East Avenue Road Town Centre, Killarney V93 R866 Ireland, Killarney, Ireland | (937) 315-4602
Historic 19th-century
hotel with elegant period interiors
Location opposite train and bus stations in the center of Killarney
Rooms with tea/coffee facilities and flat-screen TVs; some with clawfoot bathtubs
Impressively
lavish restaurant with excellent breakfast
Cozy bars with two fireplaces and over 150 whiskeys
Grand Foyer with afternoon tea
Leisure facilities
including swimming pool and tennis courts
Lots of space to
relax including reading rooms and library
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
Some rooms in
need of a refresh
A few rooms are very
small
Poor soundproofing in rooms
Breakfast not included in room rate
The upscale Malton Hotel is a superbly presented 19th-century hotel conveniently located right opposite the train station in the center of Killarney. Despite its location, the property and its pretty six acre grounds are peaceful (except when hosting a wedding), and feature elegant, well-preserved interiors. The 172 rooms are mostly nicely finished, though a few are small and others could use a refresh. Dining and leisure facilities are outstanding, and easily some of the best in town, though it does all come at fairly pricey rates -- the equally elegant Killarney Royal is cheaper, though less grand.
Scene
Elegant landmark hotel with superb Victorian-style interiors and VIP heritage
The Malton is a grand, landmark hotel dating back to the mid-19th century and sporting a stately, ivy-clad facade that reflects the period elegance within. The property was first opened as The Railway Hotel in 1854, later transitioning to The Great Southern Hotel around the turn of the century. It finally became the Malton in 2006. Stepping inside, its instantly apparent that the hotel has retained more than a little of its Victorian splendor -- neo-classical columns support lofty ceilings trimmed with ornate cornices, while heavy velvet drapery, antique objets d'art and furnishings, and numerous oil paintings lend the lobby a genuinely refined and classical air. A contemporary reception desk also blends seamlessly with the period interiors below a lovely stained glass window skylight. A more contemporary, and less-attractive, modern add-on is connected to the main historic property by a glass walkway and surrounded by the hotel's six acres of pretty landscaped gardens. The hotel has long been popular with visiting celebrities and VIPs including many Irish presidents and even Charlie Chaplin.
Location
A few minutes' walk from the bustling town center and opposite the train station
The hotel is tucked away in a quieter corner of Killarney, though it's a short walk from the town center's good selection of bars, restaurants, galleries, and shops. With Killarney bus and rail stations on the same block, it makes a particularly convenient base for exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside including the lush wooded mountains, lakes, and valleys of Killarney National Park, a 35-minute trip away. The Ring of Kerry carriageway and tourist route is a 10-minute drive away, which means easy access by car around some of Kerry's most picturesque landscape.
Rooms
A mixture of traditional decor, modern amenities, and luxury touches
The hotel's 172 rooms are split between its two buildings. Those in the main house have high Victorian ceilings and decor tends toward more traditional elegance, while those in the newer Garden Wing lean toward a more contemporary look and feel. In-room amenities in both include free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facilities, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs. Free bottled water is also provided. Deluxe Rooms and higher room categories have mini-fridges (stocked on request), while Suites have bonus robes, slippers, and stereo systems. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained stocked with high-end White Company toiletries; some have marble-top counters and clawfoot bathtubs. While most rooms are nicely presented, a few are starting to look a little tired and in need of refresh, while others are on the small side. Noise can also be an issue in some rooms when the hotel is hosting events such as weddings.
Features
Elegant fine dining restaurant and impressive health facilities
The Malton's Garden Room Restaurant offers one of the most elegant dining rooms in town where guests can enjoy an excellent buffet breakfast (not included in the rate) as well as superb fine dining for dinner. The Grand Foyer is no less attractive and serves Afternoon Tea, while the Punchbowl Bar's log fires, velvet sofas, and impressive selection (over 150) of whiskeys make a particularly cozy setting. The hotel also features a decent-sized swimming pool with poolside whirlpool tub and loungers that overlooks the gardens. The Innisfallen Leisure Centre also offers sauna, steam room, a range of massage treatments, and even two outdoor tennis courts. There's also plenty of space to unwind with a book or newspaper in either the hotel's reading room or library. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.