Westwood House Hotel

Owned and run by an Irish family, the three-story Westwood looks like an Irish country house. Potted plants flank the entrance and line the brick sidewalk along the front. Grand wooden and glass doors and rich brocade wallpaper greet guests, while the lobby inside is elegant and grand, with many period details such as inlaid flooring, a high domed ceiling, and ornate wooden molding. Upholstered seating groups sit on rich purple carpeting and provide numerous cozy places for guests to gather -- there's even a spot next to the fireplace. Hallways are elegant as well, with more damask wallpaper, purple patterned carpeting, and antique trimwork. The hotel draws all sorts of guests, who vary depending on the season and day of the week. Because the hotel is located in a residential area, it draws locals who mix with guests at the bar on weekends. It is also a popular wedding venue, and in the summer it is a regular stop for both national and international tours. During the week, guests are mostly corporate and conference clients. The Westwood also is a pickup point for local tour operators who provide day trips to the main tourist attractions in the area such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, Wild Atlantic Way, and photo-worthy Kylemore Abbey. 

The hotel is located on a main road into Galway City and is surrounded by a residential neighborhood, the National University of Ireland Galway campus, the Galway Business and Technology Park, and University College Hospital Galway. This location is known as the gateway to Connemara -- a region filled with rugged, rolling hills. The main roads to and from Limerick, Dublin, and Sligo all converge nearby. There is a bus stop outside the hotel providing easy access to the city center in 20 minutes, and the trip takes about 10 minutes by car. Those who don't mind long walks can follow a scenic route taking in some historical buildings such as Galway Cathedral and the National University of Ireland along the way, reaching the Latin Quarter in about 30 minutes. The Shannon Airport in Clare is a 70-minute drive from the hotel, and trains from Galway to Dublin will take about three-and-a-half hours.

Guest rooms are fresh, attractive, and spacious, with neutral color schemes, minimal-but-elegant decor, and traditional Shaker-style cherry furnishings that are handcrafted locally in Connemara. The look is fairly classic, and sharp dark brown leather headboards add a bit of executive flair over white-linened beds. All rooms include air-conditioning, 26-inch flat-screen TVs with movies on demand, free Wi-Fi, trouser presses, and electric kettles for tea or coffee. Some Superior Rooms have a fireplace and more space along with robes and slippers. Suites are more richly adorned, with an accent wall covered in a black leaf motif, plush shag carpeting, and sumptuous draperies. Period bathrooms are small and come with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, handsome antique pedestal sinks, and toiletries. Views are typically of the parking lot. 

Meridian Restaurant serves Irish favorites for dinner and Sunday lunch with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Decor in the elegant space includes a fireplace, white tablecloths, rich floral wallpaper, and purple rugs atop wood floors. Breakfast is served daily and is included in some room rates. The Westwood Bar is a casual and cozy spot for drinks and bar fare daily. Two large TVs show sporting events, drawing both guests and locals, and there's often live entertainment on weekends. Dining takes place inside by the fireplace or out on the terrace when the weather is nice. A desk in the lobby has a computer and printer for guests to use. The hotel's events space can accommodate up to 350, and it's popular for weddings, celebrations, and business meetings. A children's room at the hotel offers toys, games, art, and puzzles, but is not supervised. Although the hotel doesn't have a fitness center or pool, it has an arrangement with the nearby university's Kingfisher Health & Leisure Club where guests can use all the facilities for a small fee. For guests who enjoy walking, there are a couple of lovely walks from the hotel (they have maps at reception), one of which takes you around the NUIG sports campus and along the banks of the Corrib River. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.