The Great Northern Hotel

The Great Northern Hotel descritpion

This 4-star hotel is surrounded by 130 acres of parkland in the popular tourist town of Bundoran. Overlooking Donegal Bay, it has a golf course, a recreation center, a restaurant and 2 bars.
The Great Northern Hotel is on a historic and challenging 18-hole championship golf course. The on-site leisure club has a modern gym, indoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. Wi-Fi is available in all public areas.
All rooms have a TV, telephone and private bathroom. Many rooms also feature views of the coast or golf course.
Guests can dine with views of the golf course in Tir Connaill Restaurant. The relaxed Bistro Bar and Atlantic Bar are both open throughout the day and serve varied menus.
The surrounding parkland and coastline are perfect for fishing, hiking, and surfing. The beach is less than 950 feet away and the center of Bundoran is a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

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Facilities of The Great Northern Hotel

Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar

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).

General ：Newspapers | Non-smoking Rooms | Facilities for Disabled Guests | Family Rooms | Elevator

Reviews for The Great Northern Hotel

Review 1：The showed in the room were cold & not powerful the to within the room was small & dodnt have a great choice of channels. We got a room with a broken toilet and got changed rooms. The leisure centre showers were dirty & were dripping water not good for trying to get showered.

Review 2：Beds were very roomy and comfy!! Great spaced rooms we had a view of a golf green. Was on the bottom floor. Leisure centre was good had a lovely swim, sauna & steam.

Review 3：Arrived not long after hotel opened again after holidays so was bit cold at first. Pool was also cold and wasn't told needed euro for locker so had to leave belongings in changing room.

Review 4：Staff were all very nice, welcoming and helpful.

Review 5：Shower very bad. No WIFI on second night and when i reported to girl in lobby i was told it was working earlier!!!! still wasn't working when we were leaving on Sunday

Review 6：I thought the hotel was much too warm. I love heat but not the kind you think you are going to suffociate.. Heating Bill must be skyhigh it was very uncomfortable.

Review 7：I thought the staff was really friendly esp Sarah at Reception . A really lovely hotel i enjoyed my evening there.

Review 8：Had to wait quite a while at the bar for drinks. I feel they could do with an extra member of staff there.

Review 9：Location superb. Excellent food. Very comfortable bed and room.

Review 10：Rooms not like the pictures on the website old fashioned and dirty definitely not 4stars maybe 2 will not visit or recommend ever ,food not acceptable very poor just not worth the money .

Review 11：Staff were fair and friendly

Review 12：some areas, e.g. wall damp, creaky floors upstairs. Fry up bad, only difference between mini and big breakfast is a black and white pudding, price of minerals very dear, €2.90 minerals, terrible

Review 13：The staff, bands, room and lounge areas were lovely

Review 14：Person in next room left their window open, we had gales and the wind literally whistled underneath their door and kept me awake all night!!!

Review 15：Leisure centre and proximity to cliff walk

Review 16：After checking into the Hotel, was informed that there was no food available as there was a function on in the Hotel. Requested a late checkout on Sunday; told by staff member could checkout at 2.30pm; the Manager then accused us of being liars, as none of her staff could have told us 2.30pm; will never stay at this Hotel again.

Review 17：I didn't like the showers in the pool .. Not many worked and the ones that it were not good ... Think pool facilities need freshened up

Review 18：The staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly ...hyst had a lovely relaxing time . Able to enjoy my family

Review 19：The whole hotel experience was great! Loved the old style of the hotel,food was fab could not fault it. Staff very attentive, and friendly.rooms clean and had all you needed.lovely bar area also.

Review 20：in our room the kettle would not work neither would the tv remote or the bathroom light switch, also the shower was broken and didn't work

Review 21：the location,the peace and quite,proximity to the beach was good ,plenty of walking routs

Review 22：The beds are extremely soft which unfortunately wasn't great for the back

Review 23：The hotel us very welcoming, staff are fantastic. Food was lovely and good value. Views were beautiful. We will definitely stay here again.

Review 24：Location is great, easy to find. Staff welcoming and helpful with local info.Would not pay full price, we had special offer and would go for that again.

Review 25：Nothing to dislike

Review 26：I like everything about this hotel.Staff are pleasant and helpful; ideal location and relaxing atmosphere and food is great! We always enjoy our time here.

Review 27：some of hotel decor dated, main function hall and corridors Food and drink a little expensive

Review 28：Guest Rooms were modern with lovely bathroom and comfy beds, golf and spa on site

Review 29：Staff were terrible, we left the dining room because the smell was so bad. We ate in bar then but could only eat the chips as the rest was terrible. Show in room was so tiny. Breakfast was cold. Overall very bad experience.

Review 30：View

Review 31：The hot and cold tap on the bath where the wrong way around. Bar didn't offer cocktails or craft beers.

Review 32：Upgraded to deluxe room, however for a 4* hotel I would have expected this to be a standard room.

Review 33：we will return to this hotel in the near future. what i really liked was the owner went around to everyone in the dining room at breakfast and asked if everything was ok. never seen that before.

Review 34：Booking.com said it was on the Main Street. It wasn'T. Bar food offthat evening. Had to eat in main restaurant for €30.00 a head for threecourses. Only wanted one. Tv didn't work until told you used thechannel buttons for volume and volume buttons for changing channels! Nochain to bath plug so difficult to remove! Ditto for wash hand basin! Onleaving the outer door handle jammed and we couldn't shut the door.The place looked run down. Only one lift at end of a long corridor andthen had to walk most of the way back on the upper corridor. Bothcorridors had several doors to negotiate. Not a four star hotel. Nodoubt it ticks the boxes for hotel inspectors but not for us.

Review 35：When we checked in at 3.45 none of the 3 beds in our room were made. Bathroom not cleaned. When we asked at reception were told it was because checkin was at 4. Were not told this when they let us check in. Very clear they take payment up front as the rooms are tired, dated and not of a good standard at all. Very disappointing.

Review 36：Pool was good

Review 37：The bathroom is the room is a very poor standard. The door didn't lock, shower was cold and a few sprinkles of water. There was no bath in the bedroom. The leisure showers were the same. Overall the bedroom was not worth the £100 we paid for it. If it was half the price perhaps i would have not been so disappointed. I understand the deluxe rooms had a working bath and shower.

Review 38：The main hotel areas were very nice and staff are very friendly.

Review 39：Cobwebs hanging from the room lighting to the wall, obviously the cleaning attention to detail was lacking. Lukewarm water when showering so not particularly 4 star, breakfast was obviously kept warm and dried up.

Review 40：Excellent location,

Review 41：breakfast was a little chaotic, table not set properly, having to ask for cutlery'napkins etc.ended up pinching from another table.

Review 42：a lovely atmosphere.

Review 43：I don't know how this hotel has 4 stars. The food was awful, the staff service was awful and we couldn't wait to leave. I asked at the bar for milk for our 18 month old and the guy behind the bar ignored me, until another customer told him I had been waiting 10 mins and to serve me first. He then let the top of the babies bottle fall on the floor behind the bar. He didn't even rinse it under the tap, just put it back on and handed it back to me while walking past me, not a word from him. In the evening I ordered a small bottle of white wine. The warm wine bottle wasn't open, just put on the (dirty) counter with a glass that I had to ask to be changed (there was lipstick on it). We went for a snack at the bar in the afternoon and the tables were dirty while 4 bar persons were standing behind the bar watching the rugby on tv with their arms folded. Our baby was given sour milk in his beaker the next morning at breakfast. While this was changed when we asked, the beaker had not been rinsed out so the milk still tasted sour. The whole breakfast was terrible, it didn't start until 8am. We asked a waiter for toast and he looked at us as if we were mad and backed away hoping he wouldn't have to get it for us. After breakfast, we checked out and went to a service station for take away tea and a roll. There was no point in complaining about anything because it was clear that none of the staff actually cared so it would have just been shrugged off.

Review 44：We absolutely loved it all,if we complained about something it would be a lie.it was flawless..and the breakfast was amazing..we will stay here in the future

Review 45：When we arrived we were sent to a room that had not been serviced. We had to then ask for a different room. We were given one however there was no water, the kettle to boil water smelt like burnt rubber when it boiled and the on off buttons were broken we had to guess which one was on and which off. We also paid €40 for a dinner we barely ate because it was just disgusting. We ordered burgers in the bar and they literally had a film of fat on top and they had no taste bar fat. Breakfast was also a let down! The full Irish was a mini breakfast with no mushrooms or beans! This hotel is not a 4 star by any standard! It is a 2 star at best! We have stayed in better 3 star hotels.

Review 46：The hotel is in a grey location beside the sea and that is where it all ends!

Review 47：Cleanliness in hotel is terrible glass dirty, walls dusty. In bar tables dirty and it look that no one cared. We had to go in town to get something to eat.

Review 48：Comfortable bed, excellent location.

Review 49：In the bedrooms you can hear every noise going including creeks, doors opening and people walking in the corridors. Breakfast was really poor which I did not expect

Review 50：Reception staff are really friendly and welcoming

Review 51：Felt like the hotel needed redecorated. The wall paper was very worn. Breakfast wasn't great either. The bed was very income table.

Review 52：The location of the hotel is stunning.

Review 53：Breakfast wasn't great and the staff member who was showing us to our table ( older lady) she showed us to a table with one chair at it then abandoned us without telling us about the breakfast routine. Not friendly at all. Very cross looking women.

Review 54：Location of hotel

Review 55：Dinner on the first night was in an over-full and frenetic dining room.

Review 56：Generally a calm atmosphere and feeling that the guests' wishes mattered to the staff. Chance to stay in hotel that my father viewed from town as a boy during family holidays between 1905 and 1910!

Review 57：Carpet in my room was stained. Furniture dated and shabby. Shower curtain in bathroom (not indicative of a 4 star hotel).

Review 58：Bed was very comfy. Pool was good, although I doubted it's level of cleanliness. Gym facilities were good.

Review 59：We we're put in the family section of the hotel with children constantly screaming which made it hard to relax as we came there to relax , there was a lot of dust on the lockers and tables which was abit off putting

Review 60：The jacuzzi and the sauna wasn't working . Not a lot of night life at night time plus the town was a bit run down .

Review 61：The staff , the bed, the food and the pool was good . Nice views while you go for a walk .

Review 62：Was quite pricey @ E160 per room. Previous residents had been smoking in the room despite the notices Bar staff were busy and ignored customers.

Review 63：The location of hotel. The friendliness and helpfulness of reception and room staff. Efficiency of breakfast.

Review 64：It was really old, there was a strong smell of smoke of my extremely pokey room, when complained I was offered an upgrade to a junior suite for €30. I went to view the room and it was not cleaned! The TV in the junior suite was around the corner of the junior suite which was really strange. I was really disappointed with the hotel way overpriced!!

Review 65：The drive into the hotel!

Review 66：Could do wit a good clean in the bar, it should always be clean and tidy round the bar area but it wasn't

Review 67：A little bit out of town but a lovely walk

Review 68：The bar service needs to improve in terms of the little extra's for example they could not provide a side order of curry sauce and yet they had curry on the menu?? The sauce that was requested never came. It was also quite wet and when my child requested a hot chocolate after a walk they could not provide this either.

Review 69：The facilities were very good for the family market. The pool was lovely and the staff there friendly and helpful. The music at night (especially for the OAP in our party) and day time children's activities made up for the poor weather in terms of giving us something to do. Very pleased with our room.

Review 70：The location is perfect for walks, the beach,the town, amusements. We like somewhere that we can park the car and get out and about so very good location. Hotel facilities are good with pool and hairdressers and nail bar. Food excellent. Chowder amazing!

Review 71：Hotel felt very old fashioned. Room decor was dated, rooms not very sound proof could hear everything from the corridor and other rooms. Poor selection for hot breakfast, maybe a buffet might work better with better selections? Meeting room outside lift on 1st floor was in use as we arrived still not cleaned when we were leaving 3 days later? Towels for leisure centre very old, well worn!!!

Review 72：Location of hotel is beautiful situated on a cliff side with a golf course surrounding it is really stunning to see when you arrive

Review 73：I think the whole inside of hotel needs a complete refurbishment and the pool wasn't very clean

Review 74：Loved the hotel and the location and the staff were great very friendly and the rooms/beds were comfy

Review 75：The view from the breakfast room was obstructed by a car parked outside. Cars should not be allowed to block this view of the golf course.

Review 76：The picture window in the breakfast room

Review 77：Not a great food menu in the bar& didn't like having to pay up front before we even tasted our food.

Review 78：Kids club staff were very helpful & friendly

Review 79：The family room wasn't very well cleaned, with soiled seats and dirty marks on the walls as well as torn wallpaper. The family room consisted of one double bed, one single bed, and a fold out bed. It was difficult to sleep at night because the floorboards of the room above creaked and groaned every time the people in the room above moved. I would say that the 4 star rating of this hotel does not apply to family rooms.

Review 80：This hotel is in a good location with very friendly and helpful staff.

Review 81：This hotel is not for star The first room we were offered was of very poor standard. The The carpet was dirty and frayed The tiles on the bathroom floor were cracked The toilet cistern was cracked there was an overwhelming smell of urine. The curtains were falling off the walls as was the wallpaper . Although the hotel did change our room for us it was neither four-star either again the curtains were hanging off the windows the bathroom could do with modernisation Although the room was clean . I would certainly never stay here again nor would I recommended for any couples travelling alone there are a number of families stay at this hotel and children run up and down the corridors at all hours. There is an impressive drive up to the hotel but when you look from the hotel you look straight into a caravan park this is not shown on any photographs. Booking.com should regrade this hotel as 3star at best and not the four-star as they advertise. If you are couple looking for four-star standard this is not the hotel for you Will not be staying again and as you can gather will not be recommending this hotel

Review 82：The staff were very polite and most were helpful. They do the best they can in poor surrounding.

Review 83：Front desk staff was very nice, not sure if bar was understaffed or inexperienced, but everyone was having trouble getting served even with only a few people at the bar. Other than that we had a lovely time!

Review 84：Location and hotel itself were lovely. Cozy bar area. Also LOVED the holistic treatments available. The room overlooked the ocean, I had a wonderful reflexology treatment, would night recommend!

Review 85：The swimming pool water was NOT clean nor as the glass barrier, floor tiles or the windows beside the ONE jet Jacuzzi

Review 86：Our room was recentely decorated and very clean , the food for the evening meal's was excelent as was the breakfast each morning

Review 87：Food was poorly presented and had to be returned as it was cold. Room we got was quite dated and the shower was very disappointing water was so slow to come out no power at all. Also no bath in room. Staff behind the bar were slow and some of them quite rude. For €150 for one nite we were very disappointed!

Review 88：Liked the location.

Review 89：The noise of the children in the above room meant we didn't get to sleep until very late as they were like elephants above our room crying loudly, screaming after their father shouted at them.

Review 90：The hotel room consisted of two rooms which were perfect for a couple and there children especially when the kids went to bed we had a room of our own to relax in.. The kids club was fantastic with great enthusiastic young helpers who fully cared for my children and their needs.. The breakfast was delicious and the location if the hotel was outstanding surf breathe taking views and excellent beaches to walk.

Review 91：Cleaners kicking you out of rooms at 11, when reception said its 12 really! Policy needs adhered to.

Review 92：Yes the decor is a little tired & dated, but the staff were very good and the breakfast was lovely, the porridge a real treat and the hot food actually served to the table!! The kids clubs are first class.

Review 93：This is a stunning hotel, in a great location. You are within walking distance of the main street yet are far enough away to have peace and quiet. The hotel offers a leisure centre, having a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room,a gym, even a hair and beauty salon. I felt very welcome and would not hesitate to stay here again.

Review 94：breakfast was terrible,i had a kipper which was over cooked,my partner had the breakfast,rasher and sauages where over cooked,egg was fine,staff where very young and inesperienced,had a glass of wine in the bar glass was dirty asked for a knew one and it was dirty,wine was tepid[white wine]dinner was just ok nothing to get excited about,

Review 95：we liked the view and location and donegal is great,o ye the porridge was lovely

Review 96：We couldn't decide if the hotel is 'old and worldly', or 'run down and neglected'.

Review 97：The leisure facilities kept our five year old son entertained.

Review 98：Swimming pool was quiet dirty looking on the last day, very cloudy

Review 99：Staff were fantastic, had a really great time. Breakfast was great to be included in the price (€17 if you don't book)

Review 100：This hotel offers value for money accomodation. Although dated with creaking floorboards and worn carpets, theres everything you would expect from a modern hotel by way of leisure facilities and food and drink.

Review 101：Room was small only one chair and steps into bathroom didnt suit our age group,and toilet wouldnt flush.

Review 102：Staff were friendly rooms were clean and food was good.

Review 103：We arrived to what is rated a four star hotel. We were beyond disappointed, it is dated and there is an odour comparable to one you would get in a run down home..we checked into room, it was depressing so we went to reception to say we were not staying. The receptionist was the only saving grace and I felt bad for her...but I have never been as disappointed in any hotel as I was with this one, It needs a total overhaul and modernisation.

Review 104：Nothing.

Review 105：Men's public toilets urinals were overflowing for the 2 days we stayed not very hygienic should be on top of this matter right away as the floor was soaking not very nice

Review 106：Hotel was fine except for public toilets

Review 107：Rooms dated and dusty in parts. Not to the standard of an expected 4*. Family room cramped. Breakfast cheap version coco pops and "full breakfast" was equivalent to mini Breakfast anywhere else. Cold and queuing for toast and pancakes. Bar food watery curry. Fish not great. Slow service, not finished starters n mains out. again not standard expected from 4*. Location great. Has great views. Friendly staff. Lovely grounds. Pity as has good potential.

Review 108：Location. Scenery. Staff. Family friendly evenings.

Review 109：The room decor was in need of updating. Zacuzzi at the pool wasn't working properly and was extremely hot.

Review 110：Front of house staff were very friendly and efficient. We were booked in without any hassle and in the most welcoming manner, really set the mood for our stay.

Review 111：The bed was not comfortable. The room was not great in general, the wallpaper the curtains were so old fashioned. Breakfast was ok but to get toast isn't ideal when the restaurant js busy.

Review 112：I liked the location it was convenient. The bed linen was fresh. The room was warm.

Review 113：Hotel was great we welcomed by Sarah she was so lovely and it just got better there was a lovely girl Nicola working at the bar and serving food at the tables she was busy and working hard but always had a smile for you breakfast best we have had staff were great and again made you feel comfortable will definitely go back

Review 114：i do not take dairy and asked for soya milk for breakfast, when they brought it out in a jug it was curdled an gone of, the next morning they had none but went to the shop for it which i was very greatful but had to watch my partner finish breakfast while i waited on mine, the room was also cold in the morning

Review 115：location

Review 116：We were aware of festival on and on arrival staff informed us of fireworks display which was not a problem as our children with us were aged 7 @13, however children running up and down corridor at 1.30am outside our bedroom and shouting kept us awake. When we were just about to nod off again, they took off again up corridor shouting. I'm all for children playing and having fun but not at that time of night, when people are trying to sleep Overall staff and food lovely, close to beach and beds very comfortable.

Review 117：There were many young children running around screaming in the lobby till 11pm in the night we stayed and we couldn't relax.

Review 118：Location was very pretty.

Review 119：The hotel is a bit dated and could do with a male over?

Review 120：We liked that it was in the perfect location for the festival we were attending. And we got to meet one of the acts!

Review 121：The guests staying in the next room were extremely rowdy at 2.15am until about 3.15am wakening my 83 year old mother and myself. Should have been warned more severely.

Review 122：The friendly staff and comfortable rooms also the entertainment provided.

Review 123：Room whilst spacious in need of update as was bathroom. Dusting could have been more thorough.

Review 124：Friendly and helpful staff. Breakfast very good. Bar food excellent. Spacious room.

Review 125：Stayed in room 19, very small for 2a 2c, could hear every word the family upstairs were saying. They sounded like elephants above us. My eldest is autistic and visually impaired so room felt cramped to her - definitely shouldn't squeeze camp beds into rooms if it leaves such little space. Breakfast area was hectic, again too Loud and too busy for a child with needs. Even myself as an adult struggled making my way up and down with plates.

Review 126：Hotel has a lot to offer on site ie kids clubs, leisure facility, swimming pool, beautiful location

Review 127：Bathroom door had no lock. Spa facilities dirty, showers often broken, towels provided were grim. Pool water cloudy with things flooting about. Receptionist rude and unaccommodating on arrival. Hotel generally dated.

Review 128：No hot water for shower. rooms very warm waited a long while to be served at the bar swimming pool was freezing Jacuzzi was broken

Review 129：Staff are very friendly. Hotel in a beautiful location.

Review 130：Not really a 4* hotel. Needs refurbishing and better presentation of food. Bar staff didn't serve people in order each time. Children running around the bar and corridors long after 11pm.

Review 131：Wonderful location and view. Helpful staff on reception and restaurant. A very comfortable bed.

Review 132：The pool was filthy I wasn't impressed at all.

Review 133：We were able to be moved room as there was a wedding going on and I couldn't sleep due to being 9 months pregnant. There was no issues in moving us. Also enjoyed breakfast and the room service we got on our last day.

Review 134：We were kept waiting from 1pm to 5pm to check in. They still use keys with a large key ring.

Review 135：Clean rooms & very comfortable bed. Nice bar area & entertainment