My husband and I stayed at the Park for two nights in the middle of our two week trip to Ireland. Although I was morbidly jet lagged when we arrived, there is something about this hotel (and of course, it's beautiful grounds) that induces peaceful, happy sleep. Maybe it was the delicious food (which was sort of Irish meets French, but somehow spa-inspired)? Perhaps it was the guided hike down the Kerry Way led by the knowledgeable John? Or the doting service provided by the staff, who will happily excuse all of your non-Irish ways? We couldn't tell which it was but this elegant and welcoming hotel was certainly one of the best we've experienced anywhere.

We stayed three days at the Park and greatly enjoyed it. Our room (de-luxe) was very big with a large sitting area and a four poster bed. Beautiful view looking over the hotel gardens down to the Kenmare river. The hotel definitely has a period feel and is full of antiques.

A very warm welcome - and indeed we found all the staff friendly and helpful. Dinners in the restaurant were really superb with excellent service and we enjoyed samplying Irish whiskies in the bar one night under the guidance of the knowledgeable barman.

A special mention for the breakfasts which in addition to the full range of "normal" hotel breakfast menus had a number of "different" dishes on offer - very pleasant.

Great hotel and a great reputation enjoyed our stay alot. We stayed for the festive period and were very impressed by how familiar the staff became with our habbits made us feel at home despite all of the working alot even christmas day. Kind of felt sorry for them they seemed so rushed but took time to talk to us. Great staff but overworked and trying to smile when they looked wrecked Victoria and the young student lad in the restaurant made every effort they could and really made things very easy like we wanted might be back.

I've stayed in a few hundred hotels in my life, in more than a dozen countries... and this, so far, is my favorite. Overall, nothing I've stayed in beats it. I can't recommend it strongly enough. Details...

GOOD:
--The setting is nothing less than spectacular. From the hotel, the view is idyllic to the point of looking unreal. The view over the grounds to the lake, with the mountains in the background, is straight from a postcard.
--The rooms are large, very elegantly decorated, comfortable and relaxing.
--Bed was particularly comfy
--Bathroom was plenty big and well appointed
--The hotel bar is very nice
--The restaurant is excellent
--The staff and management are more than friendly - they are like tour guides. The hotel manager was constantly helping us out with this and that.
--There are walking trails leading through the gardens that are just wonderful
--They rent bikes and other equipment for activities
--The golf course looks great, though we didn't play it
--The town, Kenmare, is quintessential Ireland
--The spa attached to the hotel is very good, or some my wife tells me

BAD:
--None.

I do not kid when I say this is my favorite hotel. Maybe someday something will beat it, but not so far. If you go to Ireland AT ALL, I recommend making a trip to Kenmare, and staying at this hotel. You will love it.