Hotel review: Setting, food and service make up for shortcomings at Kerry five-star
A room at Aghadoe Heights Hotel.
Nestled in the scenic townland of the same name, Aghadoe Heights enjoys one of Killarney's most spectacular hotel settings, with views plunging up valley and down dale to Lough Leane and Carrauntoohil beyond.
Add in some 13th-century castle and cathedral ruins to the foreground, and the picture frame panorama ramps up all the more.
The heart of Killarney lies just a 5km drive (or a quick hotel shuttle away), though you might find that watching the sunlight dappling through the mountains throughout the day provides all the entertainment you need.
- 9/10
Dramatically upsized and remodelled at the turn of the millennium, Aghadoe Heights boasts a modernist, Celtic Tiger-era exterior that has aged well against the elements.
Inside, natural light has yielded into a smart, yet quite dark reception and lobby which lacks the wow factor of some of its five-star neighbours, but it must be noted that it doesn’t carry the same price tag either.
Beyond the lobby is a gift boutique and a library lounge, where the furnishings are conservative but complemented by characterful art like a striking sheep tapestry that adds warmth and texture.
Upstairs leads to the hotel’s Heights Lounge & Piano Bar and restaurant, where those spectacular views reappear.
In fact, these dramatic shifts in natural light, along with the conservative furniture and shiny steel staircase, give the hotel an almost cruise-ship-like feel at times—but ultimately, a luxurious one.
- 7.5/10
Reception, restaurant, and spa teams are friendly throughout.
Service at dinner is particularly polished, even simple touches like keeping guests’ water topped up elevates the experience.
As a coeliac, I also appreciated the can-do attitude of the kitchen in that all menu options were gluten-free adaptable (rarely the case).
Breakfast service was a little more aloof, with the team a little more tested by the morning rush.
- 8/10
Room categories range from the hotel’s Classic Kings, which offer views overlooking the car park and Kerry countryside, to Lakeside Kings and Twins, where those majestic views come with an extra €40 per night.
Rooms feature earthy, sometimes greyish tones, but colour pops occur with floral cushions and abstract prints.
I stayed in one of the property’s Lakeside Suites, which offer breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views overlooking the Reeks.
The suite is a fine, luxurious space, but the design, billed as contemporary, feels a little tired and spartan rather than trendy minimalist.
Guests should note that these suites are scheduled for refurbishment starting this April and already enjoying a new look is the hotel’s luxury penthouse, featuring stylish Scandinavian furnishings and a palette ranging from sage to salmon.
Hopefully a glimpse of what’s to come.
- 7.5/10
Tea and coffee machines are provided, along with Fair Trade hot chocolate.
There are also turndown chocolates, and suites feature a complimentary copy of Image Interiors.
All guest rooms will soon include 100% natural, Cork-made Ground toiletries by Peigin Crowley.
- 8.5/10
Along with the views, dining at Aghadoe is truly a highlight, with Chef Cedric Bottarlini offering a fantastic — and well-priced fine dining menu — at the Lake Rooms Restaurant.
My starter of charred organic leeks with truffle, lemon balm, and walnuts was as delicious as it was visually impressive while a salmon main, cooked Japanese-style with sichimi togarashi seven-spice and a delicious dashi broth, still lives rent free in my mind.
Dessert of Pear Bergerac—a pear-shaped white chocolate mousse stuffed with wine-poached pears made for a theatrical but delicious crescendo. My three sublime courses came to €60.50; an early contender for meal of the year.
Breakfast maintained the lofty standard, and while breakfast offerings in some five-star hotels have slipped post-covid, I found the myriad buffet options from ginger shots to marinated Irish brie very impressive and my cooked-to-order quinoa and spinach salad with poached eggs and fresh salmon was deliciously different.
- 9.5/10
The hotel features a 15m pool and jacuzzi with a Roman theme, complete with Ionic columns and statues. It could do with an update.
The hotel also features a fine spa, which is popular with both guests and day visitors, with 60-minute treatments available from €130.
Guests can also enjoy a thermal suite with relaxation room, sauna, and steam room.
- 8.5/10
Rolling out those refurbs throughout will bring more colour and warmth to the guest experience.
One fully accessible bedroom close to reception. All common and dining areas are also accessible.
The hotel has 4 charge points.
11 family rooms, interconnecting rooms on all floors, children's dining menus, children's afternoon tea, and children have full access to the pool.
Service dogs only.
Rooms from €215.
- Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa
- Killarney, Co Kerry
- aghadoeheights.com
- The Hotel Examiner was a guest of Aghadoe Heights.
