Hotel Review: The Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny

Set on the outskirts of the medieval town of Kilkenny, Ireland, the Newpark Hotel offers a luxury stay in the heart of the Marble County. With an elegant, modern interior, the hotel offers guests a memorable stay in one of the county’s premier accommodations.

Check in: The Newpark Hotel

First Impressions

Upon arriving at the hotel, the grandeur is obvious before you even enter its doors. A rounded front, with the hotel’s name and logo, adorns the large glass doors, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows ensure that natural light is let in throughout the day.

A grand piano – with a talented pianist playing it – is found immediately to the right of the doors, while Scott’s Restaurant is further to the right, next to the hotel reception.

The staff at the reception desk were very friendly and welcoming, and even though we arrived before the check-in time, they assured us that they would give us a call when our room was ready. In the meantime, we were directed to the spa, where we had a spa treatment pre-booked.

Location: 9/10

The hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from the medieval city of Kilkenny, right on the outskirts, making it an easy walk in. The hotel is also well connected by road to other major Irish cities, including Dublin, Cork and Waterford. 

Buses run frequently in Kilkenny, with stops close to the hotel close by for those who wish to take the bus. Taxis are another convenient way to get around, and can pick up guests directly outside the front of the hotel.

In addition, the hotel is also next door to Jurassic Newpark, and guests have the opportunity to visit this fantastic park free of charge. The park is an excellent place to visit for families as there is a range of child-friendly activities and rides for all the family to enjoy.

Facilities and Services: 9/10

The hotel is home to a range of top-quality facilities, including its very own award-winning Escape Spa and Health Club.

The spa offers a wide array of treatments, from facials to back massages and even pregnancy-friendly treatments. In addition, the hotel has a heated outdoor infinity pool, a heated indoor swimming pool, plunge pools, tropical showers, a sauna and a steam room for the ultimate self-care experience.

We enjoyed visiting the spa and opted for a facial massage and a pregnancy treatment. After both of these treatments, we were shown to the relaxation room, a beautifully calm, dimly-lit and atmospheric room where we could relax on recliner chairs and beds for as long as we liked. Complimentary juices, teas, coffees and iced water were also available to help yourself to in the relaxation room.

The hotel also has several function rooms which can be hired privately for events ranging from weddings to Christenings, Holy Communions and more. In addition, these spaces can be transformed into meeting spaces for corporate events, and with over 400 on-site car parking spaces, there are few better places in the area to book for functions or business meetings.

Rooms: 9/10

The rooms at the Newpark Hotel are outstanding. Being part of the Flynn’s Group, which includes sister hotels such as The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis and The Park Hotel in Dungarvan, County Waterford, we knew what to expect when we arrived.

We were fortunate enough to stay on the fourth floor, which is the adults-only floor, in a suite which included our own private balcony with a hot tub.

Upon arrival in the spacious room, we were welcomed with a handwritten note from the manager, as well as complimentary macaroons, chocolate-coated strawberries and a chilled bottle of prosecco, which went down wonderfully in the hot tub overlooking the spa and gardens.

We were also gifted a large candle upon our arrival, and since arriving back home and lighting it up, we can confirm that it is absolutely sensational. A very thoughtful gift from an excellent team.

The super-king-size bed was incredibly comfortable, and there was also a seating area and desk. In the bathroom, there was a shower, bath and complimentary toiletries, including bodywash, shampoo and conditioner.

Food & Drink: 8/10

We enjoyed two meals at the Newpark Hotel during our stay, dinner on the evening we arrived, and breakfast the following morning.

Dinner was served in Scott’s Bar & Brasserie, which is the hotel’s main restaurant. The vibe was relaxed, but smart-casual. We enjoyed a three-course meal on the evening, opting for deep-fried brie and a tomato bruschetta to start, fish and chips for main, and banoffee pie and ice-cream for dessert. The meal was fantastic, and went down well with a pint of Guinness. 

For breakfast, there are several options to choose from. We were greeted by a friendly waiter, who offered us some toast, as well as tea or coffee, and then showed us to our table. The breakfast options include a help-yourself continental buffet, with fresh pastries, fruits, cold cuts, cereals and yoghurts, while there is also a pancake station (primarily for children), where pancakes and an array of toppings are made in front of you.

We opted for the full Irish breakfast, and it was refreshing to see a hotel advocating a minimal waste policy in this aspect. A chef plated up the options as you wanted, so, for example, if you didn’t want tomatoes or mushrooms, they didn’t put them on your plate, thus reducing the amount of food waste dramatically. Plus, guests are less likely to overfill their plates and waste food if someone else is serving it for them.

The Terrace Bar – next to the spa – is also an excellent place to enjoy a cocktail, beer or even a coffee.

Value: 8/10

Because of its location, there are closer hotels to the centre of Kilkenny, but can you guarantee the quality that the Newpark Hotel offers? Most likely not.

While more on the expensive side – with rooms starting around €175 per night, and suites costing significantly more – you are guaranteed top-quality food, an excellent experience and an incredibly comfortable stay, with attentive and pleasant staff.

FAQs

Is The Newpark Hotel Family Friendly?

Yes, the Newpark Hotel only has one adults-only floor, meaning that it is more aimed at families than just adults. Plus, all guests have complimentary access to Jurassic Newpark next door, which is an excellent day out for families.

Is The Newpark Hotel Accessible?

Yes, the Newpark Hotel is accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. There is a lift in the hotel to reach the higher floors, while there are dedicated disabled parking spaces and ramps to get in and out of the hotel.

Is The Newpark Hotel Dog-Friendly?

No, the Newpark Hotel does not allow pets.