Antoin B
March 2, 2025
For some time now, Kelly's Resort has been on our "to do" list. So on retirement and a decision to revisit the beautiful SE of Ireland we booked two nights in Kelly's. I must qualify this review by saying our preference in stays is for quiet, comfort, and in the evenings a nice meal and time to read to relax. The bar and music scene, organised activities is not what interests us. Walking, good food, good service are our key requirements. We ate all our meals in Beaches Restaurant. The breakfasts and dinners were excellent despite a distinctly lukewarm dish one of the evenings. There is a buffet breakfast/dinner available adjacent to the bar area. This caters to families with young children. Kellys also do a complimentary afternoon tea where you queue for a standard tea/herbal tea/coffee and have a choice of treats in the sweet buffet. It was very busy on our first afternoon, quieter on the second. Our room had a sea view, it was on the small side, double and single beds, quite basic. The bathroom had a standard domestic corner shower cubicle, bath, wash basin, and toilet. Espa toiletries were provided but no body lotion. Tea/coffee making facilities had to be requested. Dressing gown, slippers, and hairdryer were provided. Kelly's is a 4* hotel with higher than average prices as there are lots of built-in add ons that guests may or may not avail of. For a couple like us the hotel package and facilities represents poor value for money but for a family with children, it represents a good get away break. Friendliness and attentiveness of staff is more individualistic than cultural, and some reception staff need some input in this regard. Would we return? Definitely no, its not what we look for in a hotel and there are plenty of 4* and 5* hotels with better food, service and value for money. But if you have children, or want an activity inclusive package it may interest you. There was an issue during our stay, handled very well by the management, but probably avoidable. On our first night, there was the noise of a motor in our room. We got to sleep about midnight but woke around 3am with the noise. The noise stopped suddenly at 4.20am. On reporting this to staff it was immediately referred to management. No cause was apparent. A change of room from 2pm was offered but declined as we were unpacked and had plans for the day. That night, on returning to the room about 9.30pm, we noticed the noise again. We immediately contacted reception, who again referred it to management. Shortly afterwards the noise stopped and the manager called to the room. The dining room fans were under our room and had accidently been left on all night the previous evening. Problem solved. But our advice would be to avoid these rooms. The noise is present during the hours of operation of the Beaches restaurant.