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The Earl of Desmond Hotel

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Traveller (94)
Room & Suite (33)
Dining (4)

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About

#11 of 15 hotels in Tralee
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value

The Earl of Desmond Hotel is an excellent choice for travellers visiting Tralee, offering a charming environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay.

For those interested in checking out popular landmarks while visiting Tralee, The Earl of Desmond Hotel is located a short distance from Chute Hall Ogham Stones (1.3 mi) and St. John's Church (3.1 mi).

Guest rooms offer amenities such as a flat screen TV, and guests can go online with free internet access offered by the hotel.

The Earl of Desmond Hotel features 24 hour front desk and baggage storage, to help make your stay more enjoyable. The property also boasts free breakfast. If you are driving to Earl Desmond, free parking is available.

While visiting Tralee, you may want to try some tapas at one of the nearby restaurants, such as Mozarts Tapas.

There is no shortage of things to do in the area: explore popular parks such as Tralee Town Park.

Enjoy your stay in Tralee!

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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Bar / lounge
Evening entertainment
Nightclub / DJ
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Baggage storage
Paid private parking on-site
Internet
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Vending machine
Meeting rooms
Non-smoking hotel
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
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Room features
Housekeeping
Safe
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, German
430Reviews11Q+A94Room tips

Reviews
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Luke wrote a review Mar 2022
1 contribution2 helpful votes
I don’t usually write hotel reviews, however I feel compelled to warn anyone about this ‘hotel’. If there were other hotels or B and B’s with availability in Tralee on the night we stayed we would have left and gone elsewhere. That is how bad this place was. However, we had to stay as everywhere was booked up because of the Mayo v Kerry match and a huge local wedding. With the hotel being rated 3 stars before arrival my friend and I were under no illusion that luxury was not expected. However, we did expect certain very basic requirements to be met such as cleanliness, friendliness, food, shower facilities etc … These were not. Upon arriving, the first impression from the outset is that of a very tired establishment that is in need of major renovations. The car park was completely empty which immediately set alarm bells ringing. The entry way had tins of white paint on the doors with no sign to say the paint was wet. If we hadn’t noticed we would have been covered in white paint. The first impression was that this is not a busy hotel that was busy for the match and a local wedding (which a taxi man told us) and some last last stitch attempts had been frantically made to make it somewhat presentable. Upon entry the hotel was dead. One receptionist and no guests to be seen or heard. We proceeded to the “check in” desk and there was not even a “hello” or any greeting. No “how was your trip” or anything. We asked this very hostile looking gentleman whether our room was ready. We were told it would be ready in 20 minutes and to have a drink in the bar. We had to search for the bar as no direction was given. The overall communication from all staff was terrible expect one housekeeper who was lovely. When we got to the bar we ordered Guinness. It was very stale and the top had a tinge of yellow. We could only drink half of the pint. The gentleman from reception came into the bar within 5 minutes and asked if we wanted a double or two single beds. This was strange as we booked a triple room and one of the party could not make it. However the hotel was not informed of this at the time. We were told the room is ready when you have finished your drinks. We asked to pay and the card machine had to be “located” and plugged in and the dust blown off of it. It was rather obvious from the start of this trip that the hotel is incredibly disorganised and there is a lack of oversight and trained management. We picked up the old fashioned physical key from reception. This was the strangest check in experience of my life. Nothing to sign. No information given about the hotel. Not told the check out time or when breakfast started and ended. The only information we were told is where the room was. Our walk to the room was bizarre. Every door of each room was wide open, held by a chair. I have never seen this in a hotel. The windows of each room were also open so a gale was blowing down the corridor. However, even the gale could bring hide the strong smells akin to that of a hospital that filled the corridor. We could see that the furniture in each room varies dramatically when walking along the open doorways too. When we got to our room our door was also held open by a chair. Until then I thought it was only the rooms being cleaned (which was somewhat understandable). The room itself is in need of renovation. The bathroom was the best part and was visibly more modern. The only positive was that the bathroom and bed appeared clean. We were given a double room not the triple as paid for. This was not a problem as I said one of our party cancelled. But the hotel did not know this so it was strange that we were given this room. However, upon opening one of the drawers my friend was greeted by a dead daddy long legs. This immediately turned our stomach and made us question the actual cleanliness of the room. My friend took the hair dryer out of the draw and turned it on. It made the loudest noise I have ever heard from an electrical device and a puff of dust came out of it. Very minted toiletries were provided in the bathroom. The purpose of our trip was to attend the Mayo V Kerry match which was not until 7:30pm. It was about 1pm at this stage and we were starving for some lunch after the drive from Mayo to Tralee. From a hotel you expect to be able to get something to eat in the middle of the day. There was no lunch service on this Saturday afternoon and an electronic sign read that there was no Sunday lunch until further notice. Therefore we had to get a taxi into Tralee in order to get fed. We asked the receptionist to call us a taxi. At this stage two receptionists were on the desk. One said “waking is better” in a sarcastic tone. This suggested walking for over an hour on a busy main road with no footpath. The other receptionist rang the taxi and was exceptionally rude to both us and the taxi company. Neither of these receptionist are suited to front of house roles. They have zero customer service skills and training is needed. We are 25 and 26 respectively and were spoken to like children. Very condescending staff. The taxi man was a lovely guy who informed us that he thought the Earl of Desmond was actually closed down. This shows how this hotel is avoided and for good reason. We had lunch in the Grand Hotel in Tralee town and it was fabulous. A huge difference between both establishments. Lovely staff and excellent service. The food was wonderful. We brought all our things for the match with us and stayed away from the Earl of Desmond until 11:30pm that night. That is how bad it was. We didn’t want to be in the place for longer than we absolutely had to. Upon return at 11:30pm the car park appeared full. There were maximum 20 people in the front bar and we had a drink. The atmosphere was that miserable and the staff that cold that we actually took our drinks back to the room. We turned on the TV in the room and the channel selection was limited and was in black and white. At this stage we could only laugh. I looked up online what time check out was as again we had not been informed. It was at 11 as opposed to the usual 12 with a 50% fee of the next night if late check out. Obviously not being told this at reception was not a mistake but a strategic move on the hotels part to earn more money. We woke at 7am and I headed down to check the breakfast area at 8:30am, unsure if breakfast was even provided due to the lack of communication on check in. The breakfast room was more akin to a hospital canteen than a hotel. I checked the buffet and the rashers were swimming in about an inch or two of oil and the eggs looked hard and greasy. We decided it was best not to chance eating the breakfast and we went to McDonalds drive thru instead. This is how bad it was. Check out was similar with no talk from the gentleman just a grab of the key off of us. I did not chance having a shower either as although the bathroom appeared clean the other aspects of uncleanliness put me off. All in all this hotel requires serious improvements. The staff are untrained, cold and rude. The faculties are tired. The food is inedible. There are serious cleanliness concerns. The worst place I have ever stayed. Not worth €176!!!
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
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Response from Mark Audie, General Manager at The Earl of Desmond Hotel
Responded 20 Jul 2023
Dear Luke, Thank you for your comments, and for bringing to our attention some of the problems you had during your stay. We can only apologize profusely for our short coming,and make it known that all issues have been addressed. Your stay would have been on the opening day after our winter closure but this should be no excuse for our failings. We pride ourselves on top service and customer happiness, so thank you agin for helping us address all the faults you experienced.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Amy M wrote a review Mar 2022
2 contributions1 helpful vote
One of the worst places I’ve stayed in, the staff didn’t bother communicating with us when we arrived or left, we weren’t given any information sheet to sign just a giant key, we weren’t told what time check in was or anything. When we went to the bar it was empty and the Guinness was stale, our room was average, very outdated furniture, there was a dead daddy long legs in the drawer, the tv had barely any channels, there was no lunch available and we didn’t chance eating the breakfast the next morning as the rashers were swimming in oil and the eggs were watery. It was way too overpriced for what we got. Most of the staff would need to improve their communication skills and make more of an effort, they clearly didn’t care about us and didn’t ask how out stay was. The hotel needs a lot of renovations, the paint colour on the walls was an off putting custard.
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Mark Audie, General Manager at The Earl of Desmond Hotel
Responded 20 Jul 2023
Dear Amy Thank you for your comments, we take all comments very seriously. As we pride ourselves on customer happiness, we thank you for bringing these concerns to us. We have fully addressed your concerns, and have instructed all staff on these matters. We apologize profusely for your uncomfortable stay with us, this will not happen on any future stay with us. Thank you once again for bringing these concerns to our attention, as this helps us perfect our goal of making each guests stay a perfect and happy one.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Vagabond-Sue wrote a review Oct 2019
County Kerry, Ireland1081 contributions216 helpful votes
I had an early meeting in Tralee, and decided to stay over the night before. I was looking for a clean, quiet room, easy parking, and a bar (I know, I know). I got that and more! Yes, this caters to tour buses - so that means they unexpectedly had music on a Monday night! What fun as it was a night of country music, and the German tourists were dancing up a storm! A good time was had by all. The lobby lounge area had the wildest lighting & really neat colored sofas - my home now looks boring, let me tell you! A nice spot to sit & sip a drink and people watch. The room (1st floor) was spacious, very quiet, and spotless. There were USB Outlets & electric outlets to spare. The lights operated from bedside switches. Soap in bathroom (no shampoo) but wasn’t expecting it (many places in Ireland don’t offer those amenities now that “plastic free” is a real goal, here). Breakfast was buffet (tour buses, remember) with plenty of options. Parking lot was easy to maneuver (Tralee hotels in town often don’t have easy parking options). I would definitely stay again. The staff (front desk at night; restaurant staff in the morning) were happy and engaging. AND I would call the hotel directly- it was nighttime when I phoned and I got a better rate than B O O K I N G. Not overly fancy - but exactly what I needed. Enjoy!
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Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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diverpaulNewcastle wrote a review Oct 2019
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom46 contributions11 helpful votes
WOW , what a fantastic hotel. we visited for 4 nights on a coach trip . I cannot praise the staff enough who run this hotel . From the reception desk to the restuarant and bar staff , they are all doing a wonderful job. The choice of food was very good and the service was exceptional. The food was always piping hot and a great choice for hot and cold breakfast . Our room was nice and clean . I WOULD HAVE NO HESITATION ON A RETURN TO THIS HOTEL. Well done to all concerned .
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Date of stay: September 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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maggie672015 wrote a review Oct 2019
Darlington, United Kingdom94 contributions80 helpful votes
One of the best hotels ever on a coach holiday! Modern hotel in a country setting, about 6 km. to Tralee. A pleasant walking track around the hotel by the river. Spacious rooms, lifts to upper floors. Professional staff having to cater for a constant stream of coach parties. Excellent food & menu choice. Would recommend & would stay again.
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Date of stay: September 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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EnglandVoyager wrote a review Sept 2019
England115 contributions74 helpful votes
We were on a coach tour. Lovely hotel. All staff friendly and helpful. Plenty of space in lounges. Entertainment very good. Rooms are large and spacious. Fried breakfast buffet or cereal, fruit, yogurt with plenty of choice. Evening meal had three choices of starters, main and dessert. Tea and coffee. Food was very good and the service is excellent. The staff work extremely hard to serve a lot of tables and this is done with the utmost efficiency and food was always fresh and hot. A big thank you to all the staff that make this hotel so comfortable for all their guests.
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Date of stay: September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Nell M wrote a review Sept 2019
1 contribution
Just returned from the Killarney & Ring of Kerry with Caledonian Travel.This hotel is one of the best we have stayed in.All staff were lovely & cope very well with coach parties.Food was excellent and always piping hot.Bedrooms a bit dated but very clean.Would certainly return in the future.Coach driver Danny was excellent.
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Date of stay: September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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RexTsatsaroglou wrote a review Aug 2019
Athens, Greece327 contributions267 helpful votes
American style roadside hotel outside the village of Tralee. Since you are stuck in the middle of nowhere, you might as well take a nice walk along the brook behind the hotel. As for the hotel itself: unremarkable building, cheapish furnishings in the rooms (including a plastic dust bin under the table and and an ugly hair dryer on the bedroom wall) and extremely tacky bling velvet armchairs in the lobby. Room on upper floor was spacious with window overlooking the parking area, bed had a mock canopy, one bedside lamp was missing while the other had a defect light bulb, bathroom had seen better days. You will not find good quality toiletries, just a liquid soap bottle screwed on the wall, but who needs a decent soap to wash oneself when your room is equipped with an ironing board instead, so that you can spend your holidays ironing? Joking aside, it seems to be an Irish tradition to have ironing boards in 3-star hotels instead of a mini bar as is common in Continental Europe. Most visitors here are on a coach tour doing the Ring of Kerry, so avoid at any cost if you are travelling independently, as the hotel gets extremely crowded and noisy especially during breakfast and dinner, when everybody receives a specific 30-minute slot to gulp down something and empty the seat for the next guest. Both meals were below average with breakfast coffee receiving the grand prize as the worst I had in Ireland. Friday evening entertainment included an Irish karaoke singer (with a remarkable voice, indeed, getting wasted in that sad place) trying to entertain a group of disinterested elderly tourists in the brightly lit, no-mood-whatsoever, hotel bar.
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Date of stay: August 2019
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Kevin G wrote a review Aug 2019
Newport-on-Tay, United Kingdom131 contributions34 helpful votes
My wife and I booked a trip to County Kerry and the surrounding area staying at the Earl of Desmond Hotel. The hotel was really well run and organised and clean. The food available was of good quality ( a nice breakfast) and a good selection of evening meals were also available. The place ran like clock work but the staff made our trip so enjoyable. They were all very helpful, polite and very welcoming. The rooms were well presented and well maintained. I was a bit confused as to why a telephone in the bathroom and a bottle opener by the sink but would I stay again? Yes most certainly. Thank you Earl of Desmond for making our stay so enjoyable. Your staff are a credit to you.
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Date of stay: August 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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kpapai wrote a review Aug 2019
Phthiotis Region, Greece297 contributions106 helpful votes
I stayed in a standard double room as a part of a tour. At their site the hotel looks fine, but the reality is something else. The rooms are big but they need refurnishment. There is no mini bar. I had dinner of three courses there; the first was a tune salad, which was ok. The second was turkey, which was too dry and the third was profiterol, which simply they do not know, how to do it. Generaly speaking, dinner did not worth it. Breakfast was worst; typical irish, but poor and not tasty. But the worst part of all was the stuff; Most of them did not know their work and some of them, especially the woman who was in charge at the breakfast room, were very rude. Frankly, I DO NOT recommend this hotel!!!
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Date of stay: August 2019
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ALSO KNOWN AS
earl desmond hotel tralee, earl of desmond tralee, earl of desmond hotel
LOCATION
IrelandProvince of MunsterCounty KerryTralee
NUMBER OF ROOMS
155
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THE EARL OF DESMOND HOTEL - Updated 2024 Prices (Tralee, Ireland)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Earl of Desmond Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Earl of Desmond Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Siamsa Tire National Folk Theatre (3.2 miles), Kerry County Museum (3.1 miles), and Blennerville Windmill (4.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Earl of Desmond Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at The Earl of Desmond Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at The Earl of Desmond Hotel?
Yes, free parking and paid private parking on-site are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Earl of Desmond Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Quinlans Seafood Bar, The Mall Tralee., IL Pomo Doro Restaurant, and Cassidy's Restaurant Tralee.
Does The Earl of Desmond Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Earl of Desmond Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, German, and Afrikaans.
Are there any historical sites close to The Earl of Desmond Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Annagh Church (4.6 miles), Chute Hall Ogham Stones (1.3 miles), and Bin Ban Gallery (3.3 miles).
Is The Earl of Desmond Hotel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.