Elizabeth H.
Yelp
Going through my back log of unfinished reviews. This one is a few months late. Stayed here for a week. 3 stars for an average experience. Though I'm being quite generous with a 3 star rating given that a higher cost (and what a high cost it IS!) should warrant a much more than satisfactory experience. I do not believe that this was a "5-star" stay as I've read pretty much everywhere.
Small bits of wear and tear throughout give the estate a dated, dusty feel. Some examples: there are wingback chairs and a small coffee table by the fireplace in the lobby, which is quite lovely. But the chairs are very worn from use and the coffee table always had rings, and the occasional unfinished, abandoned drink on it. There is another lounge area further down one of the halls, with extremely saggy furniture and a dusty fireplace mantle.
Another thing. The K Club says that they offer complimentary wireless service. They do not. The wireless is VERY weak. It is NOT available unless you are in the lobby. Could not access wireless with either my laptop, or two cell phones. I was told it was an issue with my carrier. No, it's an issue with your router. So instead, I went to the business office, which is nothing more than two very dated desktops with the equivalent of dial up internet speed. The printer had low ink and little paper. A HUGE inconvenience overall.
Had early check-in pre-confirmed. Upon arrival, room was not ready.
They said that while I waited, perhaps I should enjoy some afternoon tea in the Tea Room. Service in the tea room was excruciatingly slow. I initially thought I had the wrong room after I had been waiting there for 15 minutes, but as I went out to enquire, service arrived. Tea was average; no sugar cubes offered, just standard packets. One of the desserts was made using canned, diced pineapple. Music was playing from a portable CD player in the corner. An underwhelming afternoon tea overall.
Upon entering my room, no welcome fruit amenity was presented, which was included in my package.
Room cleaning was skipped one day. Turndown service was skipped another night. I did inform the concierge about these oversights. I thought the K Club was a zero gratuity establishment (as it should be with most 5 star accommodations), but I must have been wrong. I continued to leave a tip afterward (which was taken every time).
Had to remind the concierge that I had late check out, which I shouldn't have had to do since it was a part of my package.
Extra bathroom supplies were brought up quickly when I needed them (such as a razor). I liked that you could get your breakfast delivered to your room. Most staff were helpful with local directions, suggestions on what to see or do, and friendly all around. However, I didn't think the service was up to par for a supposed "5 star" establishment.
The grounds are large and picturesque. I enjoyed the contemplation gardens and apple orchard, as well as strolling along the river. Very lovely, rain or shine.
The breakfast was the highlight of my stay. The table settings were lovely. There were a variety of unique meats, breads, and juices. I enjoyed several Irish favorites. The lattes and espressos prepared were fantastic. And several items, like eggs and crepes / "pancakes" were made to order (consistent every time).
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The spa, gym, and pool (when considered together) were above average. But getting to these amenities is a bit of a trip. You have to first get to the lobby, then down a long hall past several of the common rooms, and take a 5-10 min walk outside to get there. The gym and pool were essentially abandoned and allowed for my full enjoyment. The gym is impressive in size, well stocked, clean and with updated equipment. The pool is sparkling clean, chic and modern in design, with a fairly large whirlpool. Both were enjoyable.
However, the spa left something to be desired in way of service and treatment. I have detailed these issues in a review specific to the K Spa, here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-k-spa-straffan#hrid:lTr8Y2LN7tzikT8zu_nKPw
Also, I plan on reviewing the River Room restaurant in another review. It was an average experience, but at such a high price point, I did expect better in way of taste and service due to the cost.
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My particular room was above average, but quite small for the price paid.
Like most areas of the estate, some slight wear and tear gave the room a dated and dusty feeling. It felt like more cleaning needed to be done. There was water marking near the edges of the wallpaper at curious spots near the ceiling and some corners of the paper were even beginning to peel.
However, the high ceilings, period furniture, large soaking tub (no jets), and lovely view of the golf course were very much appreciated. The robes were thick and plush and the bath products were absolutely superb (Irish brand Voya, made of hand harvested Sligo seaweed) and refreshed daily. At the end of my stay, my hair was glorious.
