This is one of the friendliest hotels in the world. There's a genuine warmth here with staff who engage you as you walk by, at reception, having a coffee in their cafe and sandwich bar or in Spago restaurant or going to and from the spa. Anyone giving this place less than 5 stars is looking for problems; relax folks it's a charming hotel. Enjoy yourselves (it's later than you think). Our visit got off to a great start as we arrived in time for Sunday lunch. A great way to commence our 2 night living social deal. The Sunday lunch was carvery. We had a salmon main (€12.50) and a veg red pepper quiche main (€9.95). They came respectively with a light masterful lemon cream sauce and a ratatouille sauce with more than a hint of chilli. Both were excellent, especially the chilli ratatouille that was on the great side of good. The mash and veg were very good too. We then ventured into their cafe on a mezzanine floor above, and to the side of reception overlooking the huge entrance hall, for a cappuccino and a latte. Each came with a coffee biscuit. Our room was ready so off we went. It had a comfy double bed, was roomy with an oldish telly, a sideboard, table, chairs all very cosy indeed. Tea & coffee facilities, iron, ironing board etc. Breakfast porridge was very good. It has the usual sausage, bacon, black & white puddings, eggs etc. I asked what the fish was and it was cod. It was a huge very fresh tasty portion just wonderful. One criticism though, no fresh fruit like apples, banana or orange. Our deal included food in their Italian Spago restaurant (see photos). A ciabatta with olive oil, cheese, tomato and tasty as well as a generous portion; a duck leg main and a sirloin steak main. I asked for the steak to be medium. It was. It was a good thick tasty steak. It had a good pepper sauce on the side. I asked for English mustard - best mustard in the world too - no problem. Mashed potatoes, chips and a mix veg of turnip, green beans & carrots. All perfectly tasty, all perfectly cooked. Desserts of profiteroles and a tiramisu - both liberally dosed with chocolate sauce and cream. Phew. The cocktail waiter cheerfully conjured up two cosmopolitans (€10 each). The staff were attentive and efficient. The spa has a large pool, a steam and sauna bath and two jacuzzis. You need swimming caps if you intend using the pool. The steam room was perfect. Just hot enough to be tolerable. The jacuzzi too was pleasant. The pool itself was coolish. This is a great hotel. Any failings are minor. Mind you we hit a first here; when the jacuzzi stops you are asked to sit on the side for it to top up and pop back in when the bubbles recommence. Been in jacuzzis in 21 countries and never has to do this. The hotel, which has its own car park, is near an Odeon cinema so off we went to see Brendan Gleeson's new movie, Calvary. A work of art because of its truth. Gritty though. Portlaoise is an old town at least 550 years old. It a great shopping town with some narrow streets. Portlaoise is one of Ireland's fastest growing towns too with a near 40% increase from 2006 to 2011. It has a large immigrant community (30% of total population) mainly from Poland, Slovakia, Lithuania, Nigeria & Latvia. It has the highest percentage of people under the age of 18 in Ireland. Due to rapid population growth and in particular immigration from Eastern Europe especially Poland & Slovakia and its location in the commuter belt Portlaoise boasts some of the countries best services. I recommend a visit. read more