We rang the doorbell many times --no answer ...Checked our reservation -that was ok ....Getting a bit anxious now on observing that some of the windows are boarded-up.....Phone reception....".Any chance you could open the door ?" ..."Just a moment sir..." Some time later phone again ....A man tells us......"trying to locate you ".......I reply "we are standing outside the front door and have been for a while" ...Take a walk around back of hotel.. ..Cant believe it .. The building is derelict.. Several holes in the roof , rotten windows . Phone again... "Sorry , we are not open but have booked you to the Stella Maris hotel " What a relief. The one redeeming feature of this escapade is that the Stella Maris hotel turned out to be very good .. This is not a concocted story ..This is for real We are not bitter about this but rather look back on it with amusement

When I say it was very bad I'm referring to the service, or lack of it, as I didnt actually end up staying there. We booked the hotel through their official website approximately 6 weeks prior to our visit for our stay in September. When we arrived in the early evening and after knocking on the door several times we were greeted by a maid/cleaner who informed us that the hotel was actually closed for the winter. We were offered no explanation or apology and then had settle for another dump of a hotel. Halpins had actually taken money from my account - did they not realise when they were actually closed??? Terrible. Will NEVER go back

this is not a "3 star" hotel, our group of six people left after the first night. Where is the award winning restuarant? we found the bar in the basement which I don't think has been in use for years!! My advise is don't go

We had booked Halpins for our first night of a weekend break. Found Halpins easily enough as the town is small. After a very warm welcome depsite not having my 'voucher' Mary showed us to our room (number 21) which had a super view of the bay and harbour. Having been for a walk around the village earlier Mary was able to confirm the two resturaunts we had found would be good for dinner. And no mistake our eventual choice of Murphy Blacks was a good one. Great food and delightful service in a dining room that was light and airy. Very Satisfying. Later we watched a gorgeous sunset from the comfort of our bed! Following morning had a good standard breakfast - set me up for the day nicely. Only criticism (that can often be leveled at this sort of establishment) is the lack of investment in furniture and fittings which is presumably dictated by irregular cashflow of seasonal business. The divan and mattress felt comfortable enough but were definitely 'tired'. We rolled into the middle quite easily (which was nice ;-) and it looked like it needed replacement a few years back even if it didn't quite feel that way (yet). However the bathroom was well fitted and stocked with good toiletries. For welcome and service and location 9 out of 10. For the bed would have to say 4. Would stay here again.

I thought Halpins was great. The staff was extremely friendly. Our room was very nice, clean, with a large bathroom and the most comfortable bed I slept in during my trip. The breakfast was delicious and plentiful. My only complaint is that they did not warn me that during my stay on October 15-16 their much advertised gourmet restaurant and bar were not open! They served breakfast only! It wasn't a huge problem, but I really think that if they advertise something as an ammenity, they need to let you know that it is not going to be available to you so you can plan accordingly!