White Sands Hotel

Portmarnock 53.43510600, -6.12390400 , Coast Road (Show on Map)
7.0
Good


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Summary of reviewsWhite Sands Hotel is highly celebrated for its beachfront location, offering stunning ocean views and immediate beach access, making it an ideal spot for beach lovers and those looking to enjoy natural beauty. The hotel’s proximity to Dublin Airport and convenient links to public transport enhance its appeal, allowing easy day trips and exploration of nearby attractions. Guests frequently mention the charming, scenic surroundings of Portmarnock and Malahide, which add to the overall tranquil experience.

The breakfast at White Sands Hotel receives mixed reviews. While many guests praise the freshly cooked dishes, generous portions and delicious taste, some criticize the lack of variety, service delays and cost, impacting the overall breakfast experience.

Dinner, however, is a standout feature at White Sands Hotel. The restaurant and bar offer excellent food and service with meals like seafood linguine, steaks and fish and chips highly recommended. Guests appreciate the well-cooked, nicely presented dishes and the pleasant restaurant ambiance, often complemented by scenic sea views.

Guest rooms at the hotel present a mixed picture. Many are clean, comfortable and cozy with daily cleaning services and attractive views from some rooms. However, numerous reviews point out the need for refurbishment, describing the rooms as outdated and in need of modernization. Despite these issues, certain rooms are noted for their space, quietness and good-sized bathrooms.

Cleanliness at White Sands Hotel is another mixed aspect. Positive feedback highlights the clean, cozy rooms and efficient cleaning staff. Yet, recurring complaints about dirty bathrooms, dusty carpets and neglected corridors indicate a need for more thorough maintenance and renovation.

The hotel staff are frequently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism, significantly contributing to positive guest experiences. While there are occasional reports of unhelpful staff, the majority of feedback is highly complimentary.

The hotel’s free Wi-Fi service receives mixed reviews with some guests finding it quick and reliable while others experience inconsistent or unavailable internet access.

Families find White Sands Hotel accommodating with great family rooms and a friendly environment. However, some incidents of noise and cleanliness issues slightly dim the family experience. The hotel's location is praised for convenience, especially for events at nearby Malahide.

Guests mostly find the beds at White Sands Hotel comfortable and clean, though there are occasional complaints about old or uncomfortable mattresses. Overall, the beds offer a satisfactory sleeping experience.

As a three-star hotel, White Sands Hotel receives varied feedback. While it fits well within three-star expectations in terms of cleanliness and comfort, many reviewers feel the property is dated and in need of updates. However, the prime location and excellent food service add positively to the guest experience.

For business travelers, the hotel offers practical facilities like a business center and conference room, along with a comfortable environment and helpful staff, making it a great choice for work-related stays.

White Sands Hotel also caters well to guests with disabilities, thanks to its strategic and convenient location near Malahide and Howth.

Overall, White Sands Hotel is recognized for its beautiful location, friendly staff and good dining experiences, though it could benefit from updates and more consistent maintenance.
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses

Family Friendly Hotel

Business Hotel

Accessible Hotel

3-Star Hotel

Room Types
Double Room Double Room with private bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities, TV, and writing desk. Some rooms also boast a balcony.

Double or Twin Room With 2 single beds, this twin room has a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. It also includes tea/coffee-making facilities, a TV, an in-room safe, ironing supplies, and a work table and lamp. Cribs are available upon request.

Triple Room (Double & Single bed) Triple Room with an en suite bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities, and a TV. Also includes an in-room safe, ironing facilities, and a work table and lamp. Cots are available on request.

Advance Purchase - Double Room Double Room with private bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities, TV, and writing desk. Some rooms also boast a balcony.

Guest Reviews
7.0
Good
Location
White Sands Hotel boasts a magnificent location that consistently impresses its guests. Nestled right on the seafront, it offers uninterrupted views of the ocean and immediate access to a beautiful, expansive beach. This prime positioning makes it ideal for beach lovers and those seeking a picturesque escape with many reviews highlighting the superb and stunning views directly from the rooms and common areas.

Convenience is another strong point, as the hotel is situated close to Dublin Airport, making it a practical choice for travelers looking to stay near the airport while still enjoying coastal beauty. Guests frequently mention the ease of making short day trips and the proximity to public transport options, including buses and trains, which connect to nearby attractions and city center Dublin.

The surrounding area also earns high praise for its scenic walks, promenades and the general tranquility it offers. Locations such as Portmarnock and Malahide are noted for their lovely, calm environments with plenty of parking and accessibility to local shops, making it perfect for both short stays and longer relaxation periods.

Overall, the reviews make it clear: White Sands Hotel is celebrated for its unbeatable beachfront location, scenic views and convenient access to both natural beauty and essential travel links.

Breakfast
The breakfast experience at White Sands Hotel elicited a mix of opinions from guests. Many found the breakfast to be very good and praised the freshly cooked dishes and generous portions. A variety of options were available, including cereals, yogurts, fruits, pastries and a full Irish breakfast, which was consistently well-regarded. Guests complimented the taste with adjectives like delicious, fantastic and amazing frequently mentioned.

However, some guests felt that the breakfast was overpriced and lacked variety, particularly beyond the traditional Irish offerings. Additionally, service issues were noted with reports of long waits, understaffing and cold food in some instances. While breakfast was included for some bookings, others had to pay extra, which was a point of contention for a few guests.

Overall, while many guests left satisfied with their breakfast experience, highlighting the quality and taste of the food, there were significant concerns about the cost and service that impacted the overall perception.

Dinner
The dinner experience at White Sands Hotel stands out for its exceptional food and excellent service, making it a highlight for guests. The hotel boasts a good restaurant and a spectacular bar, both offering delicious meals that are highly recommended. The pub and restaurant setup is not only convenient but also impressively delivers top-class dining with dishes like seafood linguine and fabulous steaks. Dinner in the hotel is particularly lauded with multiple mentions of tasty, nicely cooked and well-presented meals, including fish and chips, seafood chowder and diverse menu options. Despite a few isolated criticisms—such as chips seeming frozen, some vegetables not hot enough and limited dining hours on Sundays—most guests relished their dining experiences, praising both the quality of the food and the attentive, professional service. The restaurant's ambiance, sometimes complemented by a scenic seaview, further enhances the overall dining satisfaction. The attached pub offers not only a relaxed atmosphere but also excellent bar food, making it a pleasant option for both lunch and dinner. While there are some logistical hiccups, like no food service on certain nights, the overall consensus is that White Sands Hotel provides a delightful culinary experience, both in the restaurant and the bar.

Rooms
White Sands Hotel provides a mixed experience when it comes to its rooms. The positive highlights include rooms that are generally very clean and comfortable with many guests appreciating the daily cleaning service. Some rooms are described as spacious, cozy and equipped with good-sized bathrooms. There are also mentions of rooms with lovely views, including some with sea views and balconies, which add a pleasant touch.

However, there are numerous remarks about the need for refurbishment and modernization. Many rooms are described as dated, tired and in need of significant updates, particularly the bathrooms, which several guests found in a poor state with issues like mold and outdated fixtures. Cramped and small room sizes were also a common grievance with some guests feeling uncomfortable due to the lack of space and poor layout.

Despite these issues, some guests highlighted having large, quiet and well-equipped rooms. Nonetheless, the presence of outdated and worn-out fittings, dirty carpets and poorly maintained furniture detracted from the overall experience. Lighting issues, stuffiness and occasional cleanliness lapses like dusty surfaces and dirty floors were also noted.

In conclusion, while White Sands Hotel offers some comfortable and well-cleaned rooms with notable views, it is clear that the hotel would greatly benefit from a comprehensive refurbishment to address the widespread issues of outdated decor and maintenance problems.

Beds
Guests at White Sands Hotel have varied opinions about the beds, but the majority of reviews highlight the comfort and cleanliness of the beds. Most guests found the beds to be comfortable, cozy and well-maintained with many specifically praising the comfortable king-sized beds and bed linens. However, there were a few criticisms, such as complaints about old and lumpy mattresses, low beds, hard or sinking beds with exposed springs and instances where double beds were just two singles pushed together. Despite these issues, many guests still described their sleeping experience as being generally pleasant and restful, making the hotel a fairly reliable choice for a comfortable stay.

Cleanliness
White Sands Hotel presents a mixed bag of experiences when it comes to cleanliness. Many guests appreciated the clean and cozy rooms, which are serviced daily, ensuring that they remain inviting and comfortable. Positive remarks highlight the hotel’s spotless establishment and the efficient cleaning services provided by the staff. The large bedded rooms are also well-received for their cleanliness and spaciousness.

However, a significant portion of reviews points to substantial issues. Recurring complaints include dirty and moldy bathrooms, dusty and stained carpets and neglected corridors that often emit unpleasant smells. Some guests noted the presence of hair in sinks and bathtubs, dirty towels and stained furniture, which detracted from their stay. The overall feel of the hotel comes across as run-down with several comments on its dated and shabby conditions, indicating a dire need for renovation.

These cleanliness concerns are exacerbated by issues like mouldy smells, unclean cups and inadequate dusting in rooms. The common areas, particularly the corridors, are frequently mentioned as needing serious attention and cleaning. Despite efforts from the cleaning staff, the persistent neglect and lack of thorough maintenance leave many guests dissatisfied with their experience at White Sands Hotel.

Staff
White Sands Hotel boasts a commendable reputation for its staff with numerous guests praising their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Many reviewers have highlighted the warm welcome they received from the reception team, often describing them as friendly, pleasant and efficient. The hotel staff, in general, are frequently described as very kind, helpful and attentive, contributing significantly to guests' positive experiences.

Housekeeping and restaurant staff also receive high marks for their pleasant demeanor and professionalism. The bar staff, in particular, are often singled out for their friendliness and excellent service, enhancing guests' overall satisfaction.

However, a few reviews indicate inconsistencies. Some guests mentioned encountering rude or unhelpful staff members, including receptionists who did not smile or seemed uninterested in assisting. Despite these isolated incidents, the majority of feedback applauds the staff for their dedication to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all visitors.

Overall, White Sands Hotel's staff are considered a standout feature, leaving many guests appreciative of their warm hospitality and excellent service.

Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi situation at White Sands Hotel has garnered a mixed response from its guests. On the bright side, some visitors found the Wi-Fi to be reasonably quick, quite good and even great at times. There were instances where the Wi-Fi worked well, particularly in certain areas like the reception.

However, a significant number of guests encountered issues with the hotel's internet service. Many reported that the Wi-Fi was patchy, inconsistent or completely unavailable throughout their stay. Some mentioned that while it was adequate for basic tasks like email, it was unreliable for more intensive internet usage, often dropping out at night or becoming inaccessible altogether. Overall, while there are moments of satisfactory connectivity, the general consensus points to a need for improvement in the hotel's Wi-Fi service.

Family
White Sands Hotel offers a mixed experience for families seeking a comfortable and convenient stay. The hotel is highly accommodating for family needs with great family rooms and free parking options. Families have especially enjoyed the spacious rooms and family-friendly environment, noting that children have had a great time. The hotel serves as a perfect retreat for families with younger kids with some feedback indicating it was ideal for a six-year-old child. Family time has been described as enjoyable with plenty of fun activities and good food options, even if some found it slightly pricey.

However, some aspects of the hotel fall short of expectations for families. Incidents such as children running up and down corridors and banging on doors were reported, along with concerns about the cleanliness of the rooms. While the hotel is family-friendly, it may not be the best choice for every family.

On a positive note, the hotel's prime location is praised, especially for those attending concerts at nearby Malahide. It has been described as very convenient and within close proximity to the concert venue. Guests have highlighted the welcoming and professional staff, superb beds with comfortable mattresses and the stunning sea views the property offers. Despite needing some updates, many guests would recommend a stay for its amazing location and pleasant overall experience.

3 Star
White Sands Hotel, while possessing a three-star rating, presents a mixed experience for guests. Many agree that the hotel is clean and comfortable, fitting well within the expectations for a good three-star accommodation. A few even suggest that it deserves a higher rating, perhaps four stars, due to its cleanliness and comfort.

However, the most consistent feedback highlights the dated nature of the property. The interiors, as well as the rooms, are described as outdated with several guests noting that the hotel could greatly benefit from renovation. Issues such as rooms being basic, tired, shabby and in some cases, outright grotty, are frequently mentioned. The need for updates is apparent, as many feel the rooms do not meet the quality or the price point associated with three-star status.

Despite the negatives, the hotel's location and food service receive high praise, contributing positively to the overall guest experience. The consensus appears to be that White Sands Hotel offers a decent stay with its strengths lying in cleanliness, comfort and prime location, though it is let down by its outdated facilities and the pressing need for refurbishment.

Business
White Sands Hotel offers a range of facilities and services tailored for business travelers, making it a practical choice for work-related stays. The hotel boasts an on-site business center and a conference room that can be prearranged for meetings and events. The rooms, especially those with a view, create a comfortable and professional environment suitable for business purposes. The staff are consistently mentioned as polite, friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall experience. Furthermore, the hotel provides convenient luggage storage before check-in, allowing guests to manage their schedules seamlessly. With direct access to the bus and a strategic location, it offers easy commuting options. The secure and clean facilities, paired with comfortable beds, ensure a restful stay, even if it's just for one night before flying out to Dublin. Overall, White Sands Hotel proves to be a great fit for business travelers.

Accessible
White Sands Hotel receives commendations for its accessibility features that cater well to guests with disabilities. Situated in proximity to both Malahide and Howth, the hotel's location is enhanced by a convenient bus stop right in front, which offers direct buses to Dublin's city center, making transportation exceptionally easy.

The hotel's rooms are notably clean and comfortable with wheelchair-accessible features, alongside accessible parking. Guests also highlighted the bar and restaurant as easily accessible for families. The external infrastructure, including pathways, is well-maintained and suitable for those using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

The convenience of nearby transport services, including buses to Malahide and direct routes to Dublin city center, is repeatedly praised. Additionally, the presence of a large supermarket close to the hotel adds to the overall ease for guests.

However, some concerns were raised regarding the bathroom fittings with specific mentions of outdated equipment and awkwardly squashed fixtures like the toilet bowl and towel rail placement, suggesting that the bathrooms could benefit from modernization.

Overall, White Sands Hotel is recognized for its excellent location, transport convenience and commendable cleanliness, making it a suitable choice for guests with disabilities, despite some dated bathroom amenities.


No, White Sands Hotel doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at White Sands Hotel.

No, White Sands Hotel doesn't allow dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at White Sands Hotel.

No, White Sands Hotel doesn't have a gym.

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