Enniskerry

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Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt

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  • Powerscourt Estate
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LenR
LenR
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4 out of 5
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Editor Pick

Newfound luxury

  • September 16, 2008
  • Rated 4 of 5 by LenR from Townsville, Australia
Newfound luxury

I guess the name just about says it all. Ritz-Carlton has become synonymous with luxury hotels in The Americas, Europe and Asia. The Powerscourt Estate is 1000 acres which includes the world-renowned Powerscourt Gardens, a championship 36-hole golf course and horse and bicycle trails though lovely countryside.

The hotel is situated about 25 kilometres south of Dublin in really delightful country side near the village of Enniskerry. It is set within the estate and since opening late 2007 it has steadily built a reputation for quality and sophistication. As you approach the hotel you are aware that this is a grand place but you don’t really appreciate that it is in fact a seven-storey building. The height has allowed the 200-room/suite hotel to remain reasonably compact – a plus in Ireland’s doubtful weather.

The rooms and suites are opulently furnished, if not particularly to my taste. The room size is one of the largest in Ireland. Fittings and fixtures are what you would expect including double vanities, separate toilet and rainforest shower in the bathroom. Each room has wireless Internet access, multiline telephones and TVs in the bedroom, sitting area and bathroom. Electronic panels control lighting, curtains and airconditioning.

Two facilities put this property apart from many. The first is the ESPA spa. This huge facility spreads over two floors and contains two personal spa suites and 20 treatment rooms. Guests can luxuriate in thermal suites to prepare the body and mind for the cutting-edge beauty and wellness treatments that are available. Unfortunately, time did not permit me to indulge but a quick inspection revealed a 20-metre pool, relaxation areas, hot pools, saunas, a cafe and a Chi studio offering yoga, Pilates and other activities.

The other is the Gordon Ramsay restaurant. No, you won’t find Gordon here most of the time but some of his signature dishes such as lobster ravioli, fillets of Jon Dory with crab, and monkfish wrapped in prosciutto are on the menu. Paul Carroll who worked with Gordon Ramsay in London for six years is the chef de cuisine. The floor to ceiling glass fronted restaurant has space for 90 diners inside and during summer an outdoor terrace can also be used. It opens for lunch and dinner each day.

Other facilities include the Sugar Loaf lounge and McGills Irish bar. The Georgian-style lounge has comfortable furnishings and open fireplaces. Traditional afternoon tea and evening cocktails are served together with a range of snacks. McGills is a modern interpretation of a traditional Irish bar. Beers and spirits are served to both guests and non-guests together with Irish favourites such as Tipperary beef stew and seafood chowder.

Those looking for activities will find a lap pool, gymnasium and facilities for golf, fly fishing, horse riding, falconry and archery. The hotel is still new and it has received some criticism for not always meeting the very-high level of service required by Ritz Carlton. I must say that I did not have this feeling and in fact I found everyone from the front desk to the waitresses very helpful and pleasant.

From journal Luxury Accommodation South of Dublin

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