Galway hotels

When it comes to describing hotels, the word “magical” is often overused – but in the case of Glenlo Abbey, it’s completely accurate.

A five-star property with striking architecture, beguiling history and a stunning location, it’s little wonder Glenlo is known for being one of the best hotels in Galway.
Spread across 200 acres adjacent to Lough Corrib, the hotel is just 5 km from Galway City and features a delightfully quirky and unique character, thanks to its eclectic mix of architectural styles.

The friendly doormen are fountains of knowledge when it comes to local excursions and can advise on all estate activities, including golf, falconry, fishing and river cruises.

There’s no spa or pool, but with a plush in-house cinema and dining options that include a glamorous dinner at The Pullman Restaurant – comprising two vintage railway cars that once formed part of the Orient Express – you won’t miss them.

With sibling hotels in Dublin and Cork, The Dean Hotels have a template that works wonderfully.

Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant and Bar can be found in all three properties, plus there’s a Powergym boutique gym (complete with a steam room and hydrotherapy pool), a coffee bar and the casual Elephant and Castle restaurant on the ground floor. Order the chicken wings, which are impossible to resist.

One of the best hotels in Galway, the rooms here are seriously cool, complete with Marshall amps, munchies trays for when hunger strikes, Nespresso machines and fully-stocked Smeg mini-fridges. Rooms range from compact Modpods to a two-bed penthouse with a private bar and a selection of games, making it one of the best hotels in Galway for groups of friends.

The location can’t be beaten, as it’s just a short walk from Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch and the Latin Quarter.

There is something uniquely appealing about family-run hotels, where the care and attention to detail are evident throughout. That’s certainly the case at Menlo Park Hotel, a four-star property opened by a father and son team in 1998.

Built on land the family had lived on for generations, the hotel is popular with locals and visitors alike, who can’t get enough of the daily “carvery” lunch in the bar.

Regular updates keep the hotel feeling fresh and current, while the 81 bedrooms are contemporary in style with excellent waterfall showers, memory foam mattresses and fluffy robes.

The friendly staff, delicious home-cooked food and lively atmosphere all combine to make Menlo Park one of the best hotels in Galway, and the numerous awards the hotel has won over the years are testament to that.

Located a 10-minute stroll from the city, The Huntsman Inn is a quaint three-star property perched on the edge of Lough Atalia, the tidal estuary that borders Galway City.

Here, 14 individually styled en-suite rooms are split between doubles and junior suites, all decorated in a modern classic style with thoughtful touches. A popular gastropub, The Huntsman is more “restaurant with rooms” than hotel, but don’t let that put you off – the vibe here is cozy and intimate, with service that’s second to none.

The food is excellent and uses the best of locally sourced produce, making it one of the best hotels in Galway for foodies.

With three different bars, an after-dinner cocktail is a must. And when morning rolls around, try the house-baked scones or wild mushrooms on toast for breakfast.

Overlooking Lough Atalia, The G Hotel is the only five-star property in the heart of the city and is known for being one of the most luxurious hotels in Galway.

A beacon of glamour, the hotel was designed by hat-maker Phillip Treacy and is an architectural gem that seamlessly merges contemporary flair with whimsical charm. Centrally located, it offers easy access to Galway’s bustling streets.

The sumptuous “Linda Evangalista” suite features many of Treacy’s creative touches, including standalone Vileroy & Boch baths amid lavish mirrored bathrooms, while state-of-the-art facilities include a rejuvenating spa and cutting-edge fitness centre.

A lavish revamp in 2023 refreshed the expansive lobby and added a new restaurant, cocktail bar and garden terrace, making this one of the best hotels in Galway for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

The decadent “Pink Ladies Lounge” is the ideal place to enjoy the hotel’s signature afternoon tea, while local Dooncastle oysters are a must-try in Geo Restaurant.

Located in the Latin Quarter of the city, The Residence Hotel is a boutique property that captures the very essence of Galway.

Surrounded by a variety of independent shops, cafés and restaurants, it’s one of the best hotels in Galway for those who want to immerse themselves in everything the city has to offer.

Rooms are Pop Art-inspired and the contemporary design is thoughtful and unique, with smart TVs, Nespresso machines and USB charging points.

The hotel is also home to M. Fitzgerald’s Traditional Irish Bar, with live music performed seven nights a week by local artists and a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights.

A good-value (and top-quality) breakfast is served at M. Fitzgerald’s until 2 pm daily, with the “full Irish” a great way to start your day.

Just 20 minutes from Galway you will find one of my favourite hotels. The Twelve Hotel is, undoubtedly, an accomplished act.

On the ground floor, The Pins Gastropub is the hub of Barna Village, while on the first floor, West Restaurant brings fine dining and an award-winning wine list to the seaside suburb. Do not skip the trout if you decide to dine there (and you should).

Rooms are all very generous in size with plush robes and locally made Voya seaweed products in the large bathrooms. The welcome plate of homemade cookies is a prime example of the personal service.

And of course, the location, at the gateway to Connemara, is ideal for those interested in exploring the stunning landscape.

The Nox Hotel is a great example of good value and modern comfort. A simple-yet-stylish hotel, there are over 100 sleek, contemporary rooms.

One of the rare properties that offers solo rooms, The Nox is one of the best hotels in Galway for those travelling alone. With its prime location just 20 minutes’ walk from the city centre, it’s long been a top choice for savvy travellers.

The great food at Fork Restaurant is another draw, with plenty of casual dining options and an award-winning breakfast. But what sets The Nox apart is its commitment to providing guests with staff that are efficient and friendly. The check-in was done in no time and my overall experience there was great.

Whether you’re using it as a handy base for exploring the city’s cultural gems or plan on spending some time unwinding in the comfort of your room, The Nox is a top wallet-friendly choice.

Mere steps away from the famous Eyre Square and minutes from the bars and cafés of Quay Street, Hyde Hotel is a stylish Art Deco-inspired boutique property and one of the best hotels in Galway.

It has 69 recently refurbished guestrooms and suites, decorated in a bright, contemporary style with Chromecast provided, should you need a bit of downtime in front of the TV.

On the ground floor, Hyde restaurant and bar is a chic space with great cocktails and a lively atmosphere, while the award-winning Wylde coffee shop and deli serves great-value sandwiches and salads – along with a retail space where you can pick up local products to take home.

One of the best hotels in Galway for exploring the city, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at the front desk should be your first port of call for any advice on local sights and attractions.

One of the best hotels in Galway for both business and leisure travellers, The Galmont Hotel & Spa is a bright, upscale property in the heart of the city, with an impressive range of facilities including an indoor heated 18m pool, sauna, jacuzzi, outdoor hot tub and state-of-the-art gym.

Spirit One Spa is a relaxing space to wind down after a day of sightseeing, while those travelling for business will appreciate the on-site meeting facilities.

There are three dining options to choose from within the hotel, making this one of the best hotels in Galway for food lovers, including the more formal Marinas restaurant, Coopers Bar & Lounge for casual bites and The Terrace, a popular spot for al fresco dining and cocktails overlooking the water.

Sea view rooms are worth the splurge, while the Executive rooms on Level 5 feature private terraces with expansive views over the courtyard or Lough Atalia.