Everglades Hotel — Hotel in Ireland

Booked for a Traditional Cream Tea which was a reunion event, with several of us traveling from overseas. Unfortunately it was a bit of a disaster, from the layout of the tables, which we had to ask to be reorganised, to the food which was like an episode out of the Derry Girls. Two of us were vegetarian and the hotel was pre-informed. No one enquired where we were sitting so I'm not even sure the restaurant staff had been made aware before we arrived. When mentioned where the vegetarians were sitting , one small plate with one cheese (cheap graded cheddar) , tomato and lettuce sandwich alongside a 'CRISP' sandwich ! was brought out. Seeing our reaction, they tried to accommodate us but the only thing they could offer was an egg mayonnaise sandwich. The other sandwiches were not fresh with one girl saying she could taste the mould of the bread.The cakes were tasteless and they served a tiny amount of jam and cream for the scones. At no point did anyone come to ask us if everything was okay or pick up the dirty cups etc. We asked for some fresh tea and coffee which took 40 mins to come after we reminded them. Later on a few of us dined in the restaurant, unfortunately this was equally disappointing for both vegetarians and meat eaters with one guest unable to eat her meal. The manager Kai was excellent and couldn't apologise enough, he handled the complaints with professionalism and respect, The Everglades Hotel are very lucky to have him , Eva was also lovely and looked after us very well. The staff at breakfast were very attentive but lifting dishes before we were all finished, the food once again let them down, with most items cold and cheap instant coffee presented in a pot. There is obviously an issue with training and needless to say, the kitchen. Also the bedrooms were facing out to the road so very noisy once the traffic started going past in the early morning. Overall very disappointed but thankfully we still managed to have a nice evening as the staff...

The walk to the Everglades Hotel from city centre was long but easy and if we had more energy, we probably would have spent some time checking out the shops along the way or stopped at a pub or two on the way back. We opted for a late afternoon tea time for our Derry Girls Afternoon Tea at the Everglades hotel because we thought it would give us a planned activity late enough in the day that it would motivate us to have a late dinner. We might have underestimated the amount of food we would be getting though because by 7pm we were both still pretty full. We honestly had know idea what to expect but the experience came recommended by at least 2 people, so we thought we'd give it a try. We were the only ones there for our 3:30pm tea time, the hotel lobby area was calm, lavishly decorated and felt very classy. Our waiter, Kai was very attentive and got us started straight away by offering tea or coffee. I normally wouldn't have tea, but... When in Derry! I ordered camomile tea which I found I actually liked it , and my husband had coffee, in which we both got separate kettles. I quickly researched that camomile will not put you to sleep, rather it has no caffeine and can be great to reduce anxiety.

Then the feast began with a variety of 3 cold sandwiches (no crust) and one had crisps (potato chips) in it! We got cupcakes, scones, macarons, pound cake, biscuits (cookies), tarts, and even a side with hot chicken sandwiches on buttered buns and chips (French fries). Everything was so yummy, especially the pound cake and chocolate lava cake. Before our visit ended, we also received a special cocktail with the meal. We took our time spending nearly an hour and a half while we listened to the "pop goes classical/piano" music, chatted about the food and the experience, and enjoyed some people watching. We are guessing that on a Saturday or during the summer it would be a lot busier of an experience, but we felt like VIP having our own...

Unfortunately I have nothing good to say about this hotel. Due to a technical error with a third party, I did not receive the two beds I booked.

When I proceeded to discuss this with the front desk receptionist, I was met with blank stares, no assistance and frankly a rude attitude. I asked numerous questions to see if perhaps they could assist — a different room, a roll away bed, another room, seperate the king into two beds? No roll away beds available, one room available but only for a single night at full price as it was a booked out night.

When discussing what to do further I was met with shrugs and told to discuss with my third party that I booked through. Unfortunately this takes time. After 45 mins sitting in the bar and not getting anywhere I decided to check out of the hotel and go elsewhere.

I had walked 5 steps into the hotel room, and checked out within an hour. This room, even though perhaps could not be used that night, could definitely be used the following night, as I had checked out. This hotel more than likely filled that room with another patron. They are refusing to offer even a partial refund. They get paid twice, while I’m out of pocket, twice.

They also told lies to the third party, advising that I went into the room and then checked out 45 mins later with no discussion. Incorrect. I asked for help and did not receive any.

I would advise avoiding this hotel for their poor customer service and just in case you need any assistance, you won’t receive it.

Edit: response shows hotel is still unwilling to accept...