The James Hotel

Location: The hotel is centrally located in Tralee, making it a convenient base for exploring local sights like the Aquadome, Dingle, and nearby shops and restaurants. The proximity to a taxi stand enhances accessibility for guests.

Mixed feelings about this place. Beautifully built hotel and very impressed walking in to calming, classical music. However, there was rarely anyone sitting up front. Upon check-in, oddly, there was a sign that instructed guests to call a number to announce one's arrival. The room itself was OK and the bed was really comfortable. The room should have two luggage racks, not one (forced to request a second one). There is little closet/storage space and there was only 4-5 hangers. There were neither washcloths nor a cosmetic mirror (always annoying). The shower drain clearly was not working at 100% (we weren't staying long enough to request plumbing services...). The shower is an open area so the whole floor gets wet. On a positive note, loved The Handmade Soap company's products (made in Ireland). Noise level was up and down (it was expected given the location) but included a daily 7AM "wake-up call" by a street-cleaning vehicle: it literally sounded like an approaching tornado and would pass by twice within minutes. There was no recycling bin in the room! Hotel does not offer parking (maybe work out a deal for guests at one of the local places?). Note that for some reason, the Parking Payment Kiosk/Machine outside the Dominican Church is half the price (€, 60/hr) than all the others nearby (€ 1,20/hr)! Lastly, the hot breakfast (from the menu) that was offered was good, but server Ciara needs to work on her people skills as she lacked any affect at all. "Buffet" is hardly a buffet (more like a light continental selection). The drinks offered (juice (unsure I would call that "juice"); water; etc.) were in open glass pitchers that must be handled by everyone - yuck. Good location for walking around. Don't miss the local Town Park with its gorgeous rose gardens. St. Brendan's Church (adjacent to the town's greyhound racetrack) is also very unique. Be sure to visit Banna Strand, a gorgeous beach a short seven miles away, as well as the Blennerville Windmill, also nearby. Overall, a nice, modern hotel which could be excellent with a few tweaks.

We went to The James for food and ended up in the restaurant in the basement. Lovely decor. Food was very poor and over priced. We were a party of three and the pasta was not al dente but just not cooked properly. The Eton Mess must have been prepared several hours earlier and was untouchable. During the entire time we were there, we were never asked if our food was ok. The waitress clearly saw that the Eton Mess was untouched but still never asked if there was something wrong. When it came to paying the bill and when we told the server about the pasta and dessert, we were advised we should have said earlier. We would have told them, if someone tended to our table during the meal. The three of us, who all live around the Tralee area, agreed we will not go back there in a hurry. Very disappointing, poor food at an expensive price.