Hotel review: Harvey's Point serves up traditional hospitality in a knockout setting

Location

The welcome at Harvey’s Point is just as I’d hoped. Warm, emphatic and authentic, we are greeted by concierge Ailish McGlone, sister of former owner Deirdre and Marc Gysling.

At the foot of the rugged Bluestack Mountains hugging the edge of Lough Eske (yet just minutes from Donegal town) Harvey’s Point has been part of the landscape since 1989, when Swiss man Jody Gysling built what was to become Donegal’s most celebrated hotel. 

Together with his brother Marc and sister-in-law, Deirdre McGlone, they created one of the country’s most loved hotels before passing the baton in 2019 to new owners who have continued investing. 

Its lakeshore aspect has been brilliantly utilised, and the property developed to make the most of the magnificent scenery.

• 10/10

Style & décor

The décor is traditional, sparkling, and welcoming. 

Public areas are a little too fussy for my tastes (think marble floors, wood panelling, patterned carpets) but the charming snug with roaring fire in reception is a delight. 

Bedrooms are plush and we can’t help remarking on how every single chair we sit on here is extraordinarily comfortable. 

There’s no denying the well-thought-out design. 

The Lakeside Restaurant is special, offering glorious views over Lough Eske.

• 8/10

Amenities

There’s no spa or pool here, but plans are afoot for a new in-house cinema in 2024. 

Walking paths, benches strategically dotted around the lakeshore, live music in the bar, guided walks, wine tastings and cabaret nights are the main attraction.

The Residents Lounge seems underused but we feel like we have the cosiest corner of the hotel all to ourselves. 

On a stormy night before dinner, we settle into comfy wingback chairs by the hearth and an attentive staff member removes the fireguard to allow us to bask in the heat. 

Shelves are lined with books and boardgames, and there are plans to redesign the seating area to maximise this lovely lake view space.

• 7/10

Guest rooms

Harvey’s Point has some of the largest bedrooms in the country, even at entry-level, and they have all been brilliantly designed. 

Supremely comfortable, luxurious, bright and spacious they feature nice touches like local art and wonderful views. 

Our huge suite has twin queen-size beds, a dressing area, a roomy bathroom, a guest WC and a lovely seating area. 

Many rooms have whirlpool baths, and we love the clever dressing table in the bathroom with perfect lighting for applying make-up. 

New rooms, while contemporary in style, are beautiful but considerably smaller than the originals.

• 7/10

In-room perks

Rustic hand-painted Paul Maloney mugs, modern botanical prints of the area by Molly Riordan, a bottle of fresh milk for tea and jar of homemade cookies are thoughtful touches that create a lovely sense of place. 

Two Lindor chocolates, tea, coffee and water are complimentary. 

A walking guide to the area highlights four trails including a 14km loop around the lake.

• 10/10

Service

This is a hotel with heart, whose staff are attentive, friendly and helpful. 

After a lovely check-in and being walked to our room we found it hard to get bar staff’s attention in the busy Sunday afternoon. 

(A brusque staff member here was the only weak link before a colleague intervened.) 

Everywhere we turned we found a courteous and charming team.

• 9/10

On the menu

Really great scones and tea in the bar make a strong first impression and the place buzzes with residents and locals enjoying the popular Sunday lunch carvery. 

It’s a bar menu only on Sunday nights (which we know in advance) and the staff are very helpful with my vegetarian guest. 

We’ve mixed fortunes with the food: two excellent dishes, one unmemorable and one — a soggy ‘bruschetta’ — that’s poor. 

Breakfast, by comparison, is excellent, with a huge selection including a gluten-free section and an omelette station.

• 7/10

Value for money

Harvey’s Point runs like a well-oiled machine, with genuine hospitality, exceptional bedrooms, and frequent great value packages. Two nights B&B in a suite, four-course dinner, complimentary activities, from €129 pps midweek.

• Jillian Bolger was a guest of Harvey’s Point.