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What a Hotel Designed By a Famous Milliner Looks Like

Where: Wellpark, Galway, Ireland

Ever wondered what the results would be if you were to hand over the interior design of an Irish hotel to a famous milliner? Wonder no longer since the g Hotel in Galway opened in 2007, boasting Philip Treacy as the design mastermind behind its whimsically luxurious decor.

Philip, a hometown boy from Galway county, gained fashion notoriety over the last several decades as he designed hats for fashion houses like Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, and Chanel as well as for the British royal family. As Design Director of the g Hotel, however, Philip had a chance to spread his aesthetic and reflect his influences beyond headgear, turning out chairs in Warhol's pink camouflage pattern and a reception area reminiscent of the interior of a seashell.

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New Hotels in Europe / Hotel Spas / → All Tags

New Europe Hotel: g Is For Great in Galway

Where: Wellpark, Galway, Ireland

In the July/August issue of the European Travel Commission's newsletter, they highlighted several new and upcoming hotels in Europe. We'll be taking a closer look at some of these hotels this week but we're always interested in hearing your recommendations for hotels in Europe. So send 'em our way.

Having a name with just one letter certainly cuts down n typing, printing and misspelling. Presumably there's some other philosophy, though, behind the g hotel in Galway, Ireland. It's recently opened but has made quite an impact, with Travel + Leisure mag voting it the 2007's best large hotel (although it's not that large, with just 101 rooms) and Microsoft MSN listing it as Hot for 2007.

It's an eye-catching hotel on the way through to your room, but then the rooms are more soothingly stylish than too out there. Designer Philip Treacy obviously loved bathrooms, and many of the rooms have showers planned for two, and some even have an LCD TV in the bathroom too.

There is also a spa attached to the "g", and at this ESPA you can get all the usual cosmetic treatments, steam room, sauna and use the vitality pool; and there's a relaxation area overlooking a Zen garden for unwinding. Tipsters complain that it's too far out of town if you want to go and see something, so only book in if you're there to stay or don't mind a drive.

[Photo: Groover1964]

Related Stories:
· Ireland Hotel Reviews [HotelChatter]
· Galway Travel Stories [Jaunted]
· Pinkie and the Brain [Jaunted]

International Hotel WiFi / Ireland Hotel Reviews / → All Tags

International Hotel WiFi Tip: The Clayton Has It Free in the Lobby

Where: Ballybrit, Co., Galway, Ireland

We got another update to our International Hotel WiFi Report. This time, Hotel Maven Dave sent us this live tip from Ireland.

I'm in Ireland, in Galway, at the recently opened Clayton Hotel which has free WiFi through the lobby/bar area. There's no `guests only' policy - it's completely open.

I can't seem to get WiFi in my room (I'm on the 4th (top) floor), but there is an Ethernet cable. WiFi would be nice though, as the room is large and I could then sit on the sofa or on the bed to surf, but I have to tether myself to the desk, which is central in the room and unfortunately inches from the large LCD TV, thus making surfing while watching TV difficult.

Not that TV watching is great, with only a few channels.

Yes, WiFi in the rooms is so much more comfortable than trekking down to the lobby with your computer (especially when the channel selection is limited.) That's why we gave props for those offering free WiFi in the lobbies but we weren't too excited by it.

Remember to send us your International WiFi tips.

Related Stories:
· Best and Worst International Hotel WiFi [HotelChatter]

Hotel Hell / Ireland Hotel Reviews / Hotel Staff / → All Tags

Sleepless in Kingsvalley, Galway

Where: Dublin Road, Galway, Ireland

It looks so nice in the pictures. And the Kingsvalley Hotel in Galway, Ireland, also contains the Bodkin's Bar and Eatery and the Bodkin's Beer Garden--how convenient! But a blogger named Prem found this quite the opposite during a recent stay at the Kingsvalley, when loud music, disco beats, happy birthday songs and drunken people made sleep impossible before 2.30am. Bad enough, until we read about the manager's reaction:

When I complained to the Manager in the morning about the low standards of the hotel, he says that I must be wrong and that there's no way the music can reach me ... [later] he apologized and he only offered me a little discount (not even the full night free!) for all the inconvenience. 20 euros discount on a 100 euros night and getting just above 3 hours sleep?? Definitely not again

Well, we have sympathy for the three hours' sleep, but it is Ireland, and the Irish do like to drink and have a good time, right? Perhaps if you're really in need of a good night's sleep it's best to avoid any hotel with an in-house beer garden.

Related Stories:
· Kingsvalley Hotel reviews [TripAdvisor]
· Never Stay in Kingsvalley [Prem Gurbani blog]

First Hotel Reviews / → All Tags

British Eyes are Smilin' on G Hotel

Where: Galway

We haven't checked-in with Philip Treacy's G Hotel in Galway Ireland since Linda Evangelista opened the hotel doors back in November of 2005, so it is time to take a look, dontcha think?

In matters like this we always look towards the natural born hotel skeptics from the UK for a review:

We were greeted by helpful and friendly staff who couldn't do enough for us. We were lucky enough to get to stay in a suite-- double showers, wonderful branded toiletries, open fire, flat screen tvs, well stocked mini bar and not forgetting the most comfortable bed on the planet!! We had a superb view of the lake which we enjoyed over breakfast in our room.

The design and decor of the hotel is truly outstanding, with something for everyone from the serene solange to the vibrant and sassy pink room (my fave) to a more conservative purple room

Oh and I almost forget on entering the room there on the table were the most delicious fairy cakes I have ever had - the food at this hotel was simply outstanding.

Though we have no idea what "fairy cakes" are, it sounds like the G has its act together this spring, at least according to one recent guest.

Related Stories:
·   Camilla, Linda Evangelista To Open G Hotel In Galway? [HotelChatter]
·   The G Hotel Reviews [TripAdvisor]

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Camilla, Linda Evangelista To Open G Hotel In Galway?

Where: Galway, Ireland

By now we all know that Prince Charles and Camilla are embarking on a whirlwind eight-day tour of the US, which includes stops in New York, Washington and San Francisco.  However, the big question, at least in Ireland, is whether Camilla will cut the ribbon on the eagerly anticipated G Hotel in Galway Ireland opening on November 28.

The property is designed by Philip Treacy, the fancy hat-maker turned hotelier.

So what is this place going to be like?  Well, we know there are 98 rooms and great views across Galway Bay.  

We couldn't find any photos, but Treacy sheds some light recently, saying:

His favorite hotels are those that recreate a lost world of 1920s glamour - The Ritz in London, The Carlyle in New York and the George V in Paris - The new hotel (G) is all about glamour. Walking into the G will be a movie star experience. It will be like walking into a film set.

So back to the opening.  Whatever will the hotel do if Camilla shuns the opening?  No worries, super model Linda Evangelista, who is the namesake for G hotel's presidential suite room 102, will be at the ready to cut the opening day ribbon.

Wait a second Mr. Treacy, so walking into the G will be like walking into a George Michael video?  Is that what you were going for?

Stay tuned.

Related Stories:
·   G Hotel Refuses To Be Drawn On Camilla Claim [Galway Independent]
·   The G Hotel Reviews [TripAdvisor]