Westport Plaza Hotel

The Westport Plaza Hotel is part of a local hotel group, and is the most upscale property in the chain. Inside, the hotel has a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, though it's a popular pick for weekend revelers, including bachelorette parties and couples' getaways. Built in 2006, style throughout is relatively modern, and sophisticated accents include marble floors and a grand piano in the lobby. Fresh floral arrangements in many public areas brighten things up, though the light oak details in many of the hotel's common spaces do give everything a homey, rather than contemporary, look. The Westport Plaza has an excellent reputation with food lovers, as it places a strong emphasis on the use of local produce and fine wines in its restaurants. The restaurants and bars are popular with locals as well as the hotel’s guests. While most hotel guests are couples and groups of friends, families are also drawn here, as there's a kids' club at the sister hotel across the courtyard.

The hotel is located right in the center of Westport and there are plenty of restaurants, shops, cafes, and pubs just beyond the hotel's front door. However, the hotel is accessed via a courtyard just off the main road, Castlebar Street, and once inside the courtyard the noise and bustle of the town is left behind. This is an ideal base from which to explore the Great Western Greenway, a new walkway and cycle route along an old railway line that runs from Westport to Achill. The hotel also sits on the Wild Atlantic Way -- a scenic coastal driving route -- making it a convenient place for exploring Ireland’s stunning and rugged west coast. Those looking for more sedate leisure activities will find the Westport and Mulranny Golf Clubs within a five-minute walk of the Westport Plaza Hotel. Westport Train Station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and Ireland West Airport Knock is an hour’s drive.

The spacious rooms at the Westport Plaza Hotel all have a modern, upscale atmosphere created by features such as king-size beds, Italian marble bathrooms, and spa baths. Despite the range of categories, all offer a similar look, and like the generically modern common areas downstairs, the style is perfectly pleasant but nothing memorable. Colors are warm, with deep reds complementing browns and taupe hues in everything from the carpets and bedding to upholstery and curtains. The oak furniture has clean, simple lines, and black-and-white photos of Ireland's west coast are a sharp addition. 

All rooms have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, an interactive movie and music service, safes, and electric kettles for coffee and tea. Rooms in categories above Standard also include nice extras like free chocolates, mineral water, and wine. Suites have a separate living rooms and come with kitchenettes as well. Views are over the garden or courtyard, but some higher-category rooms have a balcony overlooking the roof garden. 

Being a sister hotel to The Castlecourt Hotel -- which is just across the courtyard -- means that guests have access to that hotel's facilities at no extra cost. This covers the kids' club, indoor swimming pool, separate children's splash pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and outdoor hot tub. There’s also a fitness center and a hair salon. There are a few nice-to-have features within the Westport Plaza as well, including its popular spa, which has 12 treatment rooms and a Thermal Suite with outdoor heated rock pool. 

One of the stand-out features at the hotel is its elegant and intimate restaurant, the Merlot, which is open daily for dinner and serves European and Irish dishes. It has an extensive wine list too. There's also the Plaza Bar which is open for lunch and dinner and serves more casual meals like pasta and curry dishes. During the day, light meals like sandwiches and panini are also served at the Library Lounge. Breakfast is included in the room rate. Cold items are served as a buffet, while hot dishes are ordered a la carte. The property has a large secure car park that is free to guests and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.