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The Shandon hotel & spa overlooks the breathtakingly beautiful Sheephaven Bay and is located on the Wild Atlantic Way Route being just a short drive from Dunfanaghy and Horn Head. This reasonably new Donegal Hotel is probably one of very few hotels that can say that almost every bedroom has a spectacular view of the sea, the lobby, bar, swimming pool, thermal spa, relaxation room & outdoor Canadian hot-tub all, overlook the beautiful bay, hills & countryside.
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Nestled in a scenic locale, Shandon Hotel and Spa is lauded for its breathtaking views and proximity to beaches, making it a picturesque retreat for many guests. The hotel's amenities, including the spa and leisure facilities, are popular, and its rooms earn praise for their cleanliness and comfort, although a handful of guests mention minor temperature and decor issues.
While some find certain services pricey, the overall value is generally seen as good. The welcoming atmosphere, complete with cozy lounges and live music, coupled with the staff's exemplary service, ensures a memorable stay.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding
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My family and I stayed in a Superior room as there were 5 of us. The room was spacious and came with all the added extras (bottles of shampoo etc, face cloths/towels, tea/coffee, bath robes were thick and useful for swimming pool /slippers were too big but still thoughtful addition, hair dryer, iron and complimentary bottles of water). We arrived on Sunday which we hadn't realised was a Bank Holiday weekend. Having checked in, the room as advertised with current Covid restrictions, wouldn't be available until 4pm, I had booked a slot in the pool, complimentary to guests. There was 1 other family in at that time so we were able to socially distance quite easily. We had booked evening meals, and whilst they were very busy all staff were so unbelievably attentive and friendly. The next day the hotel was quieter. For breakfast once we had ordered our hot breakfast we could then go and pick our cold breakfast which was still buffet style however not self service. Nothing was any bother to any staff member throughout every meal. If asked for something it was sorted or brought to your table immediately. All meals were amazing. The hot breakfasts were fab! For our evening meals we had nachos, steaks, curry, kids pizza, kids curry, and desserts. As we were celebrating 2 birthdays the hotel, on request, personalised the 2 desserts and added candles. The hotel has a small beach at the bottom of the driveway and is a short walk (10mins) from a larger beach. There are various surf schools with various water sports going on each day. The grounds provided plenty of opportunities to relax with a visible play area for children (tennis court, large floor chess board, nets). Finally the view requires its own praise! From almost most every window, the view of the nearby beaches to the right and the Atlantic to the left, is visible. Our room (and I believe every room), has a large window to enjoy it. I left the windows open on one night and couldn't believe how quiet it was outside, so much so that we could hear the waves crashing distantly at the nearby beach. Due to Covid restrictions we were not able to use the bar but we asked to sit in the foyer lounge area where a bar man would come out and take orders and deliver them to your table. There is also the option to order to your room. My daughter requested weetabix on one night of our stay which was delivered promptly. Again I want to mention the attitude of all the staff we encountered. They were honestly soo genuinely friendly, making you feel at constant ease. Overall I would definitely recommend this hotel to family's, couples, old and young. With the close proximity to the beach you have the option of enjoying an active holiday and with the spa you have the option to enjoy a pampered break away. We will be back.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
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.
Response from Carolynne Harrison, General Manager at Shandon Hotel and Spa
Responded Sep 15, 2020
Dear Guest Thank you sincerely for your wonderful review, it means alot to the team and I! I am so happy that you throughly enjoyed our facilities, location and that the team looked after you very well. I look forward to your next visit! Warmest Regards Carolynne
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I don't normally leave reviews but wanted to thank everyone at the Shandon for a wonderful stay.
Initially I'd had a bit of trouble making my booking, communicating via email without getting a reply and was going to look elsewhere but one of the managers/senior staff picked up on my email chain and responded offering a free upgrade to the master suite for the difficulty I had had. This was an extremely generous touch and demonstrated exceptional customer service.
We were staying for a special occasion and the hotel was beyond my normal budget, so I had wanted to make sure everything was perfect before our stay. The staff were exceptional in the lead up, answering all my questions about the spa and the restaurants etc and I was pleased with the service.
Our stay was absolute paradise. The thermal spa is absolutely stunning (the additional cost was clearly communicated throughout the booking process and worth every penny). The facilities were the best I've ever experienced, the staff friendly and attentive but not in the way at all, and the atmosphere was so relaxing. The photos speak for themselves as the views really were stunning. The free leisure centre was also good and of a standard you would expect from a 4 star hotel. I note other people have complained about the cost of the thermal spa but we felt that it was justified given the discount for guests,the quality of the spa and the fact that normal facilities are available free of charge as well.
The master suite was incredible. The bed was so comfy and the bathroom was so luxurious. The jacuzzi bathtub and the sea views from the bathside window were just spectacular especially at sunset. It looks like the other rooms enjoy equally stunning views but the jacuzzi tub really was extra special.
We ate in the bar for lunch, dinner and breakfast and again the service was great and the food hearty and delicious and reasonably priced. My only slight comment was that as a vegetarian it would've been nice to have been able to order a vegetarian cooked breakfast as my buffet options were relatively limited. There was still plenty choice and I ate well so don't let that put you off! Also the lunch dinner menu had plenty vegetarian options which was good to see.
Thanks again to all the staff for a lovely stay, I can't recommend this place highly enough!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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.
Response from ShandonHotelandSpaGM, Manager at Shandon Hotel and Spa
Responded Feb 18, 2020
Dear Duncan We are truly humbled and blown away with your excellent review, sincere thanks on behalf of team Shandon. It was our pleasure to welcome you to Shandon Resort, by all accounts you had an amazing stay and we met and exceeded your expectations which is wonderful. We continue to excel in customer service and your kind words are testament to our success. Thank you for your feedback regarding vegetarian options at breakfast, we will certainly review your suggestions. I am delighted that you loved the Master Suite and stunning views, fond memories forever. We look forward to your return very soon, a warm Shandon welcome awaits. Kind Regards Siobhán Resort Sales Manager
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Nine of us arrived in the Shandon hotel on Friday to celebrate two birthdays during the weekend. We were all in the 50+ group and this was a unique occasion for a family gathering. We were given our sea view rooms immediately and were absolutely bowled over by the beautiful view from the vast windows in the bedrooms. The rooms were spacious, clean and well equipped with tea making facilities, tv, etc. The beach is a five minute walk away and the spa, a two minute walk outside the hotel is very popular and requires early booking. The bar is a lively area with live music at weekends and a sufficient choice of menu and afternoon tea is served in Jonjo’s whilst enjoying the beautiful view of the sea. Marbles restaurant was a huge hit on Saturday night. The menu had plenty of choices and all nine of us enjoyed the food immensely . The service was prompt and efficient even though the restaurant was packed full with several large family gatherings also celebrating birthdays. We all reluctantly left the Shandon hotel on Sunday after a very enjoyable weekend , all agreeing it was a perfect location for every size of group and had lots to offer with swimming pool, gym, thermal area and of course amazing walks on the beach and forests nearby.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
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.
Response from ShandonHotelandSpaGM, Manager at Shandon Hotel and Spa
Responded Jan 27, 2020
Dear Sandra We were absolutely thrilled to welcome you all, thank you for choosing Shandon Resort for your family birthday celebrations. On behalf of our team thank you for your amazing review, I am delighted that you were blown away by our welcoming hospitality and stunning view. Marbles is a fabulous dining experience and Shandon Spa is definitely the ultimate treat, by all accounts you had a wonderful family get together and we were privileged to be part of it. I do hope you can return soon, it will be our pleasure to welcome you. Kindest Regards Siobhán Resort Sales Manager
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Beautiful hotel and stunning location. Staff are friendly
I booked a family room, with a double bed and two single beds. The room we were allocated, however, had a double a single and a mattress on the floor.
The nightstands for the single and double beds had been removed to make room for the mattress, so no night light for reading. The bed occupants had to walk on the mattress to access their beds. There was one pillow each in a four-star hotel.
For the duration of our stay, we had to keep requesting the basics. The room set up for two and continued to be so for the duration of our stay, despite paying for four people. There were two mugs, and no water bottles refreshed to the room, we could not make a cup of tea.
The hotel policy of not cleaning the rooms if your stay is for two days or less, which had four of us in a room, without anything being refreshed until day three left me bewildered. This policy meant that on my staycation I was cleaning the hotel bathroom and bedroom. Ringing reception was futile, as it just rang out. I had to go down and ask for more than one little bottle of shower gel which we had between four people until day 3, toilet paper, towels. We left out our towels, and none came back, when I went to reception and asked for towels, I got two, back down again for two more.
The bathroom had no extractor fan, so you can imagine the wet room we had every time four of us had to take a shower, no air-conditioning again in a small room with four people.
Since leaving the hotel, I have raised the matter with the GM of the hotel before posting my review, but apparently, I should have done more than ask to speak with her on departure (which she tells me I did not do, in a pretty aggressive email response)
Food was very disappointing for Breakfast each morning
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Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
Response from Carolynne Harrison, General Manager at Shandon Hotel and Spa
Responded Aug 14, 2020
Dear Guest Your 'preview' of a very negative review which you emailed to me shortly after your stay was in my opinion a veiled threat. I suspect that your intention was to gain compensation which may have prevented you from posting this inaccurate review on our property. I have zero tolerance for that type of behaviour. You did not ask to speak to me when you were here, I was here every day throughout your stay and I am always readily available to all our guests. The truth of the matter is that you booked that specific room type online and it is very clear exactly what is in the room. I refute your allegation that there was a mattress on the floor, it was indeed a pull put bed, which again is clear on your booking confirmation. Had you wanted a more spacious room, I would have suggested booking a superior room with two double beds, however, that would have at a supplement and perhaps that is why you chose the room type you did. I decided from the 'preview' of your negative review that your complaints were only relative to our new policies which were introduced to reduce the risk of anyone contracting or spreading Covid-19, therefore you were not entitled to a refund because all our new policies were emailed to your before arrival, affording you an opportunity to cancel if you felt that our health and safety measures would impact on your holiday. In relation to the room, it was your prerogative to choose the room type so I cannot take responsibility for that. It is very clear on all literature that if you wish for your room to be serviced every day, simply inform us and we can arrange this. To do this we would require yo to vacate your room for 1 hour as we need to fully sanitise the entire room in line with our Covid-19 hygiene promise. I apologise that you chose not to avail of this and I apologise profusely that you were in a position where you have to clean up after yourself whilst on holiday, I can only empathise with you, however, the option was there for our team to do it. Your correspondence to me was exceptionally rude, obnoxious and insulting. You clearly didn't expect me to check the logs and confirm that many of your accusations were completely false. I certainly didn't expect bad language from you however, I put it down to your frustration that this time, your typical post hotel stay trick didn't pay off. Kind Regards Carolynne
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Really well-organised, Covid-Proof arrangements in the hotel, atmosphere was very relaxed and there was no sense of congestion. Also great to be able to have a quiet early evening drink either outside or in the lounge area. Room was fantastic and of course the wonderful views of Marble Hill and the bay topped it all off. Definitely coming back for an autumn break! Location near beach was also wonderful, as a sea swimmer the ability to walk up and down is really appreciated. Great way to prepare for an evening dinner!
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Date of stay: July 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Corner suites are fab!
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.
Response from Carolynne Harrison, General Manager at Shandon Hotel and Spa
Responded Sep 11, 2020
Dear Guest Thank you so much for your positive feedback on our Covid measures. I'm delighted the weather was good and our outside terrace was enjoyed by you, there really isn't anywhere better if we get the sun shine! We look forward to welcoming you back in the Autumn, it is equally enjoyable with the cosy turf fire and wintry scenes over the bay. Warmest Regards Carolynne
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We stayed here as a family of 2 adults and 3 children. It is situated in the most beautiful setting with views to take your breath away. Each member of staff were so professional and so friendly even though we are all going through a tough time with Covid. We were upgraded to a family suite very comfortable and beautiful decor and the extra seating area made the evenings easier when you have 2 teenagers in your party. The breakfast was delicious with a large number of choices and I have to say I think the porridge was by far the nicest I have ever tasted. We would definitely recommend the Shandon and plan to return again in the future. Marble hill beach is a stunning beach as are all of the beaches in Donegal, white sand and clear waters , and it is just a short stroll from the hotel. We had to leave early, unexpectedly and they returned our 2 nights accommodation fee to our card prior to our departure ( I had not even asked as I didn’t think we would be entitled to a refund) . Overall I can only speak very highly of this hotel, it’s staff and I could not fault it on any way. Highly recommended!! Thank you Shandon hotel and spa for making our staycation a very special one
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
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.
Response from Gary Cavanagh, Other at Shandon Hotel and Spa
Responded Sep 11, 2020
Dear Guest Thank you sincerely for taking time out to support and encourage us in this way, it really means so much as we navigate these strange times! Our chef will be really happy to hear your kind remark on our porridge, thank you! We look forward to welcoming you back again soon as a valued repeat guest. Best Regards Gary Resort Operations Manager
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Me and my wife just spent an amazing weekend at the wonderful Shandon Hotel & Spa. It was a birthday present for me and because of this, I was booked into the amazing Thermal Spa and also had a treatment! We also stayed in one of the suites which have to be seen to be believed. Big huge room with stunning decor, incredibe his and hers bathroom with a sink each, huge shower and luxury bath. The room even had 2 smart tvs, one in the bedroom and one in the seating area which had lovely boutique style leather sofas! We have been to the Shandon many times and we always go back. This is such a modern and beautiful hotel with amazing views all around it and such professional staff who are so helpful, friendly and attentive at all times. Have to give a special mention to the wonderful general manager, Carolynne and her fine team. The food we enjoyed was absolutely delicious in both Beats Bar and Marbles restaurant. Such high standard. In my opinion Marbles is the equivalent to the award-winning Roly's Bistro in Dublin which is Michelin standard! Excellent cuisine from fine chefs! The Spa experience we had as always was amazing from start to finish. Once again the staff have to get a mention, so friendly and extremely helpful. Everyone knows about the panoramic views from the outdoor heated Jacuzzi, it's worth it for this alone. Great weekend and we will defo be back could not recommend this place enough! I finally have to mention one more thing, that me and my wife felt so safe considering the restrictions in place for Covid-19. All staff were wearing face visors and masks at all times, constantly sanitising their hands, wiping down eveything non-stop. Great to see, really gave us confidence to enjoy our stay without thinking or worrying about all that!
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Date of stay: August 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
Response from Carolynne Harrison, General Manager at Shandon Hotel and Spa
Responded Sep 11, 2020
Dear Guest Thank you for your wonderful review! We are totally blown away for your kind comparison so one of Ireland's finest restaurants, thank you so much! I am so happy that we impressed you and felt safe. I look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Warmest Regards Carolynne
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We got this treat as a present and we were amazed when we entered the hotel. The check in was fuss free and swift. Nothing was too much of a bother either. Room was spotless and no noise could be heard anywhere. We had some time in the thermal suit and a spa treatment. All of which was delightful along with the complimentary fruit, yoghurt and beverage after in the relaxation area. We had dinner in Marbles Restaurant and couldn't fault the food or service. We also had drinks in the foyer area which is reserved for guests and the bar staff bring your drinks to you. It is family friendly and overlooks the beach, which is a 3 minute walk.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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.
Response from Carolynne Harrison, General Manager at Shandon Hotel and Spa
Responded Sep 15, 2020
Dear Guest Thank you so much for taking time out to review your recent Shandon experience, we are so happy that you enjoyed it! We look forwrad to welcoming you back again soon! Warmest Regards Carolynne
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We ( my mother and four sisters) had a wonderful weekend getaway, we were lucky to get such an excellent rate by booking direct via the hotel website. Lovely view from the rooms plus lots of space for all our extra's. The restaurant was delicious for dinner & breakfast was top class too. Spa was a real treat, with very friendly staff & very modern. Re COVID-19 the hotel is well set up, clear safety signage, requesting customers to wear masks in common areas / when not eating & lots of sanitizer available.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:rooms at the front have a spectacular view of Marble Hill beach.
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.
Response from Gary Cavanagh, Other at Shandon Hotel and Spa
Responded Sep 11, 2020
Dear Guest Your review has really lifted our spirits as we live and work through a pandemic. Support like yours goes a long way in helping us navigate these difficult times and when a guest like you, is so kind a thoughtful to take time out their busy schedules to encourage us, it is sincerely apprecaited, thank you! I look forward to welcoming you again, hopefully with less restrictions next time. Best Regards Gary Resort Operations Manager
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The reception staff and bar staff were very friendly and most welcoming and our room on the was newly refurbished and very comfortable. Although we could hear noise from the leisure facilities it didn't annoy us but we did have to ring reception to request that the heat be turned back on - this puzzled us as this is the time of day that guests are returning from a day out - getting showered and relaxing over a glass of wine enjoying the fabulous view. The position of the hotel is superb but to be honest we felt that there was a lack of ambience in the lounge area and in the bar. Unfortunately the Marbles Resturant wasn't open so we ate in the bar and although there was a good variety on the menu we were disappointed with the standard of our meals for what we paid. We researched alternative restaurants but because it was low season we had no alternative and once again we were left disappointed. We didn't make any complaint as we felt that it would not have improved the quality of the food being served. Breakfast on both mornings was very good with a full range of options. We got our 2 night stay in the January half price sale and would have been so disappointed if we had paid the full rate. We booked the spa winter special and thoroughly enjoyed a full afternoon in the Thermal Suite followed by treatments. This hotel has the potential to be fantastic, we just loved the area, with the beach, Dunfanaghy, Port na Blagh and Horn Head are right on the doorstep.
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Date of stay: February 2020
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.
Response from ShandonHotelandSpaGM, Manager at Shandon Hotel and Spa
Responded Feb 19, 2020
Dear Gail On behalf of our team thank you for your delightful review and thank you for choosing Shandon Resort, it was our pleasure to welcome you. We are super proud of our renowned guest service reputation and passion for ensuring that all our guests have a memorable experience. I am thrilled that you loved our stunning location and you felt relaxed and rejuvenated in Shandon Spa, it is truly a wonderful treat and chance to disconnect. We look forward to welcoming you back, a warm welcome awaits. Kindest Regards Siobhán Resort Sales Manager
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There is a gorgeous beach just below the house and lots of beautiful walks, from the hotel. You can also take a short drive to Ard Forest Park, amazing
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom28 contributions17 helpful votes
Nightlife is relative to the time of the visit. Dunfanaghy is around the corner and has several bars and venues. The Shandon does have entertainment And lends itself to beach walks good food and brilliant friendly staff
There are more places to choose from in the Portnablagh area.
PRICE RANGE
$195 - $265 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
IrelandCounty DonegalPortnablagh
NUMBER OF ROOMS
68
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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