Downings Bay Hotel

We had two family events recently in Downings and stayed here. The staff and management could not have done more for us- they really pulled out all the stops. If you want to experience ‘the Donegal Welcome’ this is the place to stay. And don’t forget the sea swim nearby!

Usually dine in this hotel and acknowledge food is great. However, when attending the Downings festival, spent time in this hotel and observed the poorest customer service of my life. When asked to replenish toilet roll, the member of staff covering reception declined advising 'the queue is too long, we're not putting out anymore'. Whilst I myself was fine, a lady was in a cubicle with her disabled child, dealing with an incident. I approached customer services along with her daughter, with a view to explaining the situation and the staff member closed themselves in a room at the back of reception, avoiding interaction with patrons. Thinking on my feet, I asked a young waiter for some blue roll to clean up a spill and declined his offer to do it for us. One mother of a disabled child and many other ladies were very grateful for the blue roll. Absolutely appalled at the customer service this evening. I acknowledge a lot of visitors to the hotel may not have been dining or staying there, however they are friends and family of Downings and surrounding areas and most likely staying in local caravan parks many of whom are owned by the proprietors of this hotel and weekend after weekend they spend their money locally and in businesses connected with this hotel. This festival is sponsored by this hotel, basic support should not be in question.

Dined in the bar last week. Service and food excellent, bar very busy but staff well capable of dealing with same. I had the salmon special was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend. Look forward to visiting again when back in the area……..