The 10 best hotels in Galway

This enchanting lakeside estate is the sort of place the romantic dream of getting hitched, as well as being one of the best places to stay in Galway, Ireland. Glenlo Abbey hotel is a gorgeous five-star hotel set in extensive gardens – and complete with its very own 18^th-century abbey. Even better, in the grounds you’ll find two original Orient Express train carriages repurposed as the fine-dining Pullman restaurant. The luxurious bedrooms gaze out over the landscape; the best have views of the River Corrib.

Budget range? Higher than average, but for good reason. 
Location perks? Next to a 138-acre lakeside golf course and boasts archery and fishing. A 10-minute drive to the city centre. 
Time Out tip: Visit in winter to make the most of the luxury Christmas package, featuring gourmet dining, fine wines, winter walks, activities and entertainment.

No Galway hotel has a better location than the hardiman, one of the best hotels in Galways city centre, located right on Eyre Square. This was Galway’s Victorian era railway hotel and it retains an elegant feel today, with stately furniture and thick curtains. The hotel’s crowning glory though is its fifth-floor spa, complete with outdoor Canadian hot tub overlooking the city skyline. There's MacNeill's pub inside, serving Irish tapas, cocktails and craft beer in cosy nooks, alongside live music and sports viewings. 

Budget range? A decent deal. 
Location perks? 1 minute from train and bus stations. The dock is a 5-minute walk away. 
Time Out tip: Book in for a seasonal afternoon tea which changes throughout the year, bringing new and exciting treats to guests alongside glasses of prosecco. 

Harbour Hotel Galway is one of the city's hippest places to stay, with up-to-the-minute design touches and a casual contemporary restaurant, Dillisk, serving seafood and house burgers to hungry guests. The minimalist rooms are classic and decorated in soothing colours, ranging from deluxe double rooms to a Skylight King with luxury amenities. 

Budget range? Moderately priced. 
Location perks? The Quay Street shopping street is just a 3-minute walk from the hotel, while Salthill Prom is 10 minutes away.
Time Out tip: The staff are more than happy to advise you on where to experience the best of Galway, which knowledge on all sorts of activities like swimming, surfing and horse riding. 

With large bedrooms overlooking the river and a spa offering Elemis treatments and a thermal area, the four-star Galmont Hotel can be hard to leave. There’s actually little reason to the outdoor terrace overlooking Lough Atalia, Marina’s restaurant serving some of the city’s best seafood, and Cooper’s Bar and Lounge pouring pints and Irish whiskies by the open fire. 

Budget range? Fairly average. 
Location perks? Only 500 metres to Eyre Square.
Time Out tip: Visit the Spirit One Spa for time in the sauna, outdoor hot tub and heated 18-metre pool. 

The Latin Quarter is Galway’s nightlife epicentre, and this freshly-spruced-up boutique hotel is right in the heart of the action. Before the Residence Hotel was the city’s chicest boutique hotel, it was a 16^th century Carmelite convent. The bedrooms are now every inch 21^st-century, with stylish contemporary decor and Netflix on the TV. Downstairs in the bar there’s food and craft cocktails served alongside local live music every night of the week – this swingin' spot also stays open 'til 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Budget range? Standard pricing. 
Location perks? Among the city's best bars, restaurants and pubs. Eyre Square and Galway Station are both 5 minutes’ walk away.
Time Out tip: Be sure to explore the nearby boutique shops (but only if there's extra room in your suitcase).

Arguably the world’s most famous designer of headgear, Philip Treacy has turned his creative hand to hotel design in Galway, in the form of this playful five-star. G Hotel’s rooms and suites have big beds, squishy sofas and opulent bathrooms (think double showers and freestanding tubs) and there are – of course – door handles in the shape of hats. Make time for a drink in the Grand Salon lounge, where you’ll find a whopping 300 twinkling mirror balls.

Budget range? Cheaper than most. 
Location perks? A 15-minute walk from the city centre.
Time Out tip: Dine at the newly designed GEO restaurant for anything from premium steaks to some of the world's best seafood. 

The House Hotel is a shopper’s paradise, with a location just steps from Shop Street (yes, that is Galway’s main shopping street). As one of the best boutique hotels in Galway, each room is decked out with patterned wallpaper for a sleek yet playful look, while the lobby bar serves cocktails and beer in an atmospheric setting. The breakfast is also a highlight, with a buffet option as well as a menu featuring wraps, bagels and burritos. 

Budget range? A little below average. 
Location perks? A 10-minute walk from Galway Cathedral and the National University of Ireland.
Time Out tip: They have a range of packages for couples, with one including a complimentary glass of prosecco. 

A safe bet for anyone visiting Galway, Leonardo Hotel houses 130 newly refurbished rooms designed with modern minimalism in mind. The injection of colour brings warmth to the space, and you can even sit down to dinner with a view at new contemporary Bar and Grill. 

Budget range? One of the cheapest. 
Location perks? Situated on Quay Street, Leonardo Hotel is a 2-minute walk from St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church.
Time Out tip: There's outdoor seating in the garden with a sound system and BBQ menu – talk about one of Galway's best kept secrets. 

There’s a fresh boho chic look to this recently refurbished boutique hotel, with a mellow grey and ivory colour scheme, floral prints and crisp white linens. Some of HYDE's bedrooms can sleep three or even four adults, which makes this a great-value base, and there’s a very funky gin parlour downstairs serving more than 500 different gins from around the world. There's also a bottomless brunch and festive dinner on the agenda if you're visiting during winter. 

Budget range? Very affordable. 
Location perks? Galway Cathedral and St Nicholas Church are both just 5 minutes away from the hotel. Galway Racecourse is just a 10-minutes drive.
Time Out tip: If you're in Galway with a gin-loving friend group, head to HYDE Bar for one of their epic 'gin trees' which holds nine glasses. 

The classic and cosy Park House promises a stay with real traditional charm. There’s a proper Irish bar here, with hand-carved oak-panelled ceilings, stained glass windows and mood lighting. Plus, a gourmet restaurant which offers delicious home cooked meals on its table d'hote menu, using the best local produce. 

Budget range? Acceptably average. 
Location perks? It's located with central Galway, just a few minutes walk from Galway Train Station and Eyre Square.
Time Out tip: The extensive cocktail menu features favourites from a pina colada to an espresso martini and whiskey sour.