The Europe Hotel & Resort

This the hotel I have stayed in, from the check in the service was so good we were able to check in early as our room was ready,we had lunch in the spa restaurant reva which was so good then went to the pool and outside pool,the restaurant manager Emmanuel was so nice to us and made us so welcome and explained the menu and wines he recommend the Risottoand it was the best meal I have had .this hotel is so worth a visit and hope to stay again soon thank you to all the staff

Prior to this weekend I referred to The Europe as my “favourite place in Ireland”. Unfortunately it was not the place I had remembered from 12 years ago. My boyfriend and I booked a 2 night package which comprised of 2 nights b+b and a meal in the Panorama restaurant (€955). On arrival the first thing I noticed was the crowds of people - fair enough, it’s a bank holiday weekend. However considering the cost of the package, and The Europe’s reputation as being “luxurious” and “a real treat” I was surprised (and yes slightly disappointed) to see the quantity of children running around the place. I felt like I had just checked into a busy airport. We were grateful that we could check in early and mesmerised by the size of the tv and cleanliness of the bathroom (lovely shower too). However our bed was actually two single beds pushed together - we’d make a better effort if we had guests staying at home. Our first visit to the spa was like a visit to Centre Parcs. Children everywhere - splashing and jumping into the infinity jacuzzi. The “adults only” thermal suite had kids running in and out playing with the ice bowl. The bar does in fact stay closed till 5.30pm. So unless you beat the crowd to the cosy spots in the lounge or library you’ll have to settle for a seat in the reception area beside screaming babies. Staff were also clearly very stressed and under pressure. Dinner in the Panorama restaurant was lovely, but again children everywhere. 5* food but not particularly 5* fine dining experience. The following day we were up early to play a game of tennis. The courts were disgraceful. The surface was (a) unplayable and (b) dangerous. Seriously though - considering the expense of the place you would think they could afford to put some money into fixing the surface. Needless to say, our tennis game didn’t last long. On our second evening we had dinner in the Brasserie. We were told we could not book a table but they operate on a first come first serve basis. Thankfully we only had to wait 30 mins for the table as we arrived at 6pm. However we noticed a number of couples had to wait up to two hours for a table. Again, this is not 5* standard. The cost of the two night stay would have got us a week abroad. We were aware that was going to be the case prior to the weekend, and we have no problem spending on a 5* experience. The Europe has not kept up with other 5* hotels in Ireland. I won’t be returning.

We’ve been coming to The Europe for many years now as a family including (now older) teenagers and always loved it. The facilities, staff, food and location continue to be excellent, and we always loved that you could bring children to a luxury spa. It seemed on this visit that the kids, particularly in the u10 age range, have taken-over the place and are left run wild by parents who don’t care about the other guests. Playing with the ice in the adult section of the spa, iPads with Peppa Pig blaring in the spa quiet areas, outdoor tub packed with kids messing with floaties, climbing through hedges in the gardens and running up and down the corridors screaming at midnight. As I’m writing this I’m wondering if I’m becoming grumpy in my middle-age - quite possibly! In many ways it feels like the Europe is a victim of its own success as a luxury family destination. I’m not sure how the hotel can prevent itself from becoming a Center Park-type holiday camp…… limit the numbers of kids (it seemed like there were hundreds this time), set expectations with parents on behaviour, have staff stop kids messing in the adult areas…? Or maybe the target is this demographic and we need to avoid school holidays or choose a different luxury hotel as the kids get older. Still an awesome hotel, but be careful if it’s mid-term and you are looking for relaxation.