Hotel review: Faithlegg House marries trends and tradition

Location

Established as one of Waterford’s finest estates since 1783, and a hotel since just 1998, Faithlegg centres around its striking Georgian manor which sits handsomely within the lush landscape of the Three Sisters estuary.

Hotel buffs will be aware that property is owned by the seriously on-the-money FBD Group (which also includes The Heritage and Castleknock Hotel) so it’s no surprise that the façade and grounds are so meticulously maintained.

Perhaps at the cost of character? The romantic in me just regrets that Faithlegg’s country estate roots have been somewhat diluted by the fairways within putting distance of the front entrance.

Just 10 minutes from Waterford city Faithlegg also offers the perfect base to discover the massively underrated Copper Coast or if you fancy border hopping, the Hook Head peninsula via the Passage East ferry nearby.

8.5/10

Style and design

Faithlegg’s design brief marries traditional period elegance with Pinterest board design trends, all key to impressing the Instagram set.

After the welcome from a psychedelically coloured equine sculpture at the front entrance, the smart reception, flanked by elegant scagliola columns, features a chandelier dripping over a fresh flower centerpiece, while a fire along with a display of Faithlegg’s to-buy range of chutneys and preserves, offers a homely character.

A dramatic original staircase, painted in a regal red and adorned with oil portraits winds up to the suites while corridors in the new wing are smothered in dark, botanic-splashed wallpaper.

I find the latter a little enclosing but this is a property which doesn’t shirk away from a bold palette.

8/10

Amenities and service

Faithlegg’s main draw amenities are its 18-hole championship golf course as well as its Treatment Suites. 

They offer options from a 55-minute full Swedish massage (€99) to a 75-minute Pro Glo Genius Facial (€145). 

Elsewhere, there’s a gym, pool and separate Jacuzzi area. I stayed as part of Faithlegg’s Balance & Reset spring offer which includes a session at the fantastic Hot Pot Sauna in Dunmore East plus a whiskey flight at the hotel’s stylish 1783 cocktail bar. 

Both were great experiences in their own right, however with the whiskey flight being offered the evening I checked in and the hot pod session only available the following morning after check-out, it wasn’t the dip-then-sip experience I’d imagined and I found the package a little clunky.

7/10

Guest rooms

Faithlegg offers 68 classic rooms in the hotel’s newer wing along with 14 period-inspired master rooms located in the original manor. 

I was staying in the former with fine views over the gardens and marquee. 

The light, polished space offers comfy twin beds, damask wallpaper, a distressed-glass wall, and burnt orange bed throws from Ormonds in Waterford. 

It also includes a vanity dresser, a seating area with smart TV, while the en suite, though a little anonymous, is elevated by luxury Elemis products.

I’d have preferred a little more of the period character and heritage from the suites which I enjoyed on a previous visit, but to be fair, it’s close to a perfect, all-boxes ticked four-star offering.

9/10

In-room perks

A Nespresso machine and Butler's chocolates come as standard. There’s Barry’s and branded Faithlegg water comes in plant-based bottles.

7/10

On the menu

Faithlegg has built a solid reputation for food thanks to the work of head chef Jenny Flynn and diners here can enjoy her menus in the hotel’s fine dining Roseville Rooms, the 1783 bar, and the Aylward Lounge.

I dined in the latter and tucked into a chicken salad starter which featured tasty Barefoot Farm greens, beetroot, and a pickled carrot relish, though my chicken fillet was a little underwhelming for a €16 dish. 

My main, a gluten-free take on their Comeragh Mountain lamb pie (€25), served with sticky red cabbage and garden fresh root veg, was exceptionally blásta, however.

Breakfast is served in The Roseville Rooms. Notably, there’s no buffet but tables are offered a tiered serving tray of baked treats upon sit-down, Continental items can be also ordered and hot options include Eggs Olivia, Faithlegg’s take on an Eggs Benny served on a floury Waterford blaa.

8/10

Value for money?

B&B rates for Faithlegg start from €179 per night and like all other FBD Group properties I’ve experienced, the hotel offers a highly polished getaway, with great rooms, food and service, and at times, even airs of a five-star experience. 

If booking, I’d recommend one of Faithlegg’s wine and dine packages: a four-course meal for two in their fine dining restaurant, along with a bottle of wine, sees a very decent mark-up of just €88.

• The Hotel Examiner was a guest of Faithlegg House

Check In

Room to improve? The pool felt a little too like a municipal facility and could do with a jazz-up. I’d connectivity issues with my TV apps too.

Access for guests with disabilities? There is one fully accessible bedroom.

Family-friendly? A number of family friendly rooms are available.

Dogs welcome? No.