Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle, N Ireland – a review

Even on a good day, they are more just large hills than actual mountains, and the weather was so atrocious that we saw little of them from our room (with a view) on the Saturday,

and even much less of them on the Sunday!

In this photo you can see our room – 424

We were in one of those “turrety” bits – so had slopey ceilings, but still a spacious and luxurious room.

I managed, without TOO much embarrassment to my husband, to capture a few images of the hotel to share with you.

The reason for this stay was a 20 year reunion of my husband’s medical colleagues who all graduated in 1991 (yes – we ARE that old!).

It was a great location as there was walking and golf for those who braved the rain, and there was a great spa for those who preferred to get wet indoors! I didn’t use it, but my husband thought it was good with a large pool, large jacuzzi, steam rooms etc.

I loved some of the original railway advertising prints on the walls near reception, and there was a small “musuem” area with old photos, menus and other memorabilia, including details of famous guests including Charlie Chaplin. I wasn’t so keen on the more modern decor of the Drawing Room – just not to my taste.

The banqueting hall used for our champagne reception, dinner and dance was beautifully set, with large candelabras at each table.

The service was prompt, our waiter attentive, and I really enjoyed my chicken cesear salad.  I opted for the chicken main course, which was fine but not outstanding. Dessert was a lovely sticky toffee pudding, but some cream, ice-cream or custard would have been appreciated.

Breakfast the next morning was excellent, with a good range of hot and cold items. Some of our friends mentioned they would have preferred to serve themselves from the hot items, as even if you only wanted bacon and soda bread, you were only offered one piece of each.

Price for a superior room, with breakfast – £170 (Expensive but just about worth it for a special occasion)

So my “scores on the doors”

Location 10/10
Room 9/10
Food 8/10
Value for money 6/10
Service 9/10

This review it totally my own opinion – I was NOT sponsored or compensated in any way for this review – promise! However, I am open to doing reviews of other hotels/venues – just get in touch!