Monkey Island Estate - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, Bray

The hotel felt more like a tired, worn-out space than a welcoming stay. The rooms were below par, with missing handles and loose door handles, making it less than ideal for a comfortable stay. On the plus side, the service was exceptional and went above and beyond, providing fresh poached eggs and a complimentary room upgrade. The location was striking, with well-kept gardens and charming wildlife, although lacking some basic amenities. The dining experience left much to be desired, with missing items and disappointment. Despite these drawbacks, the facilities were sufficient, offering some comfort and convenience.

I was greeted with a cold, damp room upon arrival, but the hotel offers gorgeous views of the river and garden from the rooms. The four-poster bed was comfy and the dressing area spacious. However, the initial room conditions were not ideal as the windows were left open and the radiator turned down.

The Garden Room with two electric heaters just placed was nicely decorated with marble bath surrounds and a big comfy bed, offering a pleasant view and well-equipped amenities. While the dining experience was a bit disappointing, the overall value for money was good. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating, making the stay feel like a 'home from home' during the festive period.