Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection

We booked 3 nights for a wedding at the next door Powerscourt House & Gardens (which is well worth a visit by the way). We asked to move the reservation one night to the right - so still stay 3 consecutive nights, just move it one night. They refused saying that we booked through an intermediary website (e.g. Expedia, Hotels, etc.). That was unfortunate, although we actually able to get into our room in the morning of our arrival as we had already paid for it! So, that helped with jet lag. We ended up staying 2 nights. The hotel is excellent, no complaints at all. The gym is first class. They make an effort to accommodate recycling. The breakfast is great except poor value at 30 euro/head unless you have a teenage boy or a member of the Irish rugby team with a voracious appetite. They really should offer a Continental Breakfast or a la carte, so people can avoid paying for a massive buffet if they don't want it. The doorman was very helpful to us and drove us right to the wedding reception. The staff all seemed very nice. I would give it 5 stars except they did not accommodate us with the request to move the nights and the cost of breakfast.

We sent my parents for a break here the week before Christmas. They had asked me to write this review when they got back but it slipped my mind. Having stayed here before on numerous occasions, I thought my parents would love the return luxury break here. They needed it. When they checked in they were allocated a room which had been used and not been cleaned. When they informed reception a member of staff accompanied them to the room and took a video of it. They were brought back to reception to get another room and weren’t even offered a cup of tea for the inconvenience. My mother’s mobility is bad so the back and forth carrying bags wasn’t helpful. Mistakes happen but it’s not what you would expect from a hotel of this calibre nor have we experienced previously. The food in the bar was ok but the dessert left a lot to be desired for the price it cost. The staff were lovely in there. My father enjoyed a walk around the grounds and the setting with views is stunning. The lack of in room channel options on the TV meant he couldn’t continue watching the match that was on in the bar, so that would be nice if the sports channels, which I think were present previously, made a return. All in all we just felt it’s gone down a peg or two which is a shame.

As someone who has spent over 500 nights in hotels in the past few years, ranging from iconic landmarks in Paris to opulent retreats in the Middle East—I do not use superlatives lightly. Yet here I am, compelled to write what may very well be the most glowing review I’ve ever penned. From the moment I arrived to the moment I—reluctantly—departed, this hotel redefined what five-star hospitality means in a European context. Quite simply, it is one of the finest properties I’ve ever experienced, anywhere in the world, and is the finest in Europe by far. The Grounds: A Living Masterpiece
Before even stepping inside, the property makes a statement. The grounds are immaculate, lush, manicured, effortlessly elegant. There’s a sense of peace and pride in every hedge, every stone path, every garden corner. It doesn’t just look beautiful; it feels curated for serenity, like nature and design conspired in perfect harmony. The Room: Exceptional in Every Sense
My room was nothing short of outstanding. Spacious, immaculate, intuitively laid out, and finished with a sense of refined restraint that speaks to quiet luxury rather than ostentation. Every detail, from the softness of the bed linens to the thoughtful placement of light switches, spoke of intention. It was spotless, of course, but more than that, it felt pristine, like I was the very first guest to ever stay there. Service: Middle Eastern Precision, European Setting
What truly sets this hotel apart, however, is the service. I say this with full awareness of the weight it carries: the service reminded me of the world-class attentiveness you typically find in the Middle East—Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, not Europe. That rare combination of warmth, precision, and proactivity that transcends expectation. The staff didn’t just respond, they anticipated. A bellboy, passing me in the corridor, paused to ask if I needed help with my luggage without a moment’s hesitation (common in the Middle East, not so much in Europe!). The spa team didn’t just hand me a robe and point; they ensured I knew where everything was, how it all worked, and made me feel completely at ease, no guessing, no fumbling. The wait staff adjusted my meal with zero fuss, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Every interaction was marked by an almost choreographed smoothness, executed with genuine care and grace. Dining at Sally Gap: A Culinary Highlight
Though I was only there overnight, the meal I had at The Sally Gap remains vivid in memory. The food was nuanced, delicious, and beautifully plated without being overwrought. The drinks? Just as impressive, balanced, refreshing, and clearly crafted with skill. There’s a confidence to the cuisine that matches the rest of the hotel: bold yet thoughtful, elevated yet comforting. A Place You Never Want to Leave
Though I stayed just one night due to onward travel, I left feeling a deep sense of reluctance. This hotel isn’t just somewhere you stay, it’s somewhere you inhabit. Somewhere that lingers with you long after you’ve checked out. In fact, I find myself daydreaming about living there, waking up to those grounds, that level of care, that rare atmosphere of luxury without pretension. In all my years of travel, very few hotels earn such a place in my memory. Fewer still leave me genuinely desperate to return. This one did. Without a doubt, it has set a new benchmark. If I could award a sixth star, I would.

The most amazing hotel ever. Stayed with my adult daughter for to spend some quality time together. Hotel was extremely clean and tidy. Staff were very helpful from check in to check out. Spa was very relaxing and absolutely loved the message. Dinner at Sika restaurant was very tasty and service was excellent. Will definitely stay there again, but might ask my husband next time 🤣

The splendid drive up the entrance allows you to glimpse the stunning hotel in anticipation of what is surely to be a superb holiday. As an American, we rarely have the pleasure to stay in such stately accommodations and the weekend was sheer delight. The warm welcoming staff that are attentive to every need will make you feel like you stepped back in time to the Manor home! The food was delicious and presentation exquisite! There are activities for all to enjoy. My husband played golf and said it was a beautiful walk in the manicured woods! You will not be disappointed - book and enjoy the Powerscourt Hotel!