Name: The Lake Hotel
Address: Lake Shore, Muckross Road, Castlelough, Killarney, Ireland, Killarney, County Kerry, IE
Price range: $179–$263 per night
Rating: 9.35

What guests think

The Lake Hotel earns consistent praise for its breathtaking lakeside setting beside Killarney National Park, welcoming staff, generous breakfasts, and restful bar and restaurant spaces with live music, making it a scenic, relaxing base for exploring County Kerry.

Many reviewers highlight spacious rooms with standout lake views; however, a number note older decor, occasional noise, and warm nights due to a lack of air conditioning. The thermal spa is widely enjoyed but carries an extra fee and usually requires prebooking. Some guests mention inconsistent restaurant service or average dishes, while most rate breakfast and overall dining highly. Expect memorable views and warm hospitality in a tranquil, slightly out-of-town location.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Lakeside grounds with walking paths, a lively bar and on-site restaurants are frequent highlights. The thermal suite/spa is popular but paid access and usually needs advance booking; parking is available.

Related guest reviews

10

Robert

Aug 20, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The Lake Hotel is just outside of Killarney, and the views around the property are breathtaking. We stayed in the old wing, and it was fantastic. The walls in the hallways are adorned with photos of guests and events dating back 100 years. I half-expected to bump into Hercule Poirot! The staff were very friendly and helpful in assisting me with putting a little birthday celebration together for my father’s 86th. The on-site dining options are excellent. If you stay in Killarney, this is the place to be!

10

Dianne

Oct 29, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Fantastic location for launching into Killarney national park. Outstanding views from the room, the dining area, the hot tub. Spa facilities were wonderful with different shower and sauna options. Restaurants were lovely for both breakfast and dinner.

10

Denise

Oct 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful property complete with castle ruins, lake, and trails to local attractions. Friendly staff, great breakfast with a view. Musician in the pub at night.

10

Jason

Aug 2, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Wonderful property, super helpful staff. Great view from the room (5th floor). Restaurant very nice, with good food and service. On/site parking. No hesitation in recommending.

10

Francis

Jul 8, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Amazing stay. Reco the thermal experience!

10

James

Nov 24, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful hotel and amazing staff. The restaurants for breakfast and dinner were fantastic. The lounge had wonderful live music each night. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay.

10

Sharon

Jul 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Our favorite in all of Ireland. The staff the food the drinks all amazing. Most of all was the thermal suite was just what we needed! The warm pools and saunas and hydro showers were amazing! After dinner deer 🦌 came out and we were able to take photographs of them grazing. The castle ruins over the lake views were sublime. The list could go on!!! 5 ⭐️

10

Bríd

Oct 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Thermal Suite was an extra charge of €20 pp but well worth it for 1.5 hours. Spotless and v friendly efficient staff. The Lake Bistro had beautiful food selection for lunch and evening meal. Busy and couldn’t reserve a table but very friendly staff and quick turnaround.

8

Clement

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful location; we struck a Bank Holiday Long weekend so the hotel bars and restaurants were crowded Rooms were great with lake and mountain views Deer grazing by the lake early evening We used the Thermal Spa for 20euros pp - excellent Beds were good; softer pillow option would have been nice

10

Keith

Nov 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful view, wonderful Irish breakfast buffet and the bar had live trad music!

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Cleanliness

Guests often describe the property and rooms as clean and well kept. Some note dated areas and occasional maintenance issues (e.g., bathroom doors, plumbing, dampness).

Related guest reviews

10

JEREMY

Oct 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful views and very nice, clean property

10

Sandy Dal

Jul 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The property is in a stunning location. Rooms are nice and large. Bathroom could use a renovation. Tub/shower was awkward to use. Food was good and staff very friendly and professional

8

Maureen

Feb 20, 2026

·

Stayed 4 nights

Front desk staff helpful but very curt. Dining and bistro staff were excellent! Rooms were done daily and timely.

10

cate

Aug 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful grounds Relaxing away from the crowds Outstanding service Cleanliness Beds were so comfortable

10

Lauren

Oct 13, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Deco is dated but the hotel is very comfortable and the lake view can’t be beat. Breakfast was delightful.

2

Colette

Sep 27, 2023

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Stayed 2 nights

The rooms smelled very musky and were very damp. The bedding even felt wet because of the humidity and there was no dehumidifier and there was no air conditioning. There was also difficulty with plumbing and flushing toilets.

10

William

Oct 5, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

I stayed at The Lake Hotel for 4 nights in September and had a fantastic time. It was my second stay in the last 3 years and was all I hoped it would be. I was pulled to the hotel by the location right on the shores of Lough Leane as Killarney National Park and environs are my fave places to ramble and the views while dining or relaxing on the rear side of the hotel just can't be beat. The hotel is very well staffed - friendly, helpful and efficient folks who add so much to the overall experience. My room was spacious, clean and quiet with such a comfortable bed that was very welcoming after long days hiking and walking. The hot water was plentiful and at good pressure, Wi-Fi was strong and reliable and the room was quiet and dark for sleeping. As I was 100% focussed on enjoying the outdoor life that Killarney has to offer as opposed to the charms of the town itself I took all my meals at the hotel. They were of uniformly high quality with sufficient variety to keep me well contented over the 4 nights of my visit. As noted above, in the restaurant or bar you can have spectacular views out over Lough Leane to the mountains beyond that just elevate whatever experience you are having. The only quibble I had was the cost of getting laundry done. There were two partially full bags of basic items that cost 50 Euro. This seemed steep for me BUT I really have no baseline for costing of laundry in Ireland. Nevertheless I would stay here again as it's a great spot with great staff.

8

Kris

Oct 18, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is beautiful. No washrags or water in my room, but not a bad stay.

8

David

Oct 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location and view are amazing and the room was a great size, but the property is a bit “tired”. We had a great breakfast!

8

Kelly

Sep 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful property. Enjoyed the thermal spa facility (at additional cost). Room was in need of repair (bathroom door did not close).

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Rooms

Rooms are frequently spacious and comfortable with standout lake-view balconies. Downsides include a lack of air conditioning leading to warm nights, some noise between rooms or from the bar, and mixed bed comfort.

Related guest reviews

4

Victoria

Jul 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Extremely dated rooms. No AC which seems ridiculous to say in Ireland but it it just happened to be hot when we visited.

8

Cormac

Nov 3, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location, food, lounge spaces and staff were all good. However, the bedroom thermostat isn't linked to aircon. Room became hot overnight even though we turned down the temp. and opening the windows didn't work. The noise from the corridor and other bedrooms was bad too.

10

Sarita

Sep 12, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful location and we upgraded the room with the view of the lake with minimum amount. Hotel doesn't have air conditioner in the room but a nice fan is provided and that was sufficient. Rooms could use screen doors and windows.

10

Emily

Oct 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We enjoyed the rooms, which were spacious and located in the perfect spot to see beautiful views and a quick drive from the National Park - the included breakfast was just the icing on the cake!

10

Neil

Aug 25, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Beautiful view of the lake! The property was amazing. I would recommend staying here. FYI - Most rooms do not have AC, but not 100% necessary.

10

Melinda

Apr 14, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

I had an amazing time at The Lake Hotel! The room was the perfect size and the beds were very comfortable. We had a view of the lake and a beautiful sunset every night. It was in walking distance of the Killarney National Park and Muckross House. The city was a short drive from the hotel. Only thing is we did not have A/C in our room and it was hot during our stay. We had a fan but it did not make a difference. It was not supposed to be so warm during the time we were there but we were fortunate to have a beautiful week in Ireland.

8

dan

Oct 17, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Nice clean hotel, comfortable but it is an old building renovated into a hotel so rooms are not very sound proof. We had to change rooms after first night due to this, the staff was very accommodating and helpful and made our 4 nights here very enjoyable

10

Colleen

Sep 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Wonderful hotel with a balcony and fantastic view!

10

Stephanie

Apr 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful scenery and establishment. To both service. Fantastic experience.

8

Nick

May 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic lake views. Rooms nothing special but did the job. Hardest bed I have ever slept on however staff very responsive providing a mattress topper the next day.

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Service

Service is widely praised as friendly, welcoming and helpful across the hotel. A minority report slower or curt service in the bistro/breakfast or issues resolving room requests.

Related guest reviews

10

Stephen

Sep 14, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff were exceptionally friendly and the cosy homely atmosphere in the hotel was fantastic which made our stay very enjoyable

10

Janet

Jun 9, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

The staff were outstanding. We booked a room which seemed much bigger on the photos but when we arrived it was really small not a lot of room. I decided to see if we could upgrade as we were staying here four nights. They could not move us the first night as the hotel was totally booked but said they would contact us in the morning. They called us the following morning to say they had a room available. I went to view the room it was a suite fabulous lots of room and way better than the small room we were in. I asked what the price difference would be they said what I had originally paid was fine. After the flights had been canceled etc. this was such a kind offer. In Ireland it’s not all about the money people actually matter. I can not thank the staff and mangers enough we had a wonderful stay and cannot recommend the hotel enough a big thumbs up from all my family. Thank you so much.

10

Brad

Oct 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff and service was amazing!

10

Angela

Aug 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel grounds were amazing. The restaurant food was great but the service was spotty …some excellent encounters, but some were not.

10

Kathleen

Sep 18, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The Lake Hotel in Killarney is just doing everything right. They even keep a quiet area in the dining room for couples traveling own their own away from large tour groups which we really appreciated. Joel at the bar is a delight. The front desk staff was exceptional, booking a private driver for us on short notice and helping me to most efficiently get our laundry done. We will recommend The Lake Hotel without reservation.

10

Patrick

Nov 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Friendly helpful staff! Beautiful property! Delicious food and drink in the restaurant. Incredible

10

William

Oct 5, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

I stayed at The Lake Hotel for 4 nights in September and had a fantastic time. It was my second stay in the last 3 years and was all I hoped it would be. I was pulled to the hotel by the location right on the shores of Lough Leane as Killarney National Park and environs are my fave places to ramble and the views while dining or relaxing on the rear side of the hotel just can't be beat. The hotel is very well staffed - friendly, helpful and efficient folks who add so much to the overall experience. My room was spacious, clean and quiet with such a comfortable bed that was very welcoming after long days hiking and walking. The hot water was plentiful and at good pressure, Wi-Fi was strong and reliable and the room was quiet and dark for sleeping. As I was 100% focussed on enjoying the outdoor life that Killarney has to offer as opposed to the charms of the town itself I took all my meals at the hotel. They were of uniformly high quality with sufficient variety to keep me well contented over the 4 nights of my visit. As noted above, in the restaurant or bar you can have spectacular views out over Lough Leane to the mountains beyond that just elevate whatever experience you are having. The only quibble I had was the cost of getting laundry done. There were two partially full bags of basic items that cost 50 Euro. This seemed steep for me BUT I really have no baseline for costing of laundry in Ireland. Nevertheless I would stay here again as it's a great spot with great staff.

8

gail

Aug 12, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel has a stunning location and lovely grounds. Reception and lounge areas are very welcoming and convey the heritage of the hotel well. Staff are efficient and bar staff in particular were very friendly. We were given a coupon for a free bottle of wine due to our Expedia Gold Membership- nice touch. I was somewhat disappointed with the room we were given- when I booked the hotel in April, I enquired by email about the parking for disabled guests and received a reply saying we had been allocated a room near reception. I hadn't asked for this and indeed replied immediately saying this would be the exact opposite of the kind of location we would want. I received another email saying they would try their best to book a quiet room. However when we arrived, the original room (almost next to the very very busy bar area) was the one allocated to us. I explained I really didnt want this room as I'm a light sleeper and was shown an alternative room overlooking the entrance of the hotel. It was the better of the two so I accepted however I really didnt like the room at all. I didnt feel I could ask for another room as it would look like I had turned down two of the rooms they had offered- when in reality the first room was allocated was totally wrong for us. So this did impact my stay which is a shame as I can see how lovely the hotel is. I would return as the location was very special but I would want reassurance about exactly where in the hotel the room was.

2

Paul

Jul 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The front desk staff was amazing and very welcoming. Beyond that the service was terrible in the bistro and at breakfast. The staff didn’t seem to care whether we were there or not.

8

Laura

Jun 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The view and lake is beautiful - and 5 star. The hotel is quiet with seats to sit and look outside. I wish there was a congregation area beside bar to sit and have drinks. They made us leave the area when dinner was served at bistro. The service was not as good as other places we stayed. No one offered to help with bags (one in our party was elderly) the keys kept deactivating and while waiting in line to get it fixed a party of 15 was checking in and there was only one person at desk. So it was frustrating to have to wait a while (over 10 min) for something that wasn’t my problem in the first place. Bar staff were friendly. I found one or two workers at front desk and breakfast area rolling their eyes and being a little rude. Not what I’d expect from such a beautiful hotel. One staff even asked if I was with “the group” when I was wheeling 2 suitcases out. When I said no he just went back to his business and didn’t even offer to get the door for me. So even though the view is 5000 % worth it I think they sacrifice service knowing that will bring people in. The breakfast daily was free with my reservation. An unexpected surprise. And it was delicious with a great variety.

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Location

Spectacular setting on the lake beside Killarney National Park, with easy access to trails and area sights. It sits a short drive or longer walk from town, making it peaceful but less central.

Related guest reviews

10

Susan

Sep 24, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The location is magnificent. The view of the lake and the distant hills is stunning. To wake up everyday to that was a treat. Plus the surrounding woodlands. It is like staying at a luxury estate. Our room was lovely, king sized bed, balcony, lake view, reading nook. The staff are charming and friendly even though it is quite busy. We would return for longer

10

Dustin

May 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great view of the lake and ideal location to walk into the National Park or Killarney.

10

Ana

Feb 29, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Spacious room with a wonderful view of the lake and the mountains . It was calming to wake up and notice the landscape. The breakfast included every one ‘s favorites with a great selection to chose from. Great starting point for the National Park, the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry. I would definitely return if I find myself in the area again.

10

Marie

Nov 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The Lake Hotel is a little outside of town but the grounds, hotels and ambiance are worth the uber into town. The staff was very helpful and the breakfast delish. The bar is a great for happy hour or a nightcap. We did get the VIP drink for two but forgot to use. Take advantage of the wash service(best price of our trip) and DO NOT hesitate to pay for the thermal spa. We loved it.

10

Shari

Oct 20, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful location, lovely hotel, wonderful staff and easy access to Killarney National Park. This place was great and we will absolutely stay here again next time!

10

John

Oct 8, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

The view is to die for and the focal point for the entire hotel. Food was outstanding and great central point for all sightseeing. We will go back!

10

James

Sep 2, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful setting near National Park. Restaurant very good. 2km outside of town.

10

CHAD

Aug 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

5 star property ìn a beautiful setting. Not within walking distance to city center but is

10

Kenneth Brink

Nov 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

located near the Lake with a great view. Walking distance to city and the national park. Great breakfast. Good restaurants at the hotel incl bar. Rooms big and good bed. The Spa really nice and not expensive and not over crowded

10

Colleen

Sep 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Charming beautiful hotel with wildlife surrounding. Close to town and Ring of Kerry. Highly recommended.

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Dining

Breakfast receives strong reviews for quality and variety, and most guests enjoy the on-site restaurants and evening bar with live music. Some found the bistro menu limited or food/service inconsistent.

Related guest reviews

10

Andreas

Oct 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful location, excellent service and great selection for breakfast.

10

James

Aug 19, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The views, food, and service were incredible. We really enjoyed our 3 nights here. For us it was the pefect base from which to explore County Kerry and do some horseback riding in the Killarney national park. We loved that each morning we could start with an excellent breakfast and end each day with an excellent meal and dessert. We also enjoyed the local live music you had in the lounge at 9pm.

10

val

Sep 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The views from the hotel are impressive and the dining at the hotel was fabulous!!

8

Silvy

Dec 11, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful hotel and property on the national park, lovely to sit and enjoy the grounds or walk/rent a bike (outside hotel). They made it easy to store the bikes for us since we arrived and rented late. The restaurant was so so, the food average (catering to N. American I believe) and the service in the restaurant (to be fair was busy) was not very good. The live music in the bar at the end of the night was lovely.

8

Bronagh

May 3, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Lovely hotel in a fantastic location with gorgeous views. Breakfast was fantastic and great musicians playing in the evenings. They also make great cocktails. We just had one evening meal there which was quite disappointing, chicken wings and seafood linguini were both very bland. We might have just got unlucky with our choice. Love the work the hotel is doing to be more sustainable, particularly replacing water in the rooms with water stations around the hotel. However, I was shocked and disappointed to see disposable coffee cups left out for guests to take from the restaurant after breakfast given Killarney is working so hard to replace disposal cups with keep cups. The only time I saw a disposable cup while in Killarney was around the hotel. Easy to solve, just have keep cups with a deposit for guests.

10

Tyler

Jul 20, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything was amazing! Older hotel with a couple spiders in the windows but they kept to themselves 10/10. Food was superb, best breakfast I’ve had in Ireland. Would recommend if staying in Killarney.

10

Kent

Oct 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We ate at the Bistro two nights in a row and the food was excellent. We also loved the size of the rooms and the surrounding scenery!

10

Brooke

Oct 22, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing views of the lake and mountains. Spa amenities, dining, and service were superb. Highly recommend!

10

John Wilson

Oct 14, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

Bistro menu was limited. Also, the nightly music below our room was loud and kept us up. Otherwise the grounds and setting were stunning. Staff was friendly and very accommodating.

10

James

Nov 24, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful hotel and amazing staff. The restaurants for breakfast and dinner were fantastic. The lounge had wonderful live music each night. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay.

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Month	Average price
January	$374
February	$198
March	$205
April	$225
May	$295
June	$280
July	$290
August	$305
September	$281
October	$220
November	$197
December	$372

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $209	2 $221	3
4 $211	5	6 $198	7 $198	8	9 $239	10
11 $189	12 $198	13 $179	14 $219	15 $219	16	17 $250
18 $193	19 $188	20 $187	21 $187	22 $189	23 $255	24 $262
25 $262	26 $199	27 $199	28 $197	29 $210	30 $241	31 $251

The Lake Hotel

Prices for The Lake Hotel

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Triple Room

Standard Double Or Twin Room (Woodland View)

Classic Double Or Twin Room, Lake View

Guest reviews of The Lake Hotel

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about The Lake Hotel

Considering this hotel for your Killarney trip?

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23 $212	24 $210	25 $263	26 $263
27 $211	28 $230	29 $227	30 $225