chatham

IrishEyes: I called Lansdowne Arms this morning and the best they could do for me was still 40 euro more then The Lodge. What nice ladies at both places. I'm thinking of staying at one of the more expensive places and putting the fellows up at Virginia's( per Lizard) or Davitt's.
Thank you all and have great Holidays! Joan

IrishEyes

Joan, Lansdowne Arms would be more than The Lodge because it is a hotel whereas The Lodge is a guesthouse. You really cannot go wrong with The Lodge and for what you get it is a bargain. I agree that the people running both places couldn't be nicer. I also recommend Sallyport House about 5 minutes walk from town but it is more expensive than The Lodge. At Sallyport you get a lovely setting and views. If you get an inheritance between now and your trip to Ireland splurge on the Park Hotel or Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare. Otherwise, for my money, The Lodge would be my choice. Let the guys bunk out at one of the others and treat yourself.

beach_dweller

Joan,

sorry I didn't get back to you earlier--end of semester; many tests to grade.

You probably did see my trip report (not too many other beach_dwellers out there), and thanks for the compliment. I just hope it is helpful. I must repay my debt to the awesome posters that I learned so much from, such as IrishEyes, Bill, Budman, et al.

I can definitely confirm that the Lodge is a very short walk into town (3 ot 5 minutes would be correct). I particularly remember my wife commenting on its proximity to town relative to the Shelburne Lodge, as we continued on past the Lodge on a cold, windy, rainy night for a long 5 more minutes.

chatham

What a disappointment! I had an email from the owner of The Lodge and they have gone up to 120 euro per room. Also wishes to be paid in cash. How does one do that? I'm truely disappointed. I'll look into other places after the Holidays.
Irisheyes, the Lansdowne Arms is looking better, also Davitt's, Virginia's, Hawthorn, an others. I did get reservations for Bunratty Lodge for the last 2 nights. Happy,Happy Holidays. Joan

chatham

What I meant about paying in cash. It would be about 2,000 dollars. I can't run to my bank and cash a check. I don't think ATMs would let me go that high. Or would they?

allisonm

We were in Kenmare in October and stayed at a B&B not within walking distance. A second for Jim's rec: in our many strolls through the town, I kept thinking how perfect a location Hawthorne House was, and will definitely look into it for our next visit. (We did not stop in, so am basing on the location only!)

Budman

chatham, My bank allows me to take out $500 per day from the ATM (comes out of my checking account). We paid cash just about everywhere we went for food & lodging, and used the credit card for major purchases.

You will be happy with Bunratty Lodge. Virginia's in Kenmare looked good, and for 40 Euro per person per night seemed reasonable for a guesthouse. We had booked there but later changed due to our itinerary change.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

IrishEyes

Joan, How disappointing! I am surprised that Rosmarie Quill will not give a discount for a multiple night stay at The Lodge. Or maybe you will be there during a festival or bank holiday? She was taking credit cards previously.

There has been an epidemic of people using stolen, expired or canceled credit cards at B&Bs and guesthouses around Ireland. Also, some people dispute the charge later and stiff the B&B owners. It has forced some places that were badly burned to return to a cash only basis. So the bad apples have spoiled it for everyone else. Many will still take a credit card to confirm the room but insist on cash payment.

Have you looked at the Brass Lantern? It is very close to town. The peek that I had at it showed it to be clean and nicely decorated. I haven't stayed there so can't attest to the beds or breakfast. It has no smoking in the rooms. Also some very attractive rates on multiple night stays. http://www.brasslanternkenmare.com/

Oregontraveller

Joan, I second Virginias.. Stayed there with my folks in September for 2 nights. It was without doubt the best place on our trip. Breakfast was superb - everything home-made and delicious. Our rooms were spacious and very comfortable. Smoking is definitely not allowed. My father smokes, but on our registration form, we had to sign saying that we would not smoke - anybody who does is fined 25 dollars for cleaning expenses. Neil and Noreen are lovely warm people and couldn't do enough for us. We will definitely be going back again, for longer next time.

chatham

IrishEyes: I was mistaken about the e-mail from The Lodge. It was from Elaine. She wrote back telling me 60pp & 90 single, if I paid in cash. To use a credit card it is 79pp & 100 for a single. I know it is lovely and comfortable but I decided to book with Lansdowne Arms for 6 nights. 55pp and 80 single. She said she would give us nonsmoking rooms at the back of the Hotel. It should be great fun for all three of us. The guys can get away on their own without having to worry about me.

Everyone: I did e-mail Davitt’s and was told they were booked up for that time.

Budman: I remember back in the old days when we could only take out 200 punt per time.
I’ll go to my bank and see how much I can take per day with my debit card. I’ll also remember to tell my bank and my credit card companies I’ll be using my cards in Ireland in April. I’ll treat somebody to a pint for a toast to you. Can’t drink it myself. Cider is my drink in Pubs. Yum!

Allisonm: Thank you for your input. I looked at the web site again and it did look too small for 6 nights.

Oregontraveller: After being turned down by Davitts I decided to try one of the larger places. Virginia’s has to be very nice. So many have spoken well of it.

Now I can get on with getting ready for the grandchildren and all the happiness of the holiday season. I think of the people away from home and their families. I feel so lucky.
Again all the best to you all and thanks so much for the help. Joan

chatham

IrishEyes: I don't think I thanked you enough. I would not have thought of Lansdowne Arms if you had not brought it up. Thanks again.

IrishEyes

Joan, You are most welcome. I am happy to hear that you have your reservations and can now relax with your family. Enjoy them and your trip to Ireland.