Adventures In Ireland: The Best Hotel Was A Park Inn?
I would never have predicted that the Park Inn at Shannon Airport would be my favorite hotel of the trip! I picked it because it was only €41 a night, walking distance from the airport, and we needed to be at the airport early on Monday morning.
So after returning our rental car we followed the cute little primary color footsteps painted on the sidewalk to get there. It was right next to the Avis rental car lot, very convenient.
At 8PM there was no line for check in. And as they were processing our room keys I just happened to ask them to check that we were in a double room. We weren’t, but that was because they’d upgraded us to a suite! I would have loved to see what that looked like, but given we were going to be there less than 12 hours and sleep was more important, we asked for a room with two beds and were given one on the first floor at the end of the hall.
Perfect, because it would be much quieter! I’ve never stayed at a Park Inn, so I have no idea if the furnishings are consistent, but I found it to be lively and bright. One bed was a twin, the other a double, but that didn’t really matter.
There were basic coffee/tea making options.
And a clothes press.
The bathroom was a decent size, the only downside was the shower curtain which had a tendency to cling to you. I wouldn’t call myself a germaphobe, but shower curtains probably don’t get cleaned after each guest so it’s a little icky to have it sticking to you the whole time. Otherwise, no complaints!
There was a gym, but it required a key from the front desk to access and my curiosity wasn’t that high. We decided to head to the hotel bar before it closed to grab some dinner. Given the plain exterior, the bar and next door lounge were surprisingly modern. Prices were normal, I’d expected to pay a premium for the airport location but getting a salad for little over $10 was not bad.
Our €41 room rate included breakfast which wound up being a buffet with yogurts, limited fruits, and lots of bread and cereal options. A traditional Irish breakfast was also included.
For such a quick stay, we really enjoyed the Park Inn Shannon Airport and would happily stay there again. In fact, I’d rather stay there than the Holiday Inn Killarney, perhaps even the Radisson Blu Limerick!
I laughed when I saw your post. Last year on our trip to Ireland one of our favorite hotels was the Comfort Inn in Cork. Who would’ve guessed. I wish they were as nice here.
@Shelly – Was that by any chance a Clarion? I was on the Choice site and they only showed the Clarion on Lapps Quay – no Comfiry Inn. I am thinking of doing a trip to Ireland. Only 8,000 points a night – so not bad.
I’ve stayed at a Park Inn before in Sault Ste. Marie MI and also had a great experience.