The Hillgrove Hotel is a lovely family-friendly hotel, leisure and spa located in Co. Monaghan. It boasts a quirky decor, great facilities and a lovely relaxing experience for all guests.
As you drive in to the hotel grounds, you are immediately met by an enormous pink chair. Yes you heard me correctly, a large pink chair. It sets the scene for what is a truly unique hotel on the inside.
Over-sized funky furniture in the hotel lobby.
As you enter the hotel lobby you are immediately greeted by a friendly welcoming face. The lobby area was warm and inviting and instantly created an atmosphere of opulence and luxury. The bright colours and modern furniture portray a sense of fun and playfulness which makes this hotel very unique indeed.
The check-in process was fast and painless. The lady working at reception was extremely helpful, informative, and welcoming. As we left the lobby and made our way towards the lift to go to our bedroom, we spotted this. A fish tank with some exotic fish. This was a very exciting discovery for little Billy, and I can imagine all children would enjoy the opportunity to look at the colourful fish swim around.
The Hillgrove was voted best family hotel of the year in 2013, 2014 and most recently 2015. From the moment we arrived at the hotel I could see why. There is a plethora of child-friendly aspects to the hotel. The hotel reception contains these quirky cardboard cut outs allowing children to take some fun photographs of tv characters that they recognise. There is also a Kids Club containing many activities daily. Your child will have lots of opportunities to have fun and adventures while staying at the hotel, and you can allow them to do so in the knowledge that they are in safe hands.
As well as the Kids Club, the hotel contains the following games room. A really lovely touch in my opinion. This room contains a fuse-ball table and various toys and activities to entertain and preoccupy children of all ages.
In addition to this the hotel has it's very own playground.
Our room was on the third floor. The lift was very accessible. Upon entering the room it was distinctly clean and fresh. It contained one double and one single bed, as well as a travel cot for Billy.
The bathroom was also particularly attractive in appearance. It had a lovely modern finish, was spotless, and had a powerful shower and nice big bath tub.
The room contained all of the towels we would need for our stay as well as all regular hotel extras such as hair dryer, ironing facilities, and toiletries. Everything that a family might need for a relaxing and comfortable stay when away from home.
We also had a lovely view from the window of the room.
"Mammy, pleeeease stop taking photos so we can go to the swimming pool".
The swimming pool and leisure facilities were of an excellent standard. We had a fantastic time in the swimming pool with Billy. There was a baby pool, regular pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and relaxation seats which are connected to the hotel's spa. We were very impressed with the option of using a family changing room. With a small baby this just made everything ten times easier. The staff in the leisure centre were also particularly friendly and helpful, and it was much appreciated.
The food at the hotel was of a good standard. We ended up eating dinner at an Indian restaurant in the town (Monaghan Spice, HIGHLY recommended) but we availed of the hotel breakfast the next morning. It did not disappoint. There was a nice selection of different cereals, yoghurt, fruit, pastries, breads and hot buffet breakfast also. There was something to suit everyone. Billy devoured some scrambled eggs and beans followed by some fruit and natural yoghurt. He gave the breakfast a big thumbs up. The restaurant also boasted some interesting interior design. Anything that gives me a giggle at 8am is always a good thing.
We checked out of The Hillgrove feeling relaxed and refreshed. It's amazing what a night in a hotel can do for you. A change of scenery and something a bit different away from your everyday life.
I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a nice break in an Irish hotel. It's quirky interiors, excellent facilities and impressive family-friendly incentives makes for a really positive stay.
For more information, you can visit the hotel's website here.
Posing on an interesting shoe-shaped sofa at the hotel's entrance. Followed by photos of Billy relaxing in various parts of the hotel. Chairs, beds, anywhere he can put the feet up he will.
And finally, some photos of our dinner at the Indian Restaurant. Beautiful, very reasonably priced meal.
Disclaimer - I was given the opportunity to have a one-night stay at this hotel free of charge for the purpose of this review. All photographs and opinions are my own. Labels: review
