This Irish castle continues to fly the flag for luxury Irish travel
Mayo’s Ashford Castle has once again been awarded a Five-Star ranking by Forbes’ Travel Guide (FTG) – as well as a Five-Star Forbes Ranking for The Spa at Ashford. It is the only hotel in Ireland to earn this much-coveted accolade.
They say that the hardest part of winning a Michelin Star is retaining it and the same principle applies to Forbes Travel Guide Ranking, one of the travel industry’s most stringent and exacting independently assessed guides in the world, making this a huge achievement. Five-Star is the top rating possible and the ultimate gold standard in hospitality.
Forbes inspectors commented: “The Spa at Ashford Castle is the ultimate sanctuary for weary travellers, anchored by a beautiful relaxation pool room overlooking the lake. The tranquil ambiance is enhanced by white coral chandeliers and the Relaxation Pool is not only visually stunning, but truly therapeutic.”
Niall Rochford, general manager at Ashford Castle, said that he and his team are elated. “We know that Forbes look for exceptional service and facilities but, to achieve a Five-Star ranking, they demand much more,” he commented. “How a visit makes a guest feel and the things that they will remember about their stay are of equal importance and at Ashford Castle, this comes down to the passion and professionalism of our people.
” As a team, we are overjoyed not only to be consistently recognised by Forbes for our luxury hotel, but now, for our spa too. This is a great day for our team on the estate, our owners at Red Carnation and for Irish tourism more widely.”
Forbes Travel Guide started in 1958 as Mobil Travel Guide, a guidebook for US motorists. Creating the original Five-Star rating system, it is the only independent, global rating agency for luxury hospitality. Providing reviews and ratings for more than 60 years, it is the oldest travel guide in the United States and its inspection process is regarded as the gold standard in hospitality.
The Forbes Travel Guide team anonymously visit every property around the world that it Star Rates as a paying guest. Every Star Rating is earned through an objective, independent process and no one can buy or solicit a rating under any circumstance.
Inspectors anonymously test each hotel against up to 900 rigorous standards. While both service and facilities are inspected, Forbes’ Star Rating system places an emphasis on service.
