Couldn't have wished to stay at a better place during our honeymoon in September 2007. We only stayed one night but would have loved to stay for longer.

The Hotel gave us a free upgrade from a standard double room to an amazing suite that spread right across the front of the house, overlooking the glorious gardens and mountains.

Although this is a big country house it has a very homely and warm atmosphere combined with a fabulous air of luxury. The hotel succeeds in providing a very high standard of service without being stuffy. Something that is quite rare in my experience.

Kenmare itself is idylic and very friendly. I was suprised at how close the hotel is to the centre of Kenmare ( about a minute walk from the main street).This is definitely a positive and doesn't detract from the beautiful setting of the hotel.

We didn't eat dinner at the hotel as it was fully booked when we arrived, but the restaurant looked really good and I imagine well worth booking ahead for. If this isn't possible there are loads of good restaurants right on the doorstep in Kenmare. When we returned from dinner there was a pianist in one of the reception rooms .All of the fires in the main reception rooms were lit and the atmosphere was really lovely and relaxing.

We didn't stay in the new part of the hotel so I'm not sure what the standard rooms are like but based on our own experience If you're looking for a hotel with all the mod cons and sheek , brand new bathrooms this probably isn't the place for you. Our room wasn't newly decorated by any means and the bathroom must have been at least twenty years old.Despite this it really was luxourious .The ground floor toliets are a work of art. I've never releived myself in such a palacial setting! I really hope that it doesn't get a makeover anytime soon as this faded decedance is one of many things that makes this hotel so very, very special. I'll definitely be returning, hopefully again and again.

We are just back from a stay at The Park and loved it. We were surprised at how well kids are catered for, free meal at 6pm followed by popcorn and DVD in the hotel cinema while the adults have dinner plus a baby listening service. Great not haveing kids running around the restaurant. Kids also stayed complimentary (I know the cost is high to stay so they are not really free but the rates were better than last year when we looked to stay). I loved the old charm of the rooms-very comfortable. Personally I am sick of more luxurious hotels that are impersonal- these rooms are like a home away from home with amazing views. You do get free newspaper-some other reviewer said you don't and you don't have to pay a deposit to use the health centre!
It also has a brand new pool. Only quibble was you have to get a treatment to use the famous tranquility pool. Weather was fab while we were there and overall a great stay. Also great food and extremely friendly staff.
Will be back.

This hotel is overrated. The decor is shabby eclectic. My room was a mix of yard sale and discount store overstocks. When I checked in I overheard a well heeled couple complaining that there were cooking odors in their room and that for the price they were paying, that was unacceptable. The rates are extortionately high for the rooms, the spa and the food. Yes, the setting is lovely and the spa is very relaxing and well designed. The service is very good. But, I think the hotel needs a major face lift and the owners need to stop pretending that this is a five star hotel.

My husband and I stayed at the Park for two nights in the middle of our two week trip to Ireland. Although I was morbidly jet lagged when we arrived, there is something about this hotel (and of course, it's beautiful grounds) that induces peaceful, happy sleep. Maybe it was the delicious food (which was sort of Irish meets French, but somehow spa-inspired)? Perhaps it was the guided hike down the Kerry Way led by the knowledgeable John? Or the doting service provided by the staff, who will happily excuse all of your non-Irish ways? We couldn't tell which it was but this elegant and welcoming hotel was certainly one of the best we've experienced anywhere.