activities that cater to families with children. Many guests praised the hotel's dedicated family rooms, which are not only spacious but also versatile, often featuring combinations like a double bed and three single beds, accommodating various family sizes comfortably.
The atmosphere at the hotel is described as great, contributing to an overall sense of enjoyment and relaxation for families. Additionally, the hotel's staff receives commendations for their friendliness, ensuring a welcoming environment. Parents appreciated the onsite family activities, suggesting that there's plenty to keep young ones entertained.
The hotel's location and easy parking were also highlighted as advantageous, making it convenient for family days out. Families looking for a hassle-free travel experience with a focus on keeping children engaged would find Abbey Hotel in Donegal to be an ideal option. While there were mentions of minor cleanliness issues, the positive aspects, such as updated rooms and a lovely scent in some accommodations, were more frequently noted. Overall, it seems to be a good choice for families looking to enjoy a fun and relaxing getaway.
3 Star
Located in the heart of bustling Donegal, Abbey Hotel offers a three-star experience that brings both charm and practicality. Though the room standards and cleanliness have faced some criticisms, including outdated furniture and ongoing refurbishments, the hotel redeems itself with incredible value for money. It's reasonably priced for a three-star hotel, ensuring that visitors feel they have received good value for their spend.
The building itself, notable for its beautiful old charm and character, enhances the overall ambiance of the stay. The friendly and helpful staff, armed with extensive local knowledge, consistently elevate the guest experience. The food, described as lovely and outshining that of larger hotels, adds another layer of comfort.
While the noise level, particularly from the busy town square and subpar elements like limited toiletries and unprepared fruit at breakfast point to areas of improvement, the warmth and hospitality of Abbey Hotel stand out. Over time, as renovations progress, the hotel’s offering is likely to align more closely with the expectations of a three-star accommodation. For travelers seeking an economical yet charming option in Donegal, Abbey Hotel remains a commendable choice.
Accessible
The Abbey Hotel in Donegal offers a welcoming atmosphere, though guests with disabilities have reported some accessibility challenges. The location of the hotel makes access difficult for those with limited mobility, as getting near the entrance can be an issue. Inside, there have been remarks about the suitability of rooms for guests with specific needs, indicating a necessity for more accessible room options.
Additionally, bathroom facilities could use improvements. Guests pointed out the presence of thick limescale on tap heads and clogged shower heads, which could hinder ease of use. The lack of a soap holder in the shower stall and the need for better lighting have also been mentioned as areas that require attention. Overall, while the Abbey Hotel has a warm ambiance, enhancing these aspects would greatly improve the stay for all guests, particularly those with disabilities.
No, Abbey Hotel Donegal doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Abbey Hotel Donegal.
No, Abbey Hotel Donegal doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Abbey Hotel Donegal.