CUT-PRICE DEALS:THE FRENETIC building of the boom years and the spoilsport recession that has followed have left hoteliers facing a double whammy of oversupply and lack of demand.
In a Fáilte Ireland survey of bed nights sold up to August, 65 per cent of hotels reported a drop compared with this time last year. Hotels are reacting by become more creative with their offers, which is good news for consumers. Some combine recession-era value with an unapologetic dash of boom-time bling.
For €265 per person sharing, you can get a two-night break at the five-star Westin Dublin, on Westmoreland Street. It will also throw in two cocktails in the Mint Bar and a €50 voucher for Brown Thomas. The offer runs until January 31st (01-6451000, www.thewestin dublin.com).
The Recession Escape at the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point, Co Clare, costs from €189 per person sharing, with two nights’ midweek accommodation, dinner in the Pearl Restaurant, a surfing lesson, a cocktail, and cut-price Guinness (065- 7079000, www.burkesarmada hotel.com).
The most original offer must be the one from Athenaeum House Hotel, in Waterford: buy a bottle of 1999 Bollinger champagne for €160 and it will throw in a night’s accommodation and a full Irish breakfast. The offer is valid from Mondays to Thursdays until the end of March (051-833999, www.athenaeum househotel.com).