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Summary of reviewsThe Talbot Hotel Carlow stands out as a well-regarded accommodation option praised for its tranquil yet accessible location. Situated close to Carlow town, the hotel offers easy access to shops and entertainment venues while providing a peaceful environment. Guests find this balance appealing despite minor inconveniences related to walking distances for some amenities.
The breakfast at Talbot Hotel Carlow receives high marks for its variety and quality with guests frequently describing it as fantastic and delicious. The staff's helpfulness adds to the pleasant dining experience, although there are occasional mentions of inconsistencies in cleanliness and food temperature.
Dinner options at the hotel are met with mixed reviews; many guests appreciate the fresh and tasty food along with friendly service. However, others have commented on issues with temperature, portion sizes and pricing. Despite these areas for improvement, the overall dining experience remains positive for many visitors.
Rooms are described as spacious, comfortable and clean, often featuring modern amenities and cozy beds. While there are occasional critiques regarding room cleanliness and the lack of air conditioning, the general consensus is that the accommodations are excellent, particularly for families.
Cleanliness is generally deemed satisfactory with many guests noting that both the rooms and common areas are well-maintained. Some isolated reports of dust and outdated pool areas suggest room for improvement.
The staff at the Talbot Hotel Carlow receive widespread acclaim for their friendliness and professionalism. Guests repeatedly highlight the excellent service provided by the team, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere throughout the hotel.
WiFi services elicit mixed responses with some guests experiencing slow and spotty connections. Despite this, the hotel's other facilities and the staff's attentiveness leave a favorable impression overall.
The pool area, while noted as clean and enjoyable by many, could benefit from updates and better maintenance, according to some reviews. Nonetheless, it remains a popular feature among families.
Parking at the hotel is praised for being ample and free, making it convenient for guests arriving by car. Minor concerns include limited disabled parking and occasional difficulty finding a spot upon returning from outings.
The Talbot Hotel Carlow serves as a great family destination, offering numerous kid-friendly amenities and entertainment options. Families particularly appreciate the pool and play areas, making it an ideal spot for vacations.
In summary, the Talbot Hotel Carlow is generally well-received for its excellent location, friendly staff, comfortable beds and family-friendly amenities. Despite minor areas for improvement, the hotel provides a satisfying and enjoyable experience for a wide range of guests. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Indoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Hotel for Yoga
4-Star Hotel
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Room Types
Superior Double or Twin RoomThe spacious twin/double room features a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a bath. This twin/double room provides heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit has 2 beds.
Triple RoomThis modern and spacious room has an en suite bathroom with fluffy towels and luxurious toiletries. There is also a flat-screen TV, work desk and a hospitality tray with tea and coffee.
Superior Single RoomOffering free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The single room offers a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Family RoomOne double bed and one single bed in the room. There is also an option to add travel cot, or camp bed.
The room can accommodation a family of 4 people. For families of 5 or more, interconnecting rooms can be reserved. Please contact the hotel after booking to confirm interconnecting rooms. Subject to availability.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Talbot Hotel Carlow is a charming property that enjoys favorable remarks for its impressive location. Nestled in a tranquil and scenic spot close to Carlow town, the hotel is conveniently positioned within walking distance from shops and entertainment venues such as the Dome Arcade and playzone. Its placement is praised as optimal and ideal for various activities, making it accessible for families, business travelers and holidaymakers. Although some guests mentioned it being a little too far from the town center, necessitating taxi rides, many appreciated the quiet surroundings and the ease of accessing nearby attractions.
The hotel's location strikes a balance between being on the outskirts while still providing easy access to Carlow town, only a few minutes' drive away. This allows visitors to enjoy a peaceful stay with the advantage of nearby shops and family-friendly entertainment. The hotel is also commended for its excellent service, warm and cozy ambiance and superior facilities.
Overall, Talbot Hotel Carlow stands out as a well-situated accommodation choice in Carlow, despite minor inconveniences noted by some guests regarding walking distances to restaurants and other amenities. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking a comfortable stay in a location that offers both tranquility and accessibility.
Breakfast
The breakfast at Talbot Hotel Carlow receives predominantly positive feedback from guests, who frequently describe it using terms like beautiful, fabulous, great, very good and fantastic. Many reviews highlight the excellent selection and quality of food, noting the wide variety and generous portions available. The breakfast buffet, featuring items like waffles and pastries, is particularly praised for its range.
Guests appreciate the helpful and lovely staff, who contribute to a pleasant dining experience. The freshly prepared breakfast and the nice choice of food have been specifically mentioned as elements that made the meal delightful. Some reviews describe the breakfast as top class, gorgeous and absolutely delicious, reflecting overall satisfaction with both the taste and presentation.
However, there are noticeable inconsistencies. Some guests mention that the breakfast room can be dirty with issues like improperly cleaned cutlery and poorly organized buffet stations scattered over multiple locations. Complaints include cold or lukewarm food, limited fruit options and the absence of items like muesli or granola. A few reviews also note that it can be a bit pricey and suggest it should be included in the room rate.
Despite some areas for improvement, such as the availability and warmth of certain items, the majority of guests seem to enjoy the breakfast experience, citing the variety and the quality of the food as significant positives.
Dinner
The Talbot Hotel Carlow's dinner offerings have received mixed reviews with guests praising both the cuisine and the service while also noting some areas for improvement. On the positive side, many found the food to be lovely, fresh and tasty with several guests specifically highlighting the excellent and fantastic dinners they enjoyed. The waiting staff at dinner have been described as fantastic and friendly, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. The restaurant and bar food were noted for their great taste, especially the fresh fish and the varied lunch menu.
However, not all feedback was glowing. A few guests mentioned that meals were cold, greasy and bland. Small portions at the carvery and expensive pricing for food and drinks were also points of contention. There were instances of poor bar service and some mix-ups with dinner reservations, indicating issues with organization. Additionally, some guests found the food to be only mediocre or akin to a bad pub carvery and there were complaints about the lack of gluten-free options and the exorbitant prices of items in the vending machine.
Despite these drawbacks, many guests still enjoyed their dining experiences, thanks to the friendly staff and the tasty food.
Rooms
Talbot Hotel Carlow has received a significant amount of praise for its rooms from guests. The overall feedback highlights spacious, comfortable and clean accommodations, often described as large, bright and modern. Many reviewers noted that the rooms provided ample space, making them ideal for families. The beds were frequently mentioned as extremely comfortable, contributing to a restful stay with heavenly soft linens enhancing the experience.
Guests also appreciated the well-stocked tea and coffee stations and the luxurious feel of the spacious bathrooms. The rooms were consistently clean and tidy with a few guests mentioning extra touches like chocolates and fresh milk. Several reviews highlighted the nice views and the convenience of the room locations. The atmosphere was quiet and conducive to relaxation with rooms that were cozy and inviting.
However, there were occasional critiques. Some guests experienced issues with room cleanliness upon check-in, noting odors or remnants from previous guests. Noise isolation appeared to be a concern for a few, as well as the functionality and selection of TV channels. During warmer weather, the absence of air conditioning caused discomfort for some, who found the rooms stuffy and overly warm.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, the general consensus is that Talbot Hotel Carlow offers comfortable, spacious and well-equipped rooms that cater aptly to both families and individual travelers alike, earning high marks for its accommodation quality and overall guest satisfaction.
Beds
The beds at the Talbot Hotel Carlow receive praise for their comfort and quality. Numerous reviews highlight the very comfortable and soft beds, describing them as heavenly and super comfy. Guests also commend the hotel's bedding for being clean and comfortable. Some point out the large and clean rooms, which add to the overall satisfaction of their stay. A few reviews note minor issues such as the lack of air conditioning, small bed sizes, uncomfortable pillows and distant sockets, but these do not overshadow the generally positive feedback. The bed experience at Talbot Hotel Carlow appears to contribute significantly to guests’ enjoyable stays.
Cleanliness
Talbot Hotel Carlow generally receives commendations for its cleanliness. Guests frequently describe the rooms as spotless, clean and well-maintained, contributing to an overall impression of a pristine environment. Many found the hotel to be exceptionally clean with tidy and presentable common areas. The spacious and comfortable rooms are noted for their cleanliness, making for a relaxing stay.
However, some reviews indicate inconsistencies. There were occasional reports of unclean bathroom fixtures, stained carpets and dust. Additionally, the pool area has been criticized for being outdated and dirty, especially during renovation periods. Issues such as improper cutlery cleaning and the presence of unpleasant smells in some rooms were also reported.
Despite these drawbacks, the hotel excels in providing a clean and comfortable experience for most visitors, complemented by friendly staff and good facilities, making it a recommended choice for family stays.
Staff
The Talbot Hotel Carlow has received glowing praise for its staff, frequently described as friendly, helpful and accommodating. Guests repeatedly highlighted the excellent service from arrival to departure with staff consistently creating a welcoming atmosphere. Specific mentions of exceptional team members like Michelle at reception, Sarah at the front desk, Rachel the waitress and Patrick in the bistro stand out, pointing to a personalized and attentive customer experience.
Reception and front-desk staff are singled out for being particularly helpful, ensuring that check-in and check-out processes are smooth and efficient. The night porter also received positive remarks for friendliness. Guests appreciated the staff's proactive nature in resolving issues and accommodating requests swiftly; one guest noted the chef's effort to go out of the way to meet dietary needs.
The positive interactions extend to the restaurant and bar areas, where guests found the staff to be equally welcoming and efficient, contributing to an overall pleasant dining experience. Several reviews highlighted the ability of the restaurant and bar staff to enhance guest experiences, often making special accommodations and creating a friendly environment for both adult guests and children alike.
Across all areas of the hotel, staff members are praised for their politeness, professional demeanor and genuine friendliness, making the Talbot Hotel Carlow notable for its excellent customer service and warm hospitality.
Wi-Fi
Guests at the Talbot Hotel Carlow have varied opinions on the hotel's WiFi service. While several guests experienced issues, such as slow and confusing connections and noted that the internet was sometimes unavailable, others reported no problems and labeled the free WiFi as good. Business travelers hinted at some difficulties with the WiFi for work purposes. However, the general sentiment about the hotel's other amenities leans positive. The rooms were described as spacious, clean and well-equipped, although some areas, like hallways, were noted to be dusty. The staff received high praise and the hotel is acknowledged for having all necessary facilities. Despite mixed reviews on the WiFi, the overall atmosphere and service seem to leave a positive impression on guests.
Pool
The Talbot Hotel Carlow's pool area receives mixed reviews from guests, but there are several positive highlights. Many guests found the indoor pool lovely, clean and perfect for their needs with some noting that their kids especially enjoyed it. The pool is described as good and ideal with an excellent swimming pool room and additional amenities such as a gym and sauna enhancing the experience.
However, some aspects need improvement. Several reviews mention that the pool needs updating and some guests found the area a bit grubby or filthy. Issues such as the pool being unavailable due to maintenance, water aerobics classes causing closures and a lack of changing rooms or a dedicated kids section were also noted. Additionally, the pool was sometimes described as small or cold and not particularly suited for small children.
Despite these drawbacks, many guests appreciated the indoor pool and its cleanliness, highlighting it as one of the enjoyable aspects of their stay at the Talbot Hotel Carlow.
Parking
The Talbot Hotel Carlow receives numerous commendations for its parking amenities. Many guests appreciate the ample and free parking available with plenty of spaces clearly designated for convenience. On-site parking makes it easy for visitors to find a spot without much hassle and underground parking adds an extra layer of accessibility. The hotel's parking is both easy to access and affordable with easy car tap use, ensuring guests have a smooth experience.
However, there are some concerns raised, particularly about the limited disabled parking bays and less optimal access for wheelchairs from the rear car park. Some guests expressed worry about taking their car out for a drive and not finding a parking space upon return. Despite these minor issues, the overall sentiment is positive, making the Talbot Hotel Carlow a favorable option for those arriving by car. Plus, the Dome Centre next door adds to the convenience, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Family
Talbot Hotel Carlow is a family-friendly destination perfect for vacations with the little ones. The hotel offers family rooms and various kid-oriented amenities, providing a cozy, relaxing atmosphere that makes it a great base for family gatherings. Guests appreciate the family-oriented nature of the hotel, describing it as very accommodating for family groups and ideal for family stays.
Children especially enjoy the hotel's pool and play area with many families praising the abundance of entertainment options available. The kids club and nearby child-friendly facilities, including a fun-filled dome and activities like the Congo quest and bowling, are big hits among younger guests.
Dining at Talbot Hotel Carlow also receives positive mentions with Corrie's bar recognized for its lovely food, particularly the fresh fish. The overall cleanliness and friendliness of the staff contribute to the hotel's welcoming environment.
Even though there are mentions of noise and the occasional family room location over the wedding venue, the pros seem to outweigh these minor inconveniences for most guests. Whether staying for a weekend or an extended holiday, this hotel has proven to be a delightful spot for family vacations with a nice blend of entertainment and comfort.
4 Star
The Talbot Hotel Carlow has elicited mixed feedback regarding its rating and service quality. While guests have praised the staff for being absolutely fantastic, many reviews suggest that the hotel does not meet the expectations of a four-star establishment. Guests have repeatedly mentioned that the quality and experience fall short of the four-star standard. Specific critiques include disappointment with the beds and a significant number of remarks on the slow service, particularly in the bistro and during meal times. Despite the commendable staff, the overall sentiment indicates that the hotel does not fully align with the higher standards typically associated with its four-star rating.
Business
The Talbot Hotel Carlow emerges as a solid choice for business travelers, praised for its business accommodation and described as highly recommended for business stays. The hotel is noted for its convenient location, making it suitable for work and serving as a good business base. Business rooms and decent meeting facilities make the venue business-friendly and it is highlighted as a great conference venue, catering well to business conferences. On the whole, while some reviews suggest areas for improvement, many find the hotel convention enough for business needs.
Indoor Pool
The indoor pool at Talbot Hotel Carlow receives mixed feedback from guests. Positively, some visitors note that the pool is great and find its location convenient, especially in relation to the dome. However, there are some issues with cleanliness with reports of the pool and changing rooms being unclean and dated. Additionally, there have been interruptions due to construction and water aerobics classes and some guests note the lack of a dedicated kids' area.
Yes, Talbot Hotel Carlow has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Talbot Hotel Carlow.
No, Talbot Hotel Carlow doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Talbot Hotel Carlow.