Ever wonder what it would be like to live at Downton Abbey? Now you have a chance by spending a few nights at Ballyfin, one of the most remarkable hotels I've ever had a chance to stay in. An 18th century manor house that has been lovingly and meticulously restored by a new owner willing to spend "whatever it takes" to create perfection, Ballyfin is over the top.
Set on 610 acres of woods, lawns, and a 28 acre lake, everything is absolutely gorgeous. Rooms and suites are spacious, lavishly furnished with antiques, four poster beds, padded silk on the walls, and lush draperies around the windows. Public spaces are beyond belief with ornate detailing and period art on the walls.
Ballyfin is all-inclusive. Your room rate includes three meals a day for two guests (even the multi-course tasting meal, if you wish), complimentary minibar in your room, a cocktail reception before dinner each evening, and even five pieces of laundry per day. Virtuoso amenities include one complimentary bottle of wine from Ballyfin excellent wine cellar, paired to your meal selection.
The theme song for Downton Abbey kept going through my head as I spent a full day here and experienced the beauty and non-stop service of their attentive staff. Upscale travelers to Ireland should definitely include Ballyfin in their itinerary.
copyright (c) 2014 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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