Description: I needed a stop on the road between Donegal and Dublin, and so Cavan seemed like a good choice. So I checked out the options and could get a single room rate in the Cavan Crystal. Its not in the centre in the town, rather it is on the road into the town in more an light industry/shopping outlets. The location was great for me as it is just off the route I was taking. There is also free parking.
I headed into the hotel. The outside entrance is not well designed with too many steps and oddly laid out ramps, so you really needed to carry a suitcase up. The receptionist was efficient in checking in. And I quickly headed towards the lift - this is one of those buildings with split half levels so the lift stops and opens doors at both sides.
Anyway, the room had a queen and also a single bed. The now standard white bed linen but with a red accent throw. The desk and wardrobe were dark wood. All kind of fine, though some signs of wear and tear. The bathroom was quite modern and there were also bathrobes provided. The shower was okay but not great. The room was okay.
The problems with the room came through noise. You could hear way too much noise from the corridor, and I could hear the family next door to me. But the worst source of noise was the heating - the heating is a radiator, and it made bangs and knocks - the system needs checking out, but it also carried noise if someone it in another room. I was also glad to be at the back of the building away from the road noise but the windows were not exactly sound proof either.
It had been a long day and didn't feel like sitting in the restaurant for a proper dinner. There was a KFC opposite but seemed too greasy for my tired body. So I went down to the bar and was told I could order a sandwich. It would be nice to have a bit of a bar menu there though. The lobby was very light and airy but the bar was quite dark and dimly lit. The bar did have some nice soft seats and did try to look trend, but given it was a week night, it was very quiet so there was no real sense of atmosphere. But I read my book and ordered a drink and waited for my sandwich - which was simple and ordinary but filling. Headed upstairs to my room. It was not the best night's sleep I've had though.
Headed down to the restaurant in the morning for breakfast. There is a buffet selection of cold things and also a menu to order hot food - and not just an Irish fry, but also pancakes and kippers for example. The breakfast was good actually, lots of food and tasty.
Collected my bags from my room and headed out. All in all it was fine. Not sure I'd go back though for more than a night. I got a reasonable rate and that saved it, if I'd had paid more I may not have been so happy. At the same time there was nothing terribly wrong either at the same time, it just didn't impress all that much. It was fine for a night as a stop on the road but it would not be on my list of places to spend the weekend.
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