Have to say I'm very disappointed, seems like the hotel business in Ireland is really going through a shaky period, hope it doesn't continue...

Oh well, I'll have to make lemonade out of lemons and use this as a chance to try out another property next time I'm in Limerick. Maybe give the George or Abolute a try...

The Absolute is still operational but has had problems. Pity because their restaurant is superb and friends who have stayed there have loved it.

The George appears to be alive and well and has its own Starbucks.

Unfortunately a number of factors have had an impact on the hotel industry locally.

Firstly, the loss of flights to and from Heathrow Airport has most definately impacted on local trade.

Secondly, the general economic downturn.

Thirdly, the weather over the last 18 months or so, means that Irish people are more likely to take a short break abroad rather than at home.

I forgot to say - the hotel formerly known as the Hilton WILL REMAIN OPEN AS THE STRAND HOTEL.

We will not be losing a hotel in Limerick, just a hotel brand name.

Been keeping an eye on this story for a while. In my opinion it was never going to last. The service there any time I have been in there has been a complete Joke. Had a few conference meetings there and they were a complete joke when it came to serving meals. I was finished before the last 2 people (out of 8) got served. The pint in there is awful aswell.

They were advertising the Heineken cup rugby matches all over the hotel. Asked them to put it on the TV. They didnt even have the channel.

I would prefer to stay across the road in the maternity hospital, before booking a room in the Hilton.

Be careful what you wish for Ry :o) It might come true, lol!!

I am really sad to hear about this Beanalainn.

I have friends who are going to stay there on Monday week.

They got a good deal and are really looking forward to it.

I hope they won't be disappointed as I told them it was a lovely hotel.

I have never eaten there, but attended a book launch and thought everything looked nice.

Now Ryano's comments have got me worried.

There was a dispute between the management of the hotel and the Hilton owners so they took their branding from the hotel.

Personally I dont mind who has control over the hotel as long as standards are kept up.

I hope the advertising on the top of the hotel at the city facing side is only temporary. It just looks like its stuck onto the wall. Cheap is the best word I can use.

Only time can tell whether or not the new group can uphold the properties Hiltons standards. They are struggling though because nobody is buying the strand appartments.

"Personally I dont mind who has control over the hotel as long as standards are kept up."

I would generally agree, but in the case of Hilton and similar chains I wonder how much business they were getting from American and UK business and leisure travelers who would stay there either to earn points or because they would get "freebies" for being HiltonHonors members.

In my case, I would stay there just for the free snacks and drinks in the lounge in the evening as well as upgraded room. Now that it's not a Hilton property, I "may or may not" stay there and I'm sure I'm not alone.

Im a Hilton Platinum member but I wouldnt ever be staying there unless my mothers/brothers/mother in laws house is full and I cant have the guest room. I also only live just outside Limerick.

One of the good things about the Hilton chain is that you can redeem points and gain points on selected airlines. Im going to Texas and Orlando next year and will be flying United and you can gain frequent flyer points onto your Hilton card with that airline. And Im not even paying for the flights! LOL

Hilton Ireland is not a great brand because of its limitations as being the only brand part of the global brand except for the Conrad but who can afford that anyway?

Doubtree, Emabassy and Homewood are good and all over the place in the US. I would make better sense to be a full member in the US because of the masses of choice.

Consistency is difficult because quite a number of Hilton and partners are on the worst hotel list and most of them are up the top. This shows difficulty for the group in the sense that their business development team are picking up properties and regional managers are not monitoring standards enough.

The Waldorf Astoria to which I was supposed to stay in in November(cancelled due to Australia) is getting dated unless you book superior or above(supposedly) and service can be anything from spectacular to spectaculary bad.

The Strand being locally run may be better because of its self imposed rules but that might be another downfall. Most hotels lose their appeal down to poor customer service and housekeeping/maintanence. The old strand was like a Holiday Inn style motel and the Jurys Doyle group only expanding slightly on this but it still looked dated once you passed the foyer. The Strand looks good right now but without the right team they will quickly fall by the wayside.

Jurys Inn was supposed to be the pinacle of Limerick on the water design but thats a rat infested stink hole(former manager). Bad head office management team, low budgets, high expectations from guests and low scores on TA.

Only Time Will Tell