Radisson Blu Athlone: Ireland's BEST Luxury Hotel? (You'll Be SHOCKED!)
Radisson Blu Athlone: Ireland's BEST? (Hold Onto Your Hats - It's a Wild Ride!)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I've just emerged, blinking and slightly bewildered, from the Radisson Blu Athlone. Was it the "BEST Luxury Hotel in Ireland?" (As the headline dramatically suggests, I'm not entirely sure!) Let's just say it was an experience. Prepare for a review that's less "polished travel blog" and more "dazed traveler trying to remember what happened."
(Disclaimer: SEO is in the building. Keywords everywhere! But don't worry, the REAL stuff, the feel of the place, is coming.)
First Impressions & the Accessibility Angle (Because Let's Be Real, That Matters!)
Okay, so I rolled up. Athlone. Ireland. Already feeling the magic because, well, you know – Ireland. The Radisson Blu sits right on the River Shannon, which is visually stunning. Seriously, the views from some rooms are… chef's kiss. Accessibility is a huge deal for me, and the Radisson scores some major points here. The building is generally wheelchair accessible, with lifts aplenty (thank goodness!) and ramps where needed. More on the specific room I experienced later, but facilities for disabled guests are definitely present. The website mentions specific accessible rooms; I’d recommend calling ahead to confirm availability and any specific needs – always a good idea. The car park [on-site] is convenient, and the car park [free of charge] part is even better. Finding easy parking in a bustling town is a win!
Rooms & Comfort: Where the Drama Begins!
My room? Let's call it an adventure. It had air conditioning, a mini bar (crucial!), and a free Wi-Fi connection strong enough to actually stream something. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – a godsend. The bedding was comfy, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those pesky Irish summer daylight hours. The bathroom, while functional, was… interesting. The water pressure was a bit… gentle. But hey! The hair dryer actually worked, a small victory! I did appreciate the bathrobes though. A nice touch. Also complimentary bottled water is always welcome, as is the complimentary tea, even if I forgot to make it.
(Anecdote time!)
I almost lost it when I accidentally left my laptop on the desk. The next day housekeeping noticed it and had it put in the safe for me. Crisis averted! The in-room safe box and the safety/security feature are definitely pluses!
Food, Glorious Food (And the Occasional Hiccup!): Dining, Drinking & Snacking
The restaurants were a mixed bag. The Buffet in restaurant at breakfast was… well, a buffet. Standard. But the Asian breakfast, I was told, was top-notch. The Western breakfast was, as expected, a crowd-pleaser.
The bar was lively (Irish hospitality, you know!) and the poolside bar offered a decent cocktail (a little pricey, mind you!), and the coffee shop was convenient. The Restaurants generally provided a good level of service, but the food itself… Looked pretty, but just not what I expected.
The Happy hour was a saving grace!
(Rant alert!)
I ordered room service one night (Room service [24-hour] - a huge win!), a burger that arrived… well, it was a burger. The staff training in safety protocol was evident – everyone was masked and following distancing rules, and they had hand sanitizer everywhere. The sanitized kitchen and tableware items gave me peace of mind. (Though, I swear I saw the dishwasher struggle once. Shhh…!)
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool & Everything in Between
Okay, the pool with view was legitimately dreamy. Seriously, the best part of the whole stay! The swimming pool (indoor) – clean, well-maintained, and perfect for a refreshing dip. The sauna and steamroom were also divine. I didn't make it to the spa, but the Spa/sauna set up was very clean, I heard a lot of good things about the services. I felt like a new person after a good swim.
(Confession time!)
I wanted to get a body scrub, but chickened out on booking it. Next time! I could use a body wrap, too, I am pretty sure.
The All-Important Cleanliness & Safety
This is where the Radisson shines. They take safety seriously. The anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and staff trained in safety protocol made me feel secure. They truly went the extra mile with the safe dining setup, and the individually-wrapped food options were a nice touch. They had a doctor/nurse on call, and I saw the first aid kit at several places. I'm not sure about the shared stationery removed but I'd like to think so! Kudos, Radisson.
Amenities & Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Irish…
The Concierge: excellent at pointing me in the right direction. Doorman – friendly! Luggage storage: no problem. The business facilities seemed well-equipped if you need to work (boo!), including business facilities, meeting/banquet facilities, meeting stationery, and projector/LED display. Laundry service was available. Cashless payment service was a bonus! A gift/souvenir shop was there to tempt you.
(Quirk observation!)
I got a giggle out of the tiny shrine in the hallway. Classic Ireland!
Getting Around & Other Bits and Bobs
I used a taxi service a couple of times. They also offer airport transfer, which is a good option. They also have car power charging stations. There is CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property for added safety. Note: Pets are Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed.
Kids & Families
The Radisson Blu Athlone is definitely family/child friendly. I saw kids running around and having a blast. They offer Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal.
So, Is It the BEST Luxury Hotel? (The Verdict)
Honestly? It’s a solid, very well-managed hotel. The location is brilliant, the staff are lovely, and the pool is a showstopper. It is definitely not a "luxury" hotel on the level of some of the more opulent places in say, Paris. The food could be better, and some rooms could use an upgrade. But for a comfortable, convenient, and safe stay in a stunning location with excellent accessibility, I'd recommend it.
Here's the truth: the Radisson Blu Athlone offers a good balance of comfort, convenience, and value. It’s reliable, well-equipped, and perfect for exploring the area.
Final score? 4 out of 5 shamrocks. Not perfect, but definitely worth considering.
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The Irresistible Radisson Blu Athlone Offer (For My Beloved Readers!)
Ready to experience the Radisson Blu Athlone for yourself?
Here's your irresistible offer:
Book a stay of 2 nights or more and receive:
- 10% off your room rate (use code: SHANNONVIEWS)
- Complimentary breakfast for two (including pastries!)
- Free upgrade to the next room category (subject to availability – book ASAP!)
- A voucher for one complimentary cocktail at the iconic bar!
This offer is exclusively for readers of this review!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're diving headfirst into… well, the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone, Ireland. Actually, let's call it a vibe. A slightly chaotic, occasionally delightful, and definitely caffeine-fueled vibe.
The Radisson Blu, Athlone: My Attempt at a Schedule (with Real-Life Mayhem)
Day 1: Arrival, River Views, and a Quest for Decent Coffee (Oh, and Jet Lag)
14:00 (ish) - Airport Arrival & The Great Car Rental Escape: Landing in Dublin. Okay, so the "ish" is because I was convinced I'd packed my passport. Turns out, I hadn't. Panic-stricken phone calls, a frantic rummage through my bag (which looked like a small explosion of travel-sized toiletries), and a very understanding airport security guard later, I found it. In the absolutely obvious pocket. Smooth start, right? Finally, the rental. Imagine trying to drive on the left side of the road after seven hours on a plane. Let's just say there were a few near-misses. The GPS lady's soothing voice was my ONLY guide. Bless her.
17:00 - Check-in at the Radisson Blu: Ah, the hotel. Lovely, really. The view of the River Shannon is legitimately breathtaking. I could sit here and stare at those glassy waters all day. But I can't, because I'm desperate for coffee. Seriously, the plane brew was a crime against humanity. The receptionist - God bless her – pointed me towards the hotel's bar/restaurant, The Quayside. "Good coffee," she said. "Perfect!" I replied, visions of beautiful lattes dancing in my head.
17:30 - The Quayside Coffee Debacle (and a Side of Fries): Okay, so the coffee wasn't terrible, but it wasn't the transcendent experience I was craving. It was… adequate. I needed a jolt, a kick, something to fight off the jet lag. So, I ordered a side of fries. Because carbs, and Ireland, and I’m a grown-up and can do what I want. Plus, sitting by that window, watching the sun dip over the Shannon… pure bliss. And the fries? Actually, they were pretty darn good.
19:00 - Room Exploration, and a Moment of Pure Panic: My room is stunning. Seriously, the view! I even have a little balcony (which I promptly tried to open, and failed. Apparently, I'm not as mechanically inclined as I thought). But then… I tried the TV. No signal. Cue a mini-breakdown. Picture this: me, exhausted, fighting with a remote control, thinking I'd been robbed of my Netflix privileges. Finally, after a call to reception (who, thankfully, were super helpful), the TV sprung to life. I'd just missed a crucial episode of Derry Girls. The horror!
20:00 - Dinner at The Quayside: I was aiming for something light, but the menu was too tempting, so I went for the beef & Guinness stew and it was a meal fit for the gods. Okay, maybe not the gods, but definitely for a very hungry, jet-lagged traveler. The portion size was generous! The atmosphere in the restaurant was buzzing with a mix of locals and tourists. The service? Top-notch. I swear, Irish hospitality has a way of making you feel like you're the only person in the room. Felt right at home.
22:00 - Bedtime… or Attempted Bedtime: Well, I attempted to sleep. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Tossed and turned. Woke up convinced I'd fallen asleep for twelve hours and missed everything. Gave up, flipped on the telly, and eventually drifted off to the dulcet tones of some Irish news report I couldn't understand. This, my friends, is the REALITY of travel.
Day 2: Culture, Castles, and the Search for the Perfect Pint (and More Coffee)
08:00 - Wake, Regret, and Coffee Attempt #2: Woke up too early, again. Seriously, my internal clock is a mess. Crawled downstairs for coffee. This time, I went for the full Irish breakfast alongside the brew, desperate to fuel myself for the day. The breakfast was fantastic, as you would expect from the Irish. It's a tradition.
09:30 - Athlone Castle: Okay, so I am not a history buff. I try to be. But castles, even crumbling ones, are fascinating. Athlone Castle? Impressive. I'm not going to lie, I spent half the time imagining myself as a medieval princess (probably the one who gets captured and needs rescuing). The exhibits were actually really interesting, and I even managed to get through the castle's 3 floors without needing a nap.
12:00 - Wandering Athlone Town: Athlone is a proper Irish town. Quaint, charming, and filled with pubs. I wandered along the Shannon, watched the boats bobbing, and just soaked it all in. There's a certain magic to these places.
13:00 - The Pint Quest Begins: Time for a pint, obviously. The quest began outside, with a pub with a lovely little beer garden. I settled myself with a Guinness and watched the world go by. And, oh boy, was it good. Finally, I tried the famous local pub, Sean's Bar; The Guinness was so good, I had to have two, and I chatted with a local who told me all about the area.
16:00 - Back to the Radisson (and the Pool!): I'm a sucker for hotel pools. I spent an hour swimming laps, and then decided to relax in the jacuzzi. That was utter bliss.
18:00 - Pre Dinner Drink at the Bar: Before dinner, I wanted to experience the Radisson's bar and try a cocktail. They were making good cocktails, but the atmosphere was a little lacking.
20:00 - Dinner and More Pubs: Decided on having dinner at a local bistro. The food was okay, but the pub hopping was the highlight. I spent my time hopping between bars, chat with more locals, and enjoying some live music.
23:00 - More of the Bedtime Chaos: Same as the night before. Tried to sleep, failed to sleep, gave in to the telly.
Day 3: Leaving Athlone, But Never Forget (and the Lesson Learned)
09:00 - Breakfast and a Bittersweet Goodbye: One last breakfast, one last view of the Shannon. I really didn't want to leave. I’m starting to understand why people fall in love with this country.
10:00 - Check-out and Departure: Said my goodbyes to the lovely staff, who are genuinely some of the friendliest people I've ever met.
The Imperfections? Oh, They Were Plentiful:
- I definitely lost my passport for a moment.
- I struggled with the TV remote.
- I'm still trying to figure out how to drive on the left.
- Coffee was a minor disappointment.
- I ate way too many fries.
- My internal clock is in shambles.
But the Honest Truth?
This trip to the Radisson Blu in Athlone, Ireland, was not about perfection. It was about the experience. The amazing people, the incredible views, the surprisingly good fries, the castles, the pints, the laughter, the slight panic, and the moments of pure, unadulterated bliss. And, despite the jet lag, the coffee woes, and my occasional bursts of clumsy chaos, I wouldn't have traded it for anything.
So, go to the Radisson Blu in Athlone. Embrace the mess. Enjoy the ride. And don't forget, you're not alone in your travel mishaps. We've all been there. Now, where's that next coffee?
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Is the Radisson Blu Athlone REALLY all that? Like, "BEST Luxury Hotel" all that?
Okay, so, the billboards are glowing, the online reviews are mostly gushing... and look, it's *good*. Like, REALLY good. The lobby? Gorgeous. The staff? Usually lovely, though I did once have a slightly frosty encounter with someone at the front desk who seemed to think I was personally attacking her fashion choices (I wasn't, I swear!). Is it the *BEST*? Well, that depends what you're after. If you're after gleaming surfaces, and that sort of polished, almost-too-perfect aesthetic, then yeah, it might be. But sometimes, I miss that little bit of realness, you know? The slightly wonky charm of a place that's *trying* to impress, rather than already *knowing* it has. But still, a very strong contender, and let's face it, Athlone isn't exactly overflowing with choices!
What are the rooms actually like? Are they worth the price tag?
Right, the rooms. This is where things get interesting. Size-wise, perfectly acceptable. The beds? Gloriously comfortable. Seriously, you could sink into those things and forget all your earthly worries. But... (and there's always a "but," isn't there?) the decor is what I'd describe as "tasteful, but...forgettable". Think muted tones, clean lines, nothing particularly *memorable*. It's like they hired a committee to design the rooms. And committee-designed rooms are never the most exciting, are they? But hey, the bathroom was sparkling, the toiletries were decent, and the view, from the river-facing rooms, is genuinely lovely. So, worth the price? Potentially. It depends how much you value a good night's sleep (a LOT, in my book) versus being utterly blown away by interior design. Also, watch out for those mini-bars. They are EVIL. And the prices inside will make you weep.
The Spa! Is it as amazing as the brochures suggest? Spill the beans!
Okay, the spa. Alright, the spa. This is where I might have a *slight* confession to make. I LOVE a good spa. Love. It's my happy place. So, when I heard about The Spa at the Radisson, my inner princess was practically doing cartwheels. And... it's pretty darn good. Lovely pool, a decent steam room, and the treatment rooms are all calm and serene. Massages? Generally excellent. Could it be improved? Perhaps. The relaxation area could be a bit more…relaxing. I remember one time (and I'll NEVER live this down), I fell asleep during a facial and snored! Mortified, I was. But the therapist was lovely about it, bless her heart. So, yeah, go. Book a treatment. You probably won't regret it. Just...try not to snore. For the love of all that is holy, try not to snore.
Let's talk Food: the Restaurant, the Bar... what's worth your hard-earned euro and what should you avoid?
The food situation is... a mixed bag. The restaurant, the one with the fancy name and the even fancier prices, is often very good. Think perfectly cooked steaks, beautifully presented dishes… and sometimes, a bit… sterile feeling, you know? It lacks a soul, a little bit. I've had some incredible meals, and some that have left me feeling a bit "meh". The bar, though? Now, the bar is where the magic *can* happen. Great cocktails, a lively atmosphere (sometimes a *little* too lively, depending on the weekend crowd – you might encounter a hen party, no judgement here!), and the food is generally decent pub grub. I strongly recommend the burger. And the chips. But also, the breakfast buffet. Oh, the breakfast buffet. It's a glorious, carb-laden assault on the senses. Go early, grab a table by the window, and prepare to feast. Just pace yourself, yeah? You don't want a food coma before you've even checked out.
Is it family-friendly? Because I have… children. (Shudders)
Family-friendly? Hmmm.... they try. They *really* try. They've got kids' menus in the restaurant, and the pool is definitely a winner in that department. But... and this is a BIG "but"... the overall vibe is more geared towards couples and people who want to, you know, *relax*. So, be prepared for the occasional sideways glance if your little angels are, let's say, *energetic*. The staff are generally very accommodating, but let's face it, keeping kids entertained in a luxury hotel can be a challenge. So, plan accordingly. Pack the iPad. Bring the bribery snacks. And pray for a quiet weekend.
Anything else I should know? Any insider tips or things to avoid?
Okay, the insider tips. First, book in advance, especially if you're going on a weekend. Second, if you're driving, parking can be a bit of a nightmare. Allow extra time. Third, the location is great – right on the river, close to everything Athlone has to offer. Don’t miss a walk over the bridge to the castle! Fourth, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. The staff, despite my earlier slightly frosty encounter story, are generally very helpful. Fifth, and perhaps MOST important, don't go expecting perfection. It's a lovely hotel, but it's still a hotel. It’s a place where you can grab a good meal, relax (hopefully), and escape the everyday. But it’s not some kind of fairytale. Just go, and have fun. And if you do end up snoring during a facial. Well, I feel ya!
