Kilkenny's Hidden Gem: The Rafter's Gastropub - You HAVE to Try This!
Hotel Review - The Good, The Bad, & The Surprisingly Sticky (And SEO-Friendly!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review of a hotel that's less "sterile brochure" and more "friend telling you about their slightly chaotic but ultimately okay vacation." I'm talking about a place that, let's just say, knows how to do "stuff," even if they don’t always do it perfectly. And trust me, I have opinions.
SEO & Metadata Bonanza (Don't worry, I'll translate the jargon into real talk later!)
Keywords: Hotel Review, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Family-Friendly, Non-Smoking Rooms, Air Conditioning, Airport Transfer, On-Site Parking, 24-Hour Room Service, [Hotel Name] Review, [City Name] Hotels, [Hotel Feature]
Meta Description: Get the inside scoop on [Hotel Name]! This honest review covers everything from accessibility and amazing spa treatments to questionable coffee and the joys (and occasional frustrations) of family travel. Read about the good, the bad, and the beautifully imperfect experiences. Plus, get the details on free Wi-Fi, accessible features, and everything in between!
Accessibility - The Starting Point (And where things got interesting…)
Okay, so Accessibility is a BIG deal, and a good starting point. They claim to be wheelchair accessible. They say they have Facilities for disabled guests. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I always look out for my friends, and the photos did paint a convincing picture of a level entrance. I also noted the Elevator, which is crucial.
- Room Details: The non-smoking rooms, were a must for me and they happily obliged. My room? Oh man, the Air Conditioning was a lifesaver! And the Blackout Curtains almost made me forget I was on a clock (almost). I also found a Window that opens, which I'm a BIG fan of. Interconnecting room(s) available is great for families or larger groups, and High floor is awesome. My extra-long bed was a dream after my flight. Bathrobes and slippers? Luxury! The private bathroom with additional toilet (very handy) and the Separate shower/bathtub was nice. The bathroom phone I did not use.
- An Anecdote about the Shower: The shower pressure was… variable, let's say. One minute, it was a gentle trickle; the next, a full-on monsoon. I felt like I was auditioning for Singin' in the Rain. My first reaction: "Oh, come on!" But then, I just laughed. This is part of the charm, folks!
On-Site Eats & Drinks (and the Questionable Coffee)
Restaurants, plural! And Room service [24-hour]? Bless! They had a Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast [buffet and a la carte], International cuisine in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant. I sampled them all.
- The Coffee Crisis: Okay, the Coffee/tea in restaurant was… let's just say it wasn't exactly the nectar of the gods. I'm a coffee snob, and I'll admit it. The coffee experience was like, "Oh, you're awake, and you want coffee? Okay. Here's something." I’m pretty sure my instant Nescafe at home is stronger. Luckily there was a Coffee shop in the lobby, which, I did not explore.
- The Poolside Bar: This was a highlight. Sipping a cocktail by the Swimming pool [outdoor], with the sun on my face… pure bliss. They also had a Poolside bar. The Happy hour specials were a steal! Now, they did have a Snack bar, but I was usually too full to indulge. But, I was able to grab a Bottle of water for the room. It was very thoughtful!.
Relaxation & Recreation: Spa, Gym, and Pool – OH MY!
Now, let's talk about the good stuff. The hotel had a serious relaxation game. The Spa was calling my name from the moment I arrived. They had a Body scrub (yes, please!), Body wrap, Massage, and Sauna, and a Steamroom.
- Spa Stories: The Spa/sauna was a haven. The massage therapist was amazing. Seriously, I think I levitated for a little while afterwards.
- Fitness Center - They definitely had a Gym/fitness, so I went there. As a cardio head, I was happy they had treadmills.
For the Kids & Family:
Family/child friendly is important, and they delivered! The hotel had Babysitting service, which is a lifesaver for parents wanting a little couple time. I noted a Kids meal on the menu, which is always a win.
Cleanliness & Safety: The New Normal
In these crazy times, this is top of mind. The hotel seemed to take things seriously. They mentioned Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Room sanitization between stays. I spotted Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. There was also a Doctor/nurse on call which is comforting. They had a First aid kit.
Services & Conveniences: Bells and Whistles
- The Good: Concierge service was great. The Daily housekeeping was efficient, and the staff was generally helpful. The Laundry service was fast and easy. Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange – convenient! They even have a convenience store.
- The Less Glamorous: No pets unfortunately - sad for the furry friends. They had a smoking area. They also valet parking but I did not use it.
Internet & Tech: The Modern Essentials
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Hallelujah! And it actually worked, which is a huge win. They also had Internet [LAN] access and Wi-Fi in public areas (for those who prefer to roam). I made good use of the internet.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking – The Foodie Factor
Breakfast in room was nice on a busy day. They had Asian breakfast and cuisine in restaurant options. Buffet in restaurant was a delight. The Desserts in restaurant looked yummy every time I passed but I never indulged.
Things to Do/Getting Around
- They had Airport transfer, which was a huge relief after a long flight. They had Taxi service.
- They also had Bicycle parking, and Car park [free of charge], and even a Car power charging station.
The Verdict: Imperfectly Perfect
So, would I recommend this hotel? Absolutely, with a disclaimer! It’s not flawless. The coffee could be better. But it has a certain je ne sais quoi. It's comfortable, convenient, and genuinely tries to make your stay enjoyable. If you're looking for a stuffy, overly polished experience, this isn't it. But if you're after a place with charm, character, and a staff that truly cares, then you've found a winner. And hey, the free Wi-Fi worked, the spa was amazing, and the pool was perfect for a cocktail. What more could you want? (Besides better coffee, of course.)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (Minus one star for the coffee. Seriously, fix the coffee.)
Madrid's Hidden Gem: THC Hostal Bergantin - Unforgettable Stay!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking Kilkenny, Ireland, and specifically, The Rafter's Gastropub. Forget rigid schedules. We're going with the flow… or maybe the Guinness, who knows?
The "Rafter's Ramble: My Kilkenny Cat's Adventure"
Day 1: Arrival & The "Lost Luggage Lament"
- 1:00 PM - Touchdown Dublin, a.k.a. "Dublin, You Tricked Me!" Okay, officially Ireland-bound! The airport was chaos, felt like a sheepdog herding sheep, which frankly, wouldn't be too far off. Managed to survive customs, which is a win. But my luggage? MIA. Cue internal panic, followed by attempting a "stoic traveler" face to the lost luggage employee, which failed and I swear she saw right through my "I'm in a full-blown meltdown" glare. Lost luggage is my personal nemesis.
- 2:30 PM - Dublin to Kilkenny - The Train of Dreams (and Mild Anxiety) Hop on the train. The scenery is stunning - rolling hills, emerald green fields, ancient ruins whispering secrets. Except some lady is chattering on the phone so LOUDLY about her cat's digestive troubles, seriously, it’s like I was in the vet waiting room. My anxiety levels are rising faster than the price of a pint!
- 4:30 PM - Arrival in Kilkenny - And the Search Begins! Finally! Kilkenny is breathtaking. The castle, the narrow lanes, the sheer… charm… It's gorgeous. Checked into the B&B, which I can only describe as "Grandma's Cozy Cottage." (And yes, it's lovely despite the faint scent of mothballs.) Now, the crucial mission: locate The Rafter's. Found it!
- 6:00 PM - The Rafter's: First Pour & Philosophical Musings Okay, let me tell you, the interior of The Rafter's is a warm, inviting hug after a long day. Dark wood, cozy nooks, and a roaring fire! First order of business? A pint of Guinness, obviously. The bartender, a fellow with a knowing smile and a twinkle in his eye, told me the "perfect pour" is a religion. He wasn’t wrong. Heaven in a glass. Now I just need someone to bring me the other one and I’ll be set.
- 7:30 PM - Food, Glorious Food! (and a Bit of Regret) The food! Oh, the food. The Rafter's does pub grub right. (and by right I meant the best kind.) I had the seafood chowder. Seriously, the BEST seafood chowder I’ve ever tasted. And then the shepherd's pie. I'm fairly certain it held the secret to eternal happiness. I ate it all, and now I'm full and slightly ashamed (for the other portion I ordered), but no regrets! I'll burn it off tomorrow. Maybe..
- 9:00 PM - Live Music & Life's Grand Questions Live music! A local band, full of energy and passion even though half of them look like they hadn't slept in days. The music was a good hum, and I found myself swaying, thinking about…well, everything. Existence, the meaning of life, whether my missing luggage was having a better time than me. (probably)
- 10:00 PM - The "Happy Accident" Decided to join in the music and sing along. Badly. Like, offensively badly. But everyone was so cheerful, they didn’t care I was destroying the song. A friendly old man gave me a wink and said “Ah, a true spirit”. I decided to love him forever.
Day 2: Kilkenny's Delights & The "Guinness-Induced Euphoria"
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast & The Castle's Cold Embrace. Brekkie at the B&B! The full Irish was huge, greasy, and amazing. Filled up on carbs to face the day! Kilkenny Castle is impressive, but the wind was relentless. I felt genuinely cold. The history is incredible, the views are amazing, but I can't help but think what it's like to live in such drafty conditions.
- 11:00 AM - Exploring The Medieval Mile. Kilkenny's got a medieval mile to die for! Toured a bit, saw the Black Abbey, admired the architecture, and almost got run over by a bicycle. The sheer amount of history packed into those streets is astounding. I feel like I should be wearing a corset and holding a parasol.
- 1:00 PM - Rafter's Round 2: The "Perfect Pint" Re-Examined Back to The Rafter's, because, honestly, why wouldn't I? This time, determined to master the art of the "perfect pint" (according to the bartender's instruction, of course). I'm still terrible at it. But the Guinness tastes just as good.
- 2:00 PM - More food, more joy and, more Guinness. Had the fish and chips. Huge, delicious, and I thought, "I can't eat any more." Then I did.
- 4:30 PM - The "Shopping Spree" & The Great Scarf Debacle Popped into some shops. Kilkenny is heaven for quirky knick-knacks and wool sweaters. I bought a scarf. Apparently I didn't look at the other people, and I've purchased the exact same scarf as an elderly woman. Awkward smiles exchanged followed by the inevitable escape.
- 7:00 PM - A Night of Entertainment, Found another bar. Got drunk. Went back to The Rafter's. And found myself singing the Irish national anthem with a bunch of strangers. Someone gave me a high-five.
- 9:00 PM - The "Late Night Ramblings". Walked back to the B&B. Rambled for an hour, and then fell asleep.
Day 3: Farewell Kilkenny & the "Maybe I'll Stay" Moment
- 9:00 AM - The "Goodbye Breakfast" Another gigantic breakfast at the B&B. I'm pretty sure I'm gaining calories faster than I can appreciate them.
- 10:30 AM - One Last Stroll. One last wander through the Kilkenny streets, trying to soak it all in. I felt a pang of sadness leaving. Kilkenny, you sneaky charmer, you.
- 12:00 AM - The "Last Rafter's Pint" Farewell pint. Farewell Rafter's. As my friend said; "This will be the place to retire"
- 1:00 PM - Departure (If I can physically move, that is.) Onward to "who-the-hell-knows-where?".
Important Notes (and utterly unreliable tips):
- Guinness: Drink it. Frequently. It's practically a health food over here.
- Food: Don't be afraid to try everything. Except maybe that suspicious-looking thing in the deli.
- The People: The Irish are amazing. Friendly, funny, and always up for a chat.
- Embrace the Mess: Things will go wrong. Luggage will get lost. You'll sing off-key. That's the journey.
- Forget the Plan: It's a suggestion, not a law. Get lost, explore, and enjoy the beautiful chaos.
- Most Important Note: I never found my bag!
Cheers to Kilkenny and The Rafter's! Until next time!
Crown Towers Perth: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
So, You Want the Raw, Unfiltered Truth About... Well, Everything? (FAQ Edition)
Okay, let's just get this over with: What *is* this whole "FAQ" thing even about?
Ugh, alright, you want the *official* definition? Fine. It's a bunch of Frequently Asked Questions. It's supposed to be helpful. But honestly? It's more like a slightly-organized rant about… well, whatever pops into my head. Today, it's everything. Tomorrow? Who knows! My cat decides. It's a chaotic, wonderfully messy system, like my life. So, buckle up.
You mentioned your cat. Does this have anything to do with cats?
Oh, absolutely, there's always the cat. This little fluffy tyrant? His name is Mittens. He's currently judging me. He's judging *everything* I do. He's probably the reason I'm answering questions, thinking I can finally beat him at his relentless judgement - I can't. He’s the overlord. So yeah, expect cat-related tangents. A LOT of cat-related tangents. This is not a *cat* FAQ, but a Mittens-adjacent FAQ. You've been warned.
What's the point of all this? Is there a *point*?!
*Deep breath* The point… right. Okay, look. I'm a human. Humans are messy. I'm basically trying to make sense of everything, like how does my coffee always get cold before I can drink it? It's a curse. And maybe, just *maybe*, if I share all my thoughts and observations, even the weirdest, maybe someone else will feel less alone. Or maybe they'll think I'm a complete nutjob. Either way, I'm okay with it. I'm getting therapy, don't worry. (And the therapist is a *great* listener, and a cat lover, btw. Excellent life choice, as I now discover).
So, like, are you actually *qualified* to answer anything?
Qualified? Ha! The word "qualification" makes me chuckle. I have a degree in... well, something. Does it matter? Look, I've lived. I've loved. I've lost car keys in the fridge more times than I care to admit (Mittens, of course, is innocent). My qualifications are: Being alive. Making mistakes. And, crucially, the ability to *laugh* at myself. And at the world. So yes. Qualified enough, maybe.
Okay, let's get to the GOOD stuff. What's your *biggest* life mistake? Spill the tea.
Oh, man... my biggest mistake? Choosing fluorescent orange paint for my bedroom in college. It was a *disaster*. Like, a nuclear orange explosion of regret every morning. I swear, I developed a slight aversion to the color orange even to this day. Seriously, the light it gave off gave me constant headaches. I thought I was, like, super cool and edgy. Turns out, I was just making a bold statement about... poor taste? The worst part? The landlord *made* me repaint it before I moved out. The shame! And it took DAYS. Okay, still embarrassed about that. I had to learn a lot about white paint. I still apologize to the former housemates and the house.
What's something you genuinely *love*?
Besides Mittens? (Okay, fine, yes, Mittens, of course.) I am head-over-heels in love with the smell of rain on hot pavement. It's the most incredible aroma, and it always makes me stop and just... breathe. It takes me back to some vague, happy childhood. It's just… perfect. (And, yes, I know, it's called petrichor. I just don't care. It's rain-on-pavement-smell-magic.) Also, you can't *not* love good coffee.
Anything else personal you are willing to share?
Oh god. Too much, probably. Let's see. I'm a terrible cook. I once accidentally set a toaster on fire. I think I’ve finally accepted the world of “takeout food.” I'm also secretly obsessed with true crime podcasts, but Mittens judges me if I get too into it. I buy too many books and rarely read them because I'm too busy *thinking* about reading them. Which takes up a lot of time, thinking about what I could read. So I end up staring into space thinking about it. It's a whole thing. And, yes, I'm still trying to figure out how to adult. Mostly failing. But I am a work in progress. That's as good as I get. Now, where's that coffee?
Is there anything you *hate*?
Oh, yes. Lots of things. Slow walkers are at the top of the list. People who don't use their blinkers. The patriarchy. Those tiny little hairs that stick out of your chin when you're like, "Where did *that* come from?" Mittens shedding during summer is one of the worst experiences, and when he starts shedding you know it's a disaster. But mostly... I hate negativity. The relentless negative chatter. It's exhausting. So, I try to find the humor in everything. It's a coping mechanism. A good one.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
"Don't take life too seriously." It's a cliché, I know, but it's the truth. And don't worry, I'm still struggling with it. I'm a work in progress. I am trying. But it's good advice. It's just... you know, life is hard. So laugh. Cry. Mess up. Get back up. And try again. And maybe, just maybe, pet a cat. (Especially if it's a judgmental, fluffy one named Mittens.)
