Shines Guesthouse
Shines Guesthouse descritpion
The Shines Guesthouse is located 5-minute drive from the centre of Athlone and Athlone Station. It offers free Wi-Fi in public areas, a restaurant serving home-cooked food and free parking.
With under-floor heating, rooms at the guest house feature a sleigh bed, a TV, tea/coffee-making facilities and a private bathroom with a shower.
Shines Steakhouse serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and is open from 09:00 to 21:00. The large lounge has a comfortable sofa, a selection of books and magazines and a TV. The bar offers local ales and an open fire.
Athlone Golf Club and the shores of Lough Ree are both just 3 miles from the Shines. The train station has a direct route to Galway.
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The staff speaks English——Shines Guesthouse's staff speaks:Romanian,English
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Facilities of Shines Guesthouse
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Activities ：Golf Course (within 2 miles)
Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Restaurant with Dining Menu | Special Diet Meals (upon request)
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Services ：Baggage Storage | Laundry | Dry Cleaning | Ironing Service
General ：Convenience Store (on site) | Non-smoking Rooms | Family Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Languages Spoken ：Romanian | English
Reviews for Shines Guesthouse
Review 1：Water for tea didn't taste nice but could be like that because of floods in athlone also they should have a ash tray for the smokers outside
Review 2：Room nice and staff very helpful
Review 3：The room was very cold and staff didn't want to help to address the situation when asked, only after my fourth time to ask did we get a small heater in the room and was advised to leave the door open to let the heat in from the halls that wasn't there.
Review 4：The room was lovely looking and spacious but very cold.
Review 5：in room 8 the mirror over the basin is too low,no good for someone putting on makeup or shaving.the room was cold,but there was an electric heater there that one could plug in.
Review 6：the staff
Review 7：Breakfast was not available until 9.45 on the first morning of my stay. I was not offered a cooked breakfast on the first morning , apparently ,I should have asked rather than having been offered (according to the owner). The staff were much more friendly on the second morning of my stay.
Review 8：Loved everyting
Review 9：Was feeling welcome from the time we walked in door. Homely feel and just so relaxing. Great to have all on site, room restaurant and bar. Loved it
Review 10：on arrival staff slow to show us to our room, asked what earliest time for breakfast and staff member did not know. Both ensuite door and back of bedroom door both badly stained/? paint related,---appears 'dirty'. Also shower base could be cleaner.
Review 11：Restaurant food excellent and excellent breakfast.
Review 12：A little expensive for just two people ,would b great value for a large family as room could cater for at lest four or five gor same rate
Review 13：Cleanliness ,comfort and friendly staff
Review 14：Nothing
Review 15：Great value for money huge family room the only negative is that it could do with a few added extras like more towels, hair dryer. Staff were excellent couldn't have done enough for us. I'll definitely visit again
Review 16：there was no television in our room and when i asked the owner about this we were immediately moved to another room with A TV. and plenty of appologies.
Review 17：the location was excellent for our purpose we were travelling to westport and it made the j journey easier after a relaxing night.we also enjoyed a meal on arrival great value for money and would definately go back.
Review 18：Room was too warm but control on thermostat was broken. Similarly there was no contr for temperature on shower so it was too hot and couldn't use it to wash my hair etc. breakfast didn't start till 9 and there were no staff available to give key to when I was leaving at 8.
Review 19：Good location and the girl I dealt with was lovely
Review 20：The guesthouse is in bad need of paintwork and interior decor needs a lot of attention!!! Very noisy as band playing in bar directly below bedrooms!!
Review 21：Price and location were fairly good
Review 22：nothing happening no one there
Review 23：we were only there for a few days so that was ok. if it was for a longer period i would have been bored nothing on no one there.
Review 24：About 1 1/2 km out of town, but very convenient nevertheless. Wi-fi did not work in room, but excellent in pub..
Review 25：Very friendly and helpful staff and owner. Quiet. Spacious room. Restaurant right there. Grocery store right next door.
Review 26：Difficult access, bad signs, two flights of concrete steps to climb with a case x 2 as had to check in at the bar( sign stating same at top of steps) No staff to serve breakfast-only the chef. Food very poor. Very disappointing.
Review 27：Bedroom was clean and bed comfortable
Review 28：We didnt like the stairs outside the pub up to our rooms was quite dangerous having younger children with us if it had of been raining we would of got wet there should be a shelter leaving the back door of the pub up to the guest rooms. It was handful having to lug suitcases/bags up and down the stairs, the rooms were not up to standard they were dirty with cobwebs the toilet seat was broken in our ensuite.The windows weren't childproof a child could easily fall out the window if climbing on bed like mine did to look out the window. If it opened upwards rather than outwards it would be safer!! There should be more towels left in family rooms for guests our room had two towels and one small towel for our feet to step out of shower and spare pillow with quilt in a press in the bedroom for people. There needs to be more of an improvement made with these to get people to come back again.
Review 29：We attended a christening there the staff very helpful especially the barman not sure of his name hes new, the food was delicious could not fault any of that. The manager/owner was friendly.
Review 30：I lived in room no 1. Its near the road .there was a main whole on the road and cover of that main whole was lose ,so when ever any car or van cross that main whole the cover for that sounds very loud .i lived there 2 nights but i heard that noises after every few seconds that 2 night.its so bad irritation
Review 31：Decor was dated and tap broken. No towels. somewhat damp feeling. And breakfast expensive if we chose to have it -we didn't. felt like some rooms over pub. We just needed an inexpensive stop over before a wedding so in fairness it did suit us on that end. so thank you,
Review 32：Price and location
Review 33：The only (small) issue I had was when it came to leaving - it's not clear how to check out. I just left my room key with the barman (who seemed confused about it) and left - I could still be checked-in at Shines for all I know.
Review 34：Landlady is lovely and she bent over backwards to help me out when I had an issue (the issue wasn't with Shines, it was external but they helped me anyway). Rooms are big, clean, and comfy with a great shower. Great location - 15/20 mins by taxi will get you most places. The guesthouse is separate to the bar so you don't have to walk through it every time you come and go, which I loved. I was only there one night and didn't eat any meals so I can't comment on the food.
Review 35：No mention at time of booking of no breakfast available before 9. Attending an athletics comp and had to be there by 8.30. Toast to room but no drink or extra tea/coffee making items. No discount either
Review 36：Comfortable beds and friendly staff
Review 37：The bar is not very relaxing or comfortable.: there was a TV on with loud music (on the TV) and there was a party in the lounge/dining area. The breakfast area was a bit dark in the morning.
Review 38：Really liked the bedroom - particularly the bed. Staff could not have been more helpful. Good shower. Breakfast cooked to order - my poached eggs were perfect.
Review 39：Arrived late. Breakfast could not be arranged before 9.am. Could live with that though I needed to be elsewhere at that time. Bathroom in Room 7 smelt foul. Shower blocked up when I used it. I seemed to be the only person on the premises. Mobile no given for emergencies, Checked out next day. Refund refused for unused night! Awful Place- Avoid
Review 40：Staff were very friendly and helpful. The food was lovely and service was excellent. You can get a bus from just outside into town but it is only a short 20min walk to the town center. Altogether a very pleasant and enjoyable stay. Would recommend and would stay there again.
Review 41：The weather.... too warm.......
Review 42：What a pleasure to stay there. Morgan and his staff were brilliant. Room was large and clean. Big Bathroom. Spotless. Breakfast was amazing. Staff were attentive and Morgan was the kind of hands on manager we need more of in our hotels. Thanks guys.
Review 43：The room was not clean and the shower needs attention, black mould around the seals. There was a lot of dust on all surfaces. The bed was very comfortable. The choice of vegetarian breakfast with eggs is not acceptable. There was not alternative to cereal or cooked breakfast and no flora or LowLow or fruit available which was disappointing. The sleeping facilities need updating. Other guest had brought back food and when i left at 12 noon he packaging was still on the table from the night before - this attention to detail is not good.
Review 44：Lunch was lovely and the staff were very attentive and pleasant. I slept well in the bed and even checked the make of mattress.
Review 45：Could not pay electronically as their machines not working.cobwebs and spider on cealing of bathroom.poor children menu.poor children breakfast menu.lots of steps...which wasn't apparent in brocher.
Review 46：They made French toast when asked.easy to find.
Review 47：Breakfast wasn't mentioned when we checked in - I don't normally stay in B&B's, so I never thought to say that we would need breakfast at 8.30am as my son was in a race and couldn't eat any later - we had to leave without breakfast as they only started serving at 9.00am and this was just too late. I sent an email of complaint but I have not yet received a reply to it
Review 48：Room was okay, meal on Saturday night was lovely
Review 49：Nice big rooms Food is very good and reasonably priced
Review 50：Staff very pleasant and helpful
Review 51：Toilet window didn't close properly. No internal access to restaurant.
Review 52：Staff was wonderful. Food was very tasty.
Review 53：Room was a little cold but it was very cold weather that night.
Review 54：Friendly staff and good food.
Review 55：Room was way to cold. No heater in the room.
Review 56：The staff were very nice. Food was lovely.
Review 57：Super welcome. Great food
Review 58：Not heeting inside the room
Review 59：Nice big room. big holes behind pictures and toilet door was not painted. Otherwise room and toilet were clean.
Review 60：Rooms old fashioned Doors need painting Looks like stains on them But I know it's badly painted
Review 61：Friendly staff Food good
Review 62：Nobody there to answer the door to the guesthouse, had to go to the pub to get the key
Review 63：Rooms were clean, staff helpful
Review 64：Staff were great very friendly ? Good bar and lovely lounge dining room ? Food is great ? Good choice of beers
Review 65：The bedrooms could do with a bit of freshing up
Review 66：The food was excellent and staff very friendly
Review 67：room was big and clean excellent bar and restaurant on our door step staff are very good and helpful
Review 68：Excellent staff and beautiful food.
Review 69：Nice Staff,clean room, nice pub,shop around the corner.
Review 70：The staff were very friendley the room was very nice
Review 71：Breakfast not untill 9am
Review 72：Staff very nice and helpfull Family room big and spacies
Review 73：Great location, excellent value for money! Staff were incredibly friendly and helpful.
Review 74：Very convenient location just off the motorway.
Review 75：Great location, friendly staff and good food.
Review 76：nice staff, fun crowd in the pub. excellent steak sandwich.
Review 77：Location and friendly staff
Review 78：Room was very big and beds very comfy
Review 79：It was my second time staying there and was very happy with the price, accommodation, food and hospitality
Review 80：none.
Review 81：Friendly staff. Helpful. Could not ask for any more.
Review 82：Just the overall atmosphere is very good
Review 83：Realy friendly staff love big rooms.will be back
Review 84：Lovely rooms, spacious, friendly staff.. Spotless ;. All u need in 1! Would return
Review 85：Not enough plug sockets an the ones that were in the room were awkward to get to
Review 86：The rooms were very clean an spacious the bed was so comfortable
Review 87：The carpet in the hall is going green and needs to be updated.
Review 88：No hot water bed broke lightbulbs blown not clean for breakfast drom the night before not enough staff and a lot more
Review 89：Shower was a little cold
Review 90：Great value for money. Basic accommodation but clean and comfortable.
Review 91：staff were very helpful
Review 92：No Internet
Review 93：Staff very attentive Food very good Room was clean and comfortable
Review 94：pipes or fan going all night
Review 95：Great place to stay
Review 96：friendly service clean facilities lovely food and a home away from home
Review 97：Shower strong but holder broken and drains very slow.
Review 98：Good value considering it was the community games weekend.
Review 99：cigarette butts outside the window
Review 100：friendly service excellent food rooms good value for money
Review 101：Breakfast to late
Review 102：Friendly staff and nice atmosphere.Food is good and reasonable priced
Review 103：The room was very spacious, but a little on the shabby side.
Review 104：Great service, excellent food, really friendly staff. Overall great value for money and suited our needs exactly!
Review 105：There was no hot water during my shower. The water was barley luke warm. And during breakfast the waitresses spent more time talking to each other then taking care of customers. For the amount of money I paid I was looking for a more updated room, with hot water. Highly disappointing
Review 106：I liked the location and the chef. He took care of all my breakfast needs while the waitresses were not there.
Review 107：The room was dull and old furniture. The shower was cold and the shower tray filled with water despite the plug being out. Breakfast was from 9.00am to 11.00am, but the place was not opened until 9.05am and nothing prepared. To get from the bedrooms to the restaurant you have to go out into the elements (rain or whatever). No lifts, only a steep tiled staircase outside. Cost is the same and probably more than the many hotels that unfortunately were already booked out. The cost was 59 euro each including breakfast. That was certainly not cheap for this standard of guest-house. I would not go back even if it was 29 euro each. They collect the money from you before you see the room! Just as well as I would have been very reluctant to pay that after the experience. Overall: Terrible.
Review 108：Not much. The bed was reasonably comfortable.
Review 109：The only issue we had was the noise of the water pump early in the morning.
Review 110：We really enjoyed our stay and the meal we had on the Saturday night. The staff are very friendly and it was great value for mone.
Review 111：We arrived for breakfast and found the chef and waitress sitting outside unable to get in. There was some panic that we would not be able to get breakfast before we had to leave for the competition. As it was it was very late and ideally the athletes should have two hours to allow digestion before competing. The rooms had some small finishing touches missing which would have made the stay perfect. I asked for an ironing board which was delivered but without an iron. Also asked for new batteries for the TV remote control which did not arrive and as the TV was positioned very high we had to stand on a chair to change the volume or channel.
Review 112：The restaurant was brilliant and we felt really welcomed. My two boys were competing in the Leinster Indoor Athletics and had a wonderful time. Amazing dinner with super staff and excellent breakfast. Room was comfortable and clean. We would definitely go back, particularly to the restaurant.
Review 113：The accommodation is very spacious and comfortable in a very good location. The food was superb and staff were very friendly. Overall a great place to stay.
Review 114：the bed rooms need to be updated and the fact that you need to go outside to get to your room is inconvenient especially in bad weather. lighting on the stairs was poor.
Review 115：the welcome, the wonderful staff .
Review 116：We had a terrible night's sleep. At 2 AM a couple arrived back to the room next door. The wall separating the rooms can only be described as paper. We could hear all of their drunken conversation word for word. They continued to talk for the entire night and we must have got around 3 hours sleep. Very disappointed and tired after our stay. Will not be staying again and would not recommend it to anyone.
Review 117：It was clean and spacious.
Review 118：the dated design, the overpriced charge- should b only €50-€60 a night, the old set television box with limited channels, the lack of signage where2actually check in, being told we were late for breakfast when previous staff member said 10.30 for breakfast was fine.
Review 119：The bed, the location
The Fine Print
Please note that extra beds in rooms are subject to availability and must be confirmed by the hotel in advance.Please note that the restaurant is open 7 days a week and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from 09:00 - 21:00. Breakfast times are 09:00 - 11:30.