Just returned from a one night stay at the G. I was inspired to go after reading a recent review in the Irish Times, and after keeping track of the reports on this website. This coincided with a cousin's wedding in Clifden, so bags were packed and headed west on the Galway flight. To be honest I was slightly apprehensive as some of the reports are quite mixed, but myself and a pal decided to throw caution to the wind. But after experiencing Aer Arann, I would have more complaints about them than I could ever hope to about the G - delayed bags, late departures etc.

I have seen alot of the press reports on this hotel and so thought I would be prepared for the interiors. However none of the photos in circulation manage to do the interiors justice. They were just astounding, from the subdued black of the reception, the mad shell like structure at the concierge desk, the lightballs in the main room, the pink room, and the bars and restaurant. As I am in the design game I found all just so refreshing and different, quite inspirational. Anyway as this should be more of a service review I will get back to my experiences.

Check-in went without a hitch, the staff on the front desk were very friendly. In fact they shot straight up in my estimation after telling me that we were upgraded to a junior suite at no extra cost!!! Starting from that right foot she asked if we would like to reserve the restaurant for dinner, we did, and confirming my friends booking in the spa. Our car and bags had been whisked away by one of the doormen - a real pro - and were waiting for us after getting a tour of the ground floor. Details such as paintings, photos and furniture were all pointed out and the young lady who took us about was able to answer most of my design-oriented questions.

The room was superb, absolutley massive egg-shaped bath, a double shower, great toiletries, and a tv inset above the bath. The bed was comfy - and the buns with rose petals, an odd touch, didnt last long! My companion skipped off to keep her appointment in the spa, not something I would normally do so I went down and had a coffee. The majority of the staff seem to be non-national, but I didn't have any trouble ordering a latte which arrived with some little pastries. The rooms were busy enough, pink room too! Groups of ladies having tiered stands of buns and tea. And others jsut chilling out reading the papers.

When I rejoined my friend she was raving about her treatments in the spa - which seems pretty much the norm according to some of the other reviews. We chilled out in the room for a while before getting ready and heading down for drinks before dinner. Service in the cocktail bar - which is stunning in bevilled glass - was quick, the only mistake being a bowl of nuts fell from the tray. nuts cleared up another drink, and the room we were in a navy room was filling up fast with what seemed like more locals than hotel guests.

At dinner we were seated in the middle of the restaurant which was buzzing. Lots of chatter, lots of people staff flying about and there didnt seem to be any problems that were immediatley noticeable. The menu was great - but then again I like Italian. I have noticed criticism of this in earlier reviews, but I couldnt figure out why, particularly after having excellent calamari and a veal milanese. The zucchini chips are to die for, as was the mash. Not one for desert though and from what I saw these looked pretty normal. The wine list was interesting adn there seemed to be a wide-enough range. If anything was the matter the staff were overly attentive - not necessarily a bad thing I hear you say, but it is when they happen to come over to ask how things are when your mouth is stuffed full of food. I really liked the atmosphere there and it was even more busy when we went back outside. The music was quite modern and funky and seemed to be getting people going but we had a problem finding a seat as all places were taken up - so headed in for a nightcap in the little bar beyond reception.

It was early to bed for us as we had a wedding in Clifden on the saturday morning. But all in all I can quite happily say that I would love to return to the G at some point, not sure if I could handle too many nights, I felt we got the best in our one night, but all in all great fun and very different to the usual fare (meat and two-veg hotels) one has come to expect from the throng of hotels we usually stay in in the west of Ireland.