Peter and Mary Huggard’s hotel dominates the seafront at Waterville; it is one of several to have strong links with Charlie Chaplin and is one of Ireland’s best-known hotels.
Like many hotels that have been owner-run for several generations, it has established a special reputation for its homely atmosphere and good service.
Improvements are constantly being made and public areas, including two sitting rooms, a sun lounge and a cocktail bar, are spacious and comfortably furnished, while the beamed Fisherman’s Bar has a livelier atmosphere and can be a useful place for a break on the Ring of Kerry route.
Bedrooms vary from distinctly non-standard rooms in the old part of the hotel (which many regular guests request) to smartly decorated, spacious rooms with neat en-suite bathrooms and uninterrupted sea views in a newer wing.
Off-season value breaks; shooting (woodcock, snipe) Nov-Jan. Golf nearby. Garden; fishing; tennis. Snooker. Wheelchair accessible. Own parking. Children welcome (free cot, baby sitting arranged). No pets.
Rooms 40 (12 junior suites, 34 no-smoking rooms, 1 disabled). Lift. Room service (limited hours). Turndown service. B&B from €80 pps, ss about €30. SC discretionary.
Fishermen's Restaurant:
On the sea side of the old building, the restaurant is relaxing, and has a pleasant ambience, well-appointed linen-clad tables and friendly staff.
The menu is flexible, priced as a full 5-course meal or à la carte, and offers a wide-ranging selection of dishes - main courses have an understandable leaning towards local seafood, including lobster, but Kerry mountain lamb, beef, and duckling are also likely choices, and there will be at least one for vegetarians.
The house style is quite traditional and will please those who rate good, well-cooked food (with lots of flavour) above fashion.
And do save a little room for delicious home-made desserts - or a trio of Irish cheeses, served with home-made tomato chutney.
