Has anyone ever stayed at the Connemara Coast Hotel? Looks very nice, would love to hear first-hand. If not, any suggestions for 2 nights around Connemara? Thanks!

<BR>We stayed there last Septemnber on a tour. It is very nice and right on the beach. It was so windy we really did not want to stick our nose outside. Although it is a very nice, pretty hotel, we would never stay there again. When we returned at the end of the day our room, plus several others, had not been done up - nothing done all day while we were gone. Also, every time we went out in the hall the same room service trays were stil sitting there. We could not turn the heat on in our room and had to call. They said they would turn it on down stairs - this happened both nights. I am sure other people are very likely to have stayed there and been very happy so this is just what we experienced.

There's a small town called Clifden very convenient to the Connemara countryside and there there are two very nice little hotels, family operated. One is Rock Glen Country House, the other Ardagh House. You could also investigate Ballynahinch Castle, but be aware that the Irish hotels don't jump on housekeeping the way American ones do. They have too much talking to do! Part of the charm. Also, September is not traditionally central heating time in Ireland--most times they don't turn it on until sometime in October and they claim that it is healthier that way! Enjoy

Thanks for the advice! I did some more looking in Clifden...what about O'Grady's Sunnybank Guesthouse? Seems to be 100 yards or so from town centre. How does that sound?

Cindy, <BR> Would you consider a B&B? I have the perfect place at only 20 punts per person. It's called the Mallmore House and it's in Clifden. I had the best time there and the rooms are very large; I stayed in room 1. They also provide a great breakfast and the hosts are genuinely nice. I felt as though I was cheating them when I paid the bill. You couldn't have a better view or location. If you're interested in details e-mail me.

<BR>definitely stay in Clifden, great town, we stayed just up from Sunnybank at the Connemara Guest Lodge and could walk in and out of town for dining and the pubs.