Midway between the town and the busy quay area, this imaginatively designed modern hotel (a Swiss chalet-style wooden structure with plenty of large windows) occupies a quiet, wooded location. Some rooms overlook the lake, and all are spacious and color-coordinated with plain carpets and walls. Ask for one of the 33 new rooms at the back of the hotel to ensure a lake view. It's a popular holiday destination for families aiming to spend time on Clew Bay's sandy beaches, or visit the Westport House amusement park next door. There are kids' clubs for various age groups between 3 and 15, daily during Irish school holidays. Activity packages including golf, walking, water sports, or beach and woodland rides on the hotel's own trekking ponies, plus spa treatments, are increasingly popular. Pros: quiet location midway between town and quay; good leisure and spa facilities. Cons: can get hugely busy in school holidays; rather basic self-service breakfast.
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