Slieve Donard

Beautiful Hotel, but make sure you arrive early if you have children as it closes early in the evening

We had a slightly strange experience at Slieve Donard. The hotel is lovely. The room had a great view of the sea and the bed was really comfortable. The gym and spa area are great. Its location is also amazing. However on our first night we were disturbed in our room after 10.30 pm to settle a restaurant bill because we hadn't left card details at the front desk. When I mentioned this to the staff the next day they said they would speak to the manager and get back to us about it, but never did. I was also quite shocked on our last morning to be turned away from the gym and pool because it was only open to members, and not hotel guests, at that time.

Amazing stay as always. Welcoming reception staff on arrival. Wished our son a happy birthday. Clean room and nice touch having bathrobes for all the family. Spa facilities great and very clean. We had free cupcakes delivered to the room for my son’s birthday which was a nice touch. Good selection of food at breakfast. We will definitely be back.

The pool and the views are just amazing.

We were checking out hotels with spa services for a future trip. We enjoy thermal suites during our stays. We had just booked a massage the day before at the previous accomodation so we were looking forward to using the thermal suite at Slieve Donard. Unfortunately they don't mention, without a spa appointment you only have access to the community facilities. Usually places we stay allow guests access to the adult only facilities. The community area is nice, but not at all relaxing. I wish we would have known. Not sure we will stay again as it is a bit out of the way.

Excellent Hotel - recommend paying a little extra for a room with a mountain / sea view. The spa and pool are second to none. Just great to sit in the jacuzzi with a direct view of the mountains. Sauna not nearly hot enough (lukewarm) and steam room floor retains water (puddles). Great breakfasts and friendly staff.

Not great sauna out of order room not cleaned service not good

Great stay in Newcastle. Staff was very friendly and it’s a fantastic location. We were in N.I. mostly for golf, which Newcastle offers a great location if you have a rental. All of the courses we played were within a 90 minute drive. For the price there could have been more to offer from the hotel. Breakfast was mediocre. The room was awesome, however, I thought I “upgraded” from a King Sea View to a Suite with a Sea view. Ended up paying more for no sea view. Putting green is just thin turf. The spa and its facilities were great! But, you only have access to the spa facilities the day of your “treatment.” The bar on site is very nice with a solid selection of cocktails and beer. Another downside is the lack of food after 10 pm. It’s either a pizza or cold sandwiches for the 24 hour room service. Overall, felt like an awesome place, just lacking in some areas where you don’t feel like you’re getting what you’re paying for.

Excellent hotel. Great room, very comfortable. Superb Spa. Staff very friendly and helpful. Great stay. One minor thing that could be changed is the TV. There is no option to input an hdmi. (This is disabled). I know this may seem silly, but sometimes you just want to relax and chill with something on TV you want to watch. Having 'source' input enabled would allow you to watch your own device/program. The 'cast' function wasn't working either. I know you don't go away to watch TV, but when you have kids and don't get to watch much other than their shows, it's nice to have the option to just relax. If the streaming apps were even on the TV, you could login yourself. That would be an option. Like I said, minor point. Love this hotel. Can't wait to go back!

Lovely staff, nice environment. Spa felt like a leisure centre, over crowded and no towels provided. Rooms lovely and comfy but had two cold-luke warm showers. Staff helpful and friendly. Overall, nice enough place but would not go back or recommend as a 5*. More like 3.5 or 4 and therefore overpriced.

I preferred my 1st visit last Nov. Hotel -stunning location. Entrance hallway was beautifully decorated. quick check in but when got to room our keys wouldnt work. A cleaner kindly let us in. I tried to call recept to ask Concierge to bring us new keys but the phone did not work. We had our dog stay with us which was great but i felt that our room had a " dog" smell when we entered the room. Couldn't open windows. Some of the decor of the room looked a little grubby (e.g door frame in bathroom, chipped paint , a lamp that didnt plug in). Wasnt impressed for being a 5 star hotel. Delighted we can bring our dog but do feel hygiene standards need to be at highest. There was hair pins lying on my floor from a previous guest. Bathrooms at recept were disgusting and not cleaned all evening. Bin was over flowing by end of night. We had a lovely evening in the bar - fantastic singer. Thankfully had read reviews about the service charge added to all drinks bills. Paid £24 for 2 gins to then get a bill for £26.40. I went to bar myself for rest of night. Tips should be at customers discretion. Got a dirty glass at one point. When i asked for another glass the bar man just lifted the drink and threw it down the sink. He couldnt find another glass as they were all dirty so offered me an alternative then looked annoyed i asked for fruit. not 5* standards. Breakfast was just ok,cooked breakfast not great and we were put in drawing room without being asked. Didnt have same feel.

Just returned from a fabulous weekend stay at Slieve Donard. It was our 1st time ever and it was amazing from start to finish. Inside is absolutely gorgeous, immaculate, and so clean and well presented throughout. Book in was warm, friendly and efficient. We were in room 348, with a sea view...gorgeous. Room was so cleann, tidy and immaculately presented. We went to the swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room every day. Spa staff too, were brilliant. Breakfast was totally amazing too. It was one of the nicest we have ever had, with a buffet style...again staff were welcoming and so attentive.... Joanne at main reception is so lovely, as they all are...could not fault any of it...anything we did report was dealt with swiftly, and courteously .. a .luxury weekend ...we loved every single minute.

Shower didn’t work. Receptionist did try to locate us to two rooms. However with two kids I did not feel comfortable. Sink blocked the whole time. Overall bathroom a bit run down. Also carpets in various locations looked dirty and room not cleaned to standard expected and seen before. That being said beds very comfortable and staff in all locations friendly and helpful.

Amazing stay as always. Welcoming reception staff on arrival. Wished our son a happy birthday. Clean room and nice touch having bathrobes for all the family. Spa facilities great and very clean. We had free cupcakes delivered to the room for my son’s birthday which was a nice touch. Good selection of food at breakfast. We will definitely be back.

The rooms are brilliant very clean breakfast was out standing

Not great sauna out of order room not cleaned service not good

Room was dangerously hot for my dog with no way of cooling it down. The windows barely opened and the fan supplied just blew the warm air around. The room was small for a deluxe and there was nothing luxurious about it. No caffeinated coffee provided, only decaf. Cleanliness was also an issue with the bathroom having several hairs on the toilet and bath and the bedroom fixtures were very dusty. No separate shower only shower over bath tub which was not what I expected in the deluxe room.

Clean and high quality room, pleasant staff

Stayed here for business trip for 2 weeks, staff were very friendly, courteous and accommodating! Rome are cleaned everyday and always smelling fresh and comfortable to sleep. Will be back again at SD hotel…thank you for a wonderful and comfortable experience!

The service was good but overall condition of the room and hallway was not what you would expect for a 5*. We had a coffee stain on corner of TV unit and multiple cobwebs on ceiling. There was also a random bit of masking tape hanging from our curtain. The hallway around the lift needed a good hoover the entire time we were there. The room was dark with a lot of notable paint chips. Breakfast was nice and staff at restaurant and reception were attentive but general condition let the hotel down.

We had a really lovely one night stay here to celebrate my husband’s 60th birthday. I had emailed the hotel before arrival to let them know of the occasion, and they kindly gave us a room upgrade and left a note and cupcakes in the room. Acknowledgements like this really make a hotel stand out and we were very happy. It was the first time we had stayed since the refurbishment, and all areas of the hotel are beautiful. The room itself was stunning, with views of both of the sea and the Mournes. We are local enough so the sight isn’t uncommon to us, but looking out at it from the hotel room was just spectacular! All the staff are very kind, courteous, friendly and hardworking. We dined in the town but had a couple of cocktails each in the Wolf bar which were very high quality. We appreciate a good cocktail! The breakfast buffet was lovely. Thank you for making this a memorable occasion :-)

It was right next to the golf course. It had a great bar. It was convenient to the town. My room was spectacular.

The room was like a sauna, aircon not working. I asked for someone to look at it and nobody came. Stuffy, hot, unnecessary

We had a slightly strange experience at Slieve Donard. The hotel is lovely. The room had a great view of the sea and the bed was really comfortable. The gym and spa area are great. Its location is also amazing. However on our first night we were disturbed in our room after 10.30 pm to settle a restaurant bill because we hadn't left card details at the front desk. When I mentioned this to the staff the next day they said they would speak to the manager and get back to us about it, but never did. I was also quite shocked on our last morning to be turned away from the gym and pool because it was only open to members, and not hotel guests, at that time.

A wonderful but expensive hotel. Baroque rooms which were a little dark but amazingly comfortable bed and pillows.

Absolutely fabulous. Well worth paying a bit extra for a sea view. Totally stunning views, opulent room and delicious breakfast.

We stayed 2 nights and this was our first visit since the hotel was renovated. The room we were allocated was 452 and unfortunately with it being at the very top of the hotel it was really noisy during the night when a storm started. We had to move rooms in the middle of the night to get to sleep - the staff were very helpful and accommodated us but we lost a lot of sleep. Breakfast was lovely and a lot calmer than it slides to be! I would suggest that the rooms need more storage for clothes as there are no drawers at all and also the room layout is strange as the TV isn’t portioned where you could watch it from either the seats or the bed. Just small suggestions that would help make it more comfortable.

Excellent hotel. Great room, very comfortable. Superb Spa. Staff very friendly and helpful. Great stay. One minor thing that could be changed is the TV. There is no option to input an hdmi. (This is disabled). I know this may seem silly, but sometimes you just want to relax and chill with something on TV you want to watch. Having 'source' input enabled would allow you to watch your own device/program. The 'cast' function wasn't working either. I know you don't go away to watch TV, but when you have kids and don't get to watch much other than their shows, it's nice to have the option to just relax. If the streaming apps were even on the TV, you could login yourself. That would be an option. Like I said, minor point. Love this hotel. Can't wait to go back!

The property has been all redecorated in big garish carpets and curtains and the bedrooms are so dark with the curtains drawn and lights on that you need a head torch to find your things !

The only complaint we had was that the water was cold for shower and sink. Disappointing. One the things you look forward to in evening.

We had a slightly strange experience at Slieve Donard. The hotel is lovely. The room had a great view of the sea and the bed was really comfortable. The gym and spa area are great. Its location is also amazing. However on our first night we were disturbed in our room after 10.30 pm to settle a restaurant bill because we hadn't left card details at the front desk. When I mentioned this to the staff the next day they said they would speak to the manager and get back to us about it, but never did. I was also quite shocked on our last morning to be turned away from the gym and pool because it was only open to members, and not hotel guests, at that time.

Beautiful property inside and out - impeccable service, wonderful dining options, and convenient location. 10/10!

Amazing stay as always. Welcoming reception staff on arrival. Wished our son a happy birthday. Clean room and nice touch having bathrobes for all the family. Spa facilities great and very clean. We had free cupcakes delivered to the room for my son’s birthday which was a nice touch. Good selection of food at breakfast. We will definitely be back.

The staff were amazing and went above and beyond at every step to ensure we were having a good time. We brought takeout back to the hotel and the concierge offered to get us plates, cutlery, napkins for the room. They know what you need before you even know! Also, the complimentary breakfast is delivered to your room at an hour of your choosing for 5 pounds per person. Such a great way to start the day with a big irish breakfast plus a big pot of coffee in your room.

We stayed to celebrate a birthday. The hotel staff were incredibly kind to us, they even let us check in early which was greatly appreciated. The hotel and spa are beautiful, we will be back next year again.

Excellent hotel. Great room, very comfortable. Superb Spa. Staff very friendly and helpful. Great stay. One minor thing that could be changed is the TV. There is no option to input an hdmi. (This is disabled). I know this may seem silly, but sometimes you just want to relax and chill with something on TV you want to watch. Having 'source' input enabled would allow you to watch your own device/program. The 'cast' function wasn't working either. I know you don't go away to watch TV, but when you have kids and don't get to watch much other than their shows, it's nice to have the option to just relax. If the streaming apps were even on the TV, you could login yourself. That would be an option. Like I said, minor point. Love this hotel. Can't wait to go back!

We had a wonderful stay at the Slieve Donard. Great location, beautiful surrounding atmosphere with the mountains of Mourne as your view., We encountered the friendliest and most helpful receptionist ever, she was lovely and made a great first impression of the hotel. Amazing staff all round. Everything about the hotel was exceptional. It was clean, stylish, and elegant with excellent service. Food was very good at Breakfast although the hotel was full, plenty of room in the breakfast room. Room 328 was amazing with sea and mountain views from your bed what more could you ask for when on holiday. The Spa was spotless and again the staffs were very attentive, what an experience watching the Sea from the Jacuzzi. We were extremely pleased with our stay. I hope to be back for a longer visit in the future.

The rooms were very good but the buffet breakfast needs a lot of attention. Staff were young and inexperienced in the dining room for a five star hotel.

Would have been perfect 5 however - Staying 2 nights and they didnt clean room until after 7pm even have two prompts - lost 4 hrs just waiting on this happening so we could start to get ready etc Ronan from the breakfast team was outstanding Bar manager was amazing 👏 excellent service

Disappointing and unacceptable for a hotel supposedly of such high caliber. Despite the fact that we booked a junior suite with sea view the room’s windows were filthy upon arrival. We got conflicting stories about the cleaning schedule: first every 2-3 days, then every 15 days, finally every three months. The manager mentioned that it costs them two-grand each time to clean which is really not our concern. They also neglected to take a credit card for incidentals at check-in, leading to an awkward situation when I tried to charge brunch to the room. Nothing would've been done about the windows if we hadn't followed up several times, including a long call to Expedia. Two members of reception were quite argumentative, almost acting like it was a favor for them to let us stay at the hotel, rather than valuing us as customers. Most of the staff, including Michael at reception, were very friendly, and Hannah and the spa staff were excellent. We ended up leaving with a bad taste in our mouths.

It was right next to the golf course. It had a great bar. It was convenient to the town. My room was spectacular.

Trip was outstanding from the moment we arrived at the Slieve Donard. Staff were very helpful and always on hand with assistance. Spa and swimming pool facilities were state of the art with pool being perfect for toddler. Decor of hotel was one of a kind with our room decor being first class. Bed was excellent however pillows were a little to soft however that’s only minimal in the whole hotel experience.

We had a slightly strange experience at Slieve Donard. The hotel is lovely. The room had a great view of the sea and the bed was really comfortable. The gym and spa area are great. Its location is also amazing. However on our first night we were disturbed in our room after 10.30 pm to settle a restaurant bill because we hadn't left card details at the front desk. When I mentioned this to the staff the next day they said they would speak to the manager and get back to us about it, but never did. I was also quite shocked on our last morning to be turned away from the gym and pool because it was only open to members, and not hotel guests, at that time.

The location is perfect, with easy access to both the town and the beach.

Beautiful property inside and out - impeccable service, wonderful dining options, and convenient location. 10/10!

Amazing hotel and location. Clean comfortable and close to beach and walking distance to town

We have been before it was refurbished a year ago to the style it would have been when it was built was beautiful there is nothing bad i can say about it just excellent

Lovely hotel located right on the beach. Great service, wonderful spa, excellent breakfast, and very relaxed, informal atmosphere.

65th Birthday trip for four days. Unbelievable views of the sea and the mountains from the jacuzzi, breakfast room, lounge. We are planning a return already!

Setting, and views from the dining areas, and spa is magnificent

We had a really lovely one night stay here to celebrate my husband’s 60th birthday. I had emailed the hotel before arrival to let them know of the occasion, and they kindly gave us a room upgrade and left a note and cupcakes in the room. Acknowledgements like this really make a hotel stand out and we were very happy. It was the first time we had stayed since the refurbishment, and all areas of the hotel are beautiful. The room itself was stunning, with views of both of the sea and the Mournes. We are local enough so the sight isn’t uncommon to us, but looking out at it from the hotel room was just spectacular! All the staff are very kind, courteous, friendly and hardworking. We dined in the town but had a couple of cocktails each in the Wolf bar which were very high quality. We appreciate a good cocktail! The breakfast buffet was lovely. Thank you for making this a memorable occasion :-)

Top class Hotel with good service, not quite 5 Star Rating and food in the Percy French was overpriced and not up to standard.

Fantastic Room amazing with sea view and spa was brilliant Breakfast is awesome

And for breakfast at 9.40 had to wait for 35 minutes to be called by room number. There was hard cheese, ends of bread, waited a further 20 minutes for tea and toast. Awful!

Breakfast was beautiful. A great variety of high standard food

Having stayed here for our Covid honeymoon, we were really looking forward to returning to celebrate my birthday. This is our first visit since the hotel had been bought over and renovated - it is absolutely beautiful. The staff on reception and in the spa were great, but we were really let down by the staff during breakfast service. I think we asked about 3 different people for toast and coffee. We found the hot food options at the buffet greasy and hard from sitting too long on the heaters.

Amazing stay as always. Welcoming reception staff on arrival. Wished our son a happy birthday. Clean room and nice touch having bathrobes for all the family. Spa facilities great and very clean. We had free cupcakes delivered to the room for my son’s birthday which was a nice touch. Good selection of food at breakfast. We will definitely be back.

My initial experience at check-in was good as I was upgraded from my standard room, however, despite speaking to a member of the night staff on reception before retiring to bed on the Thursday evening about my disappointment that a service charge had been automatically added to drink purchases in the bar - even single pints - without being given receipts or being informed that this was happening - as we were unaware of this practice, on some occasions, I and others were also tipping cash on purchases! - I heard nothing back and upon check-out was not even asked if I had enjoyed my stay. I was also disappointed that when I used the leisure centre, I noticed that there were empty glasses and bottles stacked on the bar in the relaxation lounge on the Thursday evening - which wasn’t open for the duration of my stay - and they were still there on the Saturday morning. I don’t expect a buffet breakfast service in a five star hotel. Also tables were left uncleared despite guests still arriving for breakfast and hard to get anyone’s attention for more coffee - I gave up in the end. Overall, nice hotel but not comparable to other 5 star experiences even in NI.

Great stay in Newcastle. Staff was very friendly and it’s a fantastic location. We were in N.I. mostly for golf, which Newcastle offers a great location if you have a rental. All of the courses we played were within a 90 minute drive. For the price there could have been more to offer from the hotel. Breakfast was mediocre. The room was awesome, however, I thought I “upgraded” from a King Sea View to a Suite with a Sea view. Ended up paying more for no sea view. Putting green is just thin turf. The spa and its facilities were great! But, you only have access to the spa facilities the day of your “treatment.” The bar on site is very nice with a solid selection of cocktails and beer. Another downside is the lack of food after 10 pm. It’s either a pizza or cold sandwiches for the 24 hour room service. Overall, felt like an awesome place, just lacking in some areas where you don’t feel like you’re getting what you’re paying for.

The rooms were very good but the buffet breakfast needs a lot of attention. Staff were young and inexperienced in the dining room for a five star hotel.