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The Twelve Hotel: Traveler Reviews


The Twelve Hotel
Bearna Village, Barna, Ireland
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Traveler Reviews

87% Recommend
4.5 of 5 stars 99 reviews
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Margaret Farrelly knows good hotels!!

The Twelve Hotel

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5 of 5 stars
MargaretGF 2 contributions
Ireland
Feb 3, 2008
2/3 found this review helpful

I fond this little gem by accident last summer, stayed twice in one month ...loved it so much! To me it is New York Boutique, with a James Joyce Georgian House feel , reminicent of the dinner party portrayed in The Dead, Large Georgian Mirrors propped against the walls ,old clocks all at something to or after 12.00!! Boutique meets the pure Wild Iirishness of Galway Bay!!

When I wanted to relax after a very busy Christmas I headed to the west with our very well travelled USA friends. Our choice was The Twelve, we arrived on January 1st, which can be a very hit and miss time for hotels, after the flurry of New Years Eve. Not so at The Twleve, from the warm and welcoming check in with Gerogina and Jennifer, to the large airy very clean rooms to the buzz in the bar we were not dissapointed. This hotel in my opinion, has embraced some of the detail expected in a 5 star property, egyptian cotton sheets, organically stocked mini bar, welcome letter, and their unique welcome snacks, none of which you would expect at this excellent price point.

The location is perfect, minutes to the harbour. A visit to O'Gradys Seafood Restaurant is a must, never mind the excellent food, just for the pure nostalliga of watching "the sun go down on Galway Bay" sound corny but is so great!! Donnellys pub across the road is like stepping back in time, complete with a snug. The food is also excellent in the hotel.

Dont miss the seaweed baths, the perfect way t o detox, all in the privacy of your rooom.

I will return to Barna, to the beautysalons, pubs and restaurants and to the amazing Twelve. But for now my next trip is to Cavan tos ee if any hotel there can come near this experience.

MF

  • Date of stay January 2008
  • Member since February 03, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Average price*: $224 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
A Real Treat

The Twelve Hotel

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4 of 5 stars
Keeley_Mansfield 34 contributions
Dublin, Ireland
Feb 3, 2008 | Trip type: Couples
2/2 found this review helpful

My partner and I stayed in The Twelve for two nights and were very impressed. We booked a "Super Splendid Guest Room" online, but upon arrival were told we had been upgraded to a suite - presumably due to a booking error. The suite was incredible (and bigger than some studio apartments in Dublin!). The bed was super king size, the furnishings and decor were modern and muted, and everything was immaculate. The seating area contained two sofas and we opened a large "cupboard" to discover a wet bar, with fridge, microwave, sink, coffee maker and a great selection of beers and treats - and even a small bottle of Absolut vodka (very tempting until we saw the price). There were two plasma TVs, an iPod dock/alarm clock, and robes and slippers for our stay (you could buy a robe if you liked it enough - but it was very expensive at 60 euros). There were even chocolates and a personalised greeting card from the receptionist welcoming us to the hotel.

The bathroom was huge and there were disabled facilities, organic seaweed toiletries from Voya and lashings of hot water. We had one minor quibble and that was with the shower - it was designed in a "wet room" style, and that's exactly what the whole bathroom became, due to insufficient drainage. The entire floor was one huge puddle. A stern lesson for leaving my robe on the floor, perhaps - it was sopping wet when I'd finished my shower.

We didn't try the West restaurant because the menu didn't appeal to us, but The Pins bar and bistro was wonderful. The environment was relaxed and cosy, the crowd convivial and the menu large and varied (I can recommend the pizza, and the pork and herb sausages - all were cooked to perfection and delicious, as were the huge starters). There was a good selection of beers and wines, and some great cocktails. The breakfasts were brilliant too - yogurt, cereal, juice, scones and pastries, coffee and tea, and that was just to start; there was a hot breakfast as well, with the full Irish fry-up or eggs done however we liked.

In short, The Twelve is a lovely boutique hotel - very stylish, friendly and comfortable. It opened in March 2007 and everything still feels very new and fresh. Cab fares from the hotel into the city varied between 13-16 euros - but if you have a car or are prepared to travel a little, the hotel is well worth the effort.

  • Liked — The decor, the huge comfortable bed, The Pins bar and bistro
  • Disliked — The insufficient drainage in the bathroom
  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
  • Date of stay February 2008
  • Visit was for Romantic getaway
  • Traveled with Spouse / significant other
  • Age group 25-34
  • Member since May 07, 2006
  • Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
  • I recommend this hotel for An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Tourists
  • I selected this hotel as a top choice for Great food / Wine, Other
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
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Average price*: $224 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
Boutique luxury at budget prices

The Twelve Hotel

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5 of 5 stars
TannedTony 4 contributions
Surrey
Feb 2, 2008 | Trip type: Business, Solo travel
2/2 found this review helpful

As I am in the fabric business I was keen to stay at this boutique hotel on my recent visit to Galway.
I can honestly say for the money (dinner, b&b less than £100)this is one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at. I had a huge double bed with a superbly comfortable mattress, egyptian cotton covers. great bathroom with really funky lighting, girlies will love the toiletries.
Mini bar very well stocked with some unusual beers and wine. Green and Black choccies, oh yeah and you get a plate of five complimentary belgian chocs in your room when you arrive.
Ipod docking station was a quality touch, great to have an alarm clock that wakes you with your own selection from your music library.
FREE wifi internet access, although I am told in some rooms the signal isn't too strong.
The restaurant is only open Thurs-Sunday and as I visited on a Wednesday I ate in the bar. That said I had a sirloin steak that was perfection. It was cooked exactly as I asked and service was excellent.
i had one minor irritation but Fergus the manager sorted that swiftly and I got a complimentary pint of Guinness to say sorry.
Breakfast is unreal, I have to say you won't eat it all if you have a full irish fry up, take a team of sherpas and a flag to put in the top!!!

Georgina on reception was incredibly welcoming especially good when you have driven three hours from Dublin in wind, rain, snow and not the best roads in the world.

Make a point of staying here if you don't mind being a bit out of town, the village is about fifteen minutes from Galway city centre.

I already can't wait for my next trip to the Emerald Isle

  • Liked — Luxury add ons, ipod, minibar choice and superb food and atmosphere
  • Disliked — I wasn't there longer
  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
  • Date of stay January 2008
  • Visit was for Business
  • Traveled with Solo traveller
  • Age group 35-49
  • Member since August 07, 2006
  • Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
  • I recommend this hotel for Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Pet owners, Tourists
  • I do not recommend this hotel for Older travelers, Great pool scene, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
  • I selected this hotel as a top choice for Business meeting / Event, Great food / Wine, Golf
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Check Rates
Average price*: $224 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
A Little Gem

The Twelve Hotel

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5 of 5 stars
ShirleyIreland 5 contributions
Cork, Ireland
Jan 26, 2008
2/2 found this review helpful

Recently stayed at the Twelve for 3 nights, was worried my expectations might be too high after reading reviews here but The Twelve didn't disappoint, it is all about friendliness, comfort and glorious food! On our arrival there was a lovely handwritten card in our room along with chocolate strawberries and cake - totally unexpected and delicious! Fresh coffee percolator in room also. Restaurant quite good with great pastries and pancakes available for breakfast as well as the traditional options. Can't praise this hotel enough but if one thing stands out it's the really friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere - if you go you'll enjoy it, I'm sure!

  • Date of stay January 2008
  • Member since March 08, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Average price*: $224 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
Beautiful hotel, great atmosphere! Definately worth a visit.

The Twelve Hotel

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5 of 5 stars
Anahita06 1 contribution
Galway, Ireland
Jan 21, 2008 | Trip type: Business, Couples
2/2 found this review helpful

This hotel is a gem. I live in Galway myself but we wanted a night away for our anniversary and couldn't travel too far. Being familiar with Barna, I knew that it would be a nice place for a stroll and an easy walk to the beach.

The hotel room was modern, clean and comfortable. The bathroom was outstanding and I truly enjoyed the bathtub! We ate dinner upstairs and through no fault of the staff, there was a large party who were finishing up. It was a family event and there were a lot of children. They were noisy, annoying and loud. The adults were worse! Again, the staff were apologetic and offered us a complimentary dessert for the noise. I heard that later this group of rowdy young teens caused havoc in the hotel. They should've been asked to leave.

The bar is a pretty local crowd. The trendy rich folks who live in Barna were all in attendance. The drinks were tasty and delivered quickly and with a smile.

It was truly a romantic dinner. The room service breakfast could've been better in terms of portion size, but it was lovely!!

Will definately stay again!

  • Liked — The rooms were amazing.
  • Disliked — Breakfast was disappointing.
  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
  • Date of stay October 2007
  • Visit was for Romantic getaway
  • Traveled with Spouse / significant other
  • Age group 35-49
  • Member since August 23, 2006
  • Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
  • I recommend this hotel for An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Pet owners, Tourists
  • I do not recommend this hotel for Young singles
  • I selected this hotel as a top choice for Beach / Sun, Museums / Cultural / Historical sites, Business meeting / Event, Great food / Wine, Shopping, Golf, Spa
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Check Rates
Average price*: $224 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
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The Twelve Hotel Also Known As

Address: Bearna Village, Barna, Ireland