Hotel review: This West Clare getaway features seascape suites
Aileen's at the Armada Hotel
Set along a rocky fringe of the spectacular West Clare seaboard, the four-star Armada Hotel commands a peak coastal setting, even by Irish standards.
Spoiler alert: Ocean view rooms here may well vie for offering some of the country’s best seascapes.
The Armada’s name itself harkens back to the Spanish ships which sank here back in 1588, and this maritime legend — plus the hotel’s Wild Atlantic Way frontage — forms a central part of its DNA. Add in the adjacent blue flag beach and you’ll find yourself in prime swimming, surfing, and strand strolling territory too.
- 9/10
From the exterior, Armada is rather unremarkable — though more characterful embellishments include exposed stone on the facade as well as small thatched alcove reflecting the hotel’s traditional snug bar, Johnny Burke’s.
Inside, more ambient character starts to sparkle. The lobby is small, but inviting, and features a store nook of local products nodding to the hotel’s strong support of local ethos.
Design features maritime art, wood panelling, and ambient light. Together with moody corridors, you almost feel like you could be wandering a five-star galleon.
- 8/10
Service is confident, warm, and personable throughout. It’s also worth noting that the hotel is the first in Ireland to achieve B Corp Certification, a global accolade award to those committed to positively impacting people and the planet.
Worker satisfaction is one of the key pillars and you do get a sense that staff are enjoying their jobs.
- 8/10
The hotel offers 86 rooms, many of which offer partial to full ocean views — expect to pay about €20/€30 more for a side/full view — I think it’s worth the upgrade.
I stayed in the hotel’s signature seascape suite which makes for a fine splash-out stay.
Floor-to-ceiling wrap-around windows mean the centre-stage king bed commands truly impressive ocean views.
Other features include a standalone copper bath, while the ensuite (though with a slightly incongruous design) is luxurious with sustainable miniature soap bars from the Irish Soap Company.
A record player and a fine selection of Irish books add further character.
While my stay coincided with a storm, howling winds did mean seriously draughty windows — which diluted the cozy factor a little.
- 8/10
In-room treats vary, but all rooms offer Nespresso machines which is a good plus.
In addition, my suite featured complimentary extras from packets of Keogh’s Atlantic salt and vinegar crisps (a clever addition) to a bar of local Wilde’s Chocolates.
It’s worth noting that no water is provided in rooms, but rather a carafe fillable in the floor’s water fountain. Perhaps a direction where more hotels should be flowing?
- 10/10
Having been cocooned in my serene suite since check-in, heading downstairs for dinner offers a total climate change.
Ocean Bar is possibly the most impressive dining space I’ve dined at over the past year.
It’s a buzzing, vibrant space — almost with the air of a bougie London or New York steakhouse — where tables of “out-out” diners enjoy a locally inspired menu and smart cocktails.
Those dishes celebrating local provenance include Flaggy Shore oysters, pan-fried lemon sole, and some pretty sublime steaks… it’s reasonably priced for top dishes and a sophisticated setting.
Breakfast is served in a sunroom of the same space and features an imaginative buffet and tasty hot options.
One gripe with the space is just how tightly packed tables are stacked (I don’t envy the servers) and, with my right elbow curtailed by a floor to wall pillar, I’m feeling the dexterity of a T-rex as I butter my toast.
- 9/10
Armada doesn’t feature any spa or leisure centre, however, it plays strongly with its Atlantic location and offers a range of day and evening experiences — including Irish coffee masterclass, shore walks, morning yoga, and wine tasting.
Options vary daily. Live music in the hotel bar was the lone option available during a Saturday night stay in October, but the pub is a very fine asset.
- 8/10
Some of my suite furnishings looked tired and didn’t match the aesthetic sparkle of other areas in the hotel. The hotel has plenty of heart so a common lounge to enjoy it would be welcome.
Accessible rooms available.
Yes
Children are very welcome with family rooms featuring play zones and tepees.
Service dogs only.
Winter B&B rates from a very reasonable €140. Seascape suite from €260.
- Armada Hotel
- West Clare
- armadahotel.com
- The Hotel Examiner was a guest of Armada Hotel
