Waterford has an excellent array of places to stay. From family-friendly hotels to one of the best castle stays in Ireland, there’s something for everyone. In this post, we look at several of the best hotels in Waterford, helping you to take the guesswork out on picking the best place to stay.
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Our Recommendations For The Top Waterford Hotels
| Waterford Hotel | Best For | Rates From | Where To Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏨 Waterford Castle Hotel | 🏰 Best Castle Hotel | €230 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 Treacys Hotel Waterford | 💆‍♀️ Best For Spa Lovers | €120 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 Granville Hotel Waterford | 🇮🇪 Best For A Historic Stay | €120 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 Viking Hotel Waterford | 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best For Families | €100 | 💶 Check Rates |
| 🏨 Cliff House Hotel Waterford | 🏅Best Five Star Hotel | €580 | 💶 Check Rates |
Where To Stay In Waterford
Waterford is one of the oldest cities in all of Ireland dating back to 914. Located on Ireland’s southeast coast, it’s a must-visit for any traveler to Ireland. Positioned on the south bank of the River Suir, the appropriately named Waterford has had a long maritime history.
A major shipping port, Waterford enjoys miles of breathtaking coastline alongside the Irish Sea. Visitors will find several stunning beaches in Waterford worth taking a long walk along.
While the water made Waterford into what it is today, the city is best known for its crystal glass industry. Home to the world-famous Waterford Crystal company, travelers from around the world come to this city of 47,000 for the crystal.
Whether it’s in Waterford City or out in County Waterford, there’s plenty to see and do. History lovers will enjoy learning about the first Viking settlers to Waterford. Nature lovers can enjoy the 46 km, Waterford Greenway. And for food and drink lovers like us, there’s plenty of Irish craft beer and Irish whiskey to sample.
Best Hotels In Waterford
Deciding which is the best hotel in Waterford or anywhere is a personal choice. Budget, facilities, and location are just some of the things to consider before booking. While our preferences might differ, we are confident these hotels in Waterford will make any stay, a great stay.
Treacys Hotel Waterford
At the opposite end of the Viking Triangle, where Edmund Rice Bridge crosses the River Suir, lies Treacy’s Hotel. Within walking distance of the town center, Treacy’s iconic façade instantly lifts the spirits of weary travelers and locals.
Adorned with overflowing flower baskets, there’s no mistaking when you are in front of Treacy’s. If you want to grab a pint of Guinness before checking in, pop into Timbertoes Bar, Treacy’s unmistakable traditional Irish pub.
For those looking to unwind, Treacy’s is the only accommodation in Waterford with its own thermal suite and spa. The thermal suite features an herbal lavender sauna room, aromatherapy steam room, and jacuzzi foot spa. A wide range of treatment packages are available for her and him.
When hunger strikes, guests are invited to experience Crokers Restaurant for an elevated taste of traditional Irish food. Serving locally sourced Irish seafood and meats, Crokers prides itself on being one of the best restaurants in Waterford. I
f you are looking for a lighter meal or lunch, head over to Timbertoes Bar for their take on Irish “pub-grub”.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Granville Hotel Waterford
Located on the bank of the River Suir, the Granville Hotel is a 4-star family hotel in Waterford. Set in a building dating back to the 1700s, Granville Hotel is one of Ireland’s oldest hotels.
The hotel boasts exquisite marina views, unmatched in Waterford. Inside, elements like marble fireplaces, stained glass windows, and sumptuous leather armchairs, take you back in time.
Restored to its former glory in the early 1980s, today the hotel successfully blends the structure’s historic elements with modern comforts. Each room may be unique in style as a result, but they have all been designed to put every guest’s needs front and center.
The award-winning Bianconi Restaurant has a fulsome menu ranging from traditional fish and chips to roast duck. The Thomas Francis Meagher Bar must have one of the city’s largest selections of Irish whiskeys – topping 50 individual brands.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Cliff House Hotel Waterford
Hotels in Waterford city center are an ideal way to discover the area. However, those looking to experience the rolling countryside and sea air will want to head instead to the Cliff House Hotel.
A 5-star hotel in Waterford County, the drive southwest from the city beyond the hotels in Dungarvan will take around an hour, but it’s definitely worth it.
Containing just 39 rooms, it sits on the low cliffs outside of the fishing village of Ardmore. Stunning in their contemporary architecture, rooms face out to sea, with some incorporating private furnished balconies.
But more than somewhere to spend the night, Cliff House Hotel is a culinary destination. For the past decade, House Restaurant has held a one Michelin Star rating. Its eight-course tasting menu features exquisite dishes developed by Executive Chef Ian Doyle.
Chef Doyle’s focuses on sustainability and supporting local producers whenever possible including Irish seafood and meats. This focuses sets in motion one of Ireland’s best tasting menus. After you’ve enjoyed Chef Doyle’s creation, head to the Cliff House’s A Seafront Bar for an evening gin tonic made with a local Irish gin.
While many come for the food and the view, it’s important not to overlook Cliff House’s spa, the Well at Cliff. Featuring a wide array of treatments, pools, and even seaweed baths, the Well at Cliff rounds out the perfect stay at one of the best Waterford hotels.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Waterford Castle Hotel
Often considered one of the best castle stays in Ireland, Waterford Castle Hotel, is the stuff dreams are made of. Its ivy-clad exterior looks as it belongs in a Hollywood movie.
Perched on its very own island in the River Suir, you feel like it’s just you and the castle enjoying the stunning Irish countryside. You’ll find it around 3 miles and a short boat ride east of central Waterford.
Few other castle hotels in Ireland are able to match Waterford Castle Hotel. Guests are able to enjoy the 310-acre estate alongside wild sika deer and red squirrels.
Brought up to modern standards with a refurbishment program completed in 2016, this 4-star stay also has its own 18-hole golf course. Meals are served in historic rooms which were once the private domain of the Fitzgerald family.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Viking Hotel Waterford
Located less than 5 miles from Waterford City Center, the Viking Hotel is the ideal hotel for travelers looking to be in Waterford but not in Waterford. From the Waterford Greenway to half a dozen golf courses, the Viking’s location allows guests to quickly and easily explore the surrounding area.
After a long day of exploring Waterford, the Viking offers its guests the opportunity to recharge in its signature restaurant, the Wooden Pestle Restaurant & Bar. Featuring mouthwatering steaks and burgers made using 100% Irish beef, guests will not go hungry at the Wooden Pestle.
Check out pricing and availability here.
Tower Hotel & Leisure Centre
With stunning marina views, the Tower Hotel & Leisure Centre is the perfect hotel to explore Waterford. The Tower Hotel is minutes away from many of Waterford’s most popular sites including the Viking Triangle.
Tower Hotel has over 190 rooms including family rooms, suites, and deluxe King. Many of these rooms feature views of the River Suir. All rooms are spacious and appointed with free Wifi, flatscreen TVs, and coffee/tea service.
After exploring the Waterford Greenway or House of Waterford Crystal unwind and relax back at the Tower Hotel. The hotel features an indoor 20m swimming pool and sauna.
For a taste of local Irish dishes, head to the hotel’s Hobson’s Restaurant or Pier 37 Bar & Grill. Both feature traditional Irish dishes made with top-quality Irish ingredients.
Check out pricing and availability here.
The Fitzwilton Hotel
There’s simply no missing the Fitzwilton Hotel in Waterford. Its iconic modern mural stands out in one of Ireland’s oldest cities. Waterford’s popular boutique 4-star hotel is the place for those looking for a bit more style.
Perfectly located in Waterford City Center, the Fitzwilton Hotel is only a five-minute walk to the city’s main shopping area. And it’s only 2 minutes from the Waterford train and bus stations. This is great news if you are traveling in Ireland without a car.
Inside the Fitzwilton Hotel guests will find modern rooms with wood furniture, flatscreen TVs, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Many rooms have stunning views of the River Suir.
The hotel’s Chez K’s Restaurant is a great place to enjoy a taste of high-quality Irish cooking. If you are looking to sample a proper pint of Guinness or a dram of Irish whiskey, pop into Fitzwilton’s Met Bar.
Check out pricing and availability here.
FAQs – Hotels In Waterford
There’s nothing like a great Irish breakfast. In Waterford, there are a few hotels with particularly good breakfast offerings. Those hotels in Waterford include Granville Hotel and Cliff House Hotel.
Waterford has a wide range of hotel offerings, one for nearly every budget. You can find 3 star hotels charging around $150/night as well as 5 star luxury hotels charging in excess of $500/night.
100% yes. In addition to being the home of the world famous crystal that bears its name, Waterford has tons to offer. There’s great food, tons of activities on the land and on the sea, as well as great hotels in Waterford.