The Quay, Waterford, Ireland | (618) 248-8274
Lovingly maintained historic property from the 1700s
In the center of Waterford, overlooking the waterfront and marina
Full Irish breakfast with homemade scones and jam, and local yogurt
Cozy bar with large whiskey selection and whiskey tastings
Music and entertainment on offer some nights
Easy access to historic sites and Waterford Crystal factory
Free Wi-Fi
The hotel’s one elevator is small
Not all rooms have air-conditioning
Parking across the street is only free overnight
The Granville Hotel is an historic property with traditional but well-maintained decor in the center of Waterford. The building has been a hotel for more than 150 years, and is popular with tour groups drawn to the old-fashioned ambiance and hospitality -- and the full Irish breakfast. Big groups sometimes overwhelm the one small elevator, and the hotel caters to an older crowd, but it provides an unmatched experience for travelers seeking a traditional place to stay in Ireland’s oldest city. Fun fact: The hotel bar is named for Thomas Francis Meagher, a 19th-century Irish nationalist who was born in the house and eventually became governor of Montana. For a traditional vibe near the water at a slightly lower price, try Dooley's Hotel, which lacks The Granville's history but has a pub with live entertainment.
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Scene
Upscale, old-fashioned elegance with homey touches
The atmosphere at the Granville combines fancy and quaint. In the lobby, elegant moldings and crystal chandeliers are tempered by homey touches, like grandfather clocks and jars of homemade jam on the front desk. While not huge, the lobby is bright and welcoming, with plenty of plush chairs and handsome antique furniture. The restaurant serves a traditional Sunday lunch with roast beef, while the bar holds whiskey tastings in a cozy setting of leather banquettes and rich wood paneling. Some decor, like battlefield paintings and patterned carpeting, could strike guests as fusty, but captures the hotel's traditional spirit.
Location
In Meagher's Quay overlooking the marina and the river
The Granville is located in the middle of Meagher’s Quay overlooking the marina and the River Suir. The setting is ideal for experiencing the history and culture of Ireland's oldest city, which is known for producing beautiful crystal. The city center is within walking distance and filled with restaurants, bars, and a pedestrian shopping area. Adjacent to the hotel is Viking Triangle, where remnants of a 10th-century Viking settlement are still evident. Twice daily walking tours lead hotel guests around this ancient part of Ireland. The property is a 10-minute walk from the House of Waterford, which houses the Waterford Crystal factory.
Rooms
Simple and traditional, with small bathrooms
The hotel’s 100 guest rooms have a traditional inn feel, with either pastel or red bedspreads and stodgy wood furniture. There are also penthouse rooms with more contemporary fabrics and private balconies. All rooms have the basics: flat-screen TVs, safes that can fit laptops, coffeemakers, hairdryers, and irons and ironing boards. Hair straighteners and stronger hairdryers can be requested, as can rooms with air-conditioning. Bathrooms are on the small side and somewhat plain, with curtained shower/tub combos. Some bathrooms have stall showers.
Features
Full Irish breakfast, local foods, whiskey tastings
The Granville emphasizes locally sourced and homemade food, and even has its own rooftop herb garden. The Bianconi Restaurant serves a full Irish breakfast with local (and famous) Flahavan’s organic porridge -- guests can add liquor for extra kick. Jams and marmalades are made in-house and the hotel offers yogurt from a nearby farm. The elegant restaurant -- all plush, red upholstery and white tablecloths -- serves a traditional Sunday lunch and dinner with roast beef. Inside the cozy Thomas Francis Meagher bar, guests can warm up with pots of tea and cakes, or whiskey tastings; sandwiches and salads are also served, and there is live music some nights. The hotel hosts weddings and has several meeting and conference rooms. Parking is only available across the street, and is only free overnight.
