Nestled in the historic town of Crawfordsburn rests the Old Inn. This idyllic Inn first opened its doors in 1614 making it an inherent gem of the picturesque area. In December, NI Travel News’ Erin English had the pleasure of staying at the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn and got to experience the rural retreat in all its glory.
Entering the reception of the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, one feels as though they are being enveloped in a hug by an old friend. The cosy fire and furnishings make you feel right at home, along with the friendly faces at reception who are kind, attentive and let you know all the details of your stay upon arrival. As my stay was in December, the reception area was dotted with decorations bringing a festive atmosphere to our stay almost immediately. At check- in, we were informed that guests staying at the hotel can utilise the Tree-Top Spa facility anytime from check-in until 8pm and then any time prior to check-out. This was welcome information, as this free-style spa experience meant that we could tailor-make our own hotel experience, rather than have allocated time slots to enjoy the Spa.
During check-in, we were shown some of the amazing amenities at the Old Inn. This included the Old Inn Restaurant, a warm and refined dining area and the 1614 Bar, a cosy and laid-back bar where you can catch a bit of live music in the evenings! All before being shown to our room, room 1614, a charming detail which paid homage to the Inn’s original opening date. Accommodation at The Old Inn is vast, with six choices of stays! Rooms range from petite, carriage, highway, junior suite, suite, and cottage. All rooms provide accommodation for two people with outstanding facilities available in each Room Rate. We stayed in a Highway Room, spacious rooms which are ideal for a peaceful and relaxing retreat. The Highway rooms are crisp and modern, a feature that intertwines seamlessly with the charm and character of the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn.
Standing in the middle of the room is a breath-taking four poster bed, with soft furnishings that make you anticipate a night of relaxation and rest. Highway rooms come with a range of facilities for guests, including signature Old Inn robes and flip-flops, a Nespresso coffee machine, a hairdryer, a satellite tv and other signature hotel amenities. Taking the surroundings of our home away from home, it was then time to ditch our bags and head down to the Tree-Top spa to embark on a journey towards ultimate relaxation!
Located just a short distance from our room, was the steps to the Tree-Top spa. Perched above the heights of Crawfordsburn Country Park, breathe in the surrounding nature while experiencing the tranquillity and luxury of a spa experience. Dip your toe into the welcoming bubbles of the hot tub, the hot tub is located just to the right of the Conservatory and offers a stunning view of the neighbouring trees and woodland. Allow your muscles to relax as the heat of the water melt away the stressors of everyday life. Or perhaps you fancy a swim in the pool to refresh your senses? The ideal attribute of Treetop Spa is the lack of time-pressure, where other spas you can feel pressured to spend little time in the Hot tub or steam room, the Treetop Spa is only available to guests of the Old Inn.
After time spent in the hot tub taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding woodland, it was time to experience the sauna. The Sauna is fitted with wooden seating where you can chat, relax or succumb your senses to the heat. Or perhaps rest your eyes or read in the conservatory? A designated area for you to sight and ease into relaxation and comfort of the Tree Top spa, with refreshments and lounge seats. This is the idyllic place to allow your troubles to float away. During our time at the spa, we spent a majority of our time in the spa utilising the Hot Tub and clearing the pores in the Steam Room, an area where it’s a guarantee to leave feeling rejuvenated. The rest of our time was spent relaxing on the heated marble loungers before heading up to our room to prepare for a fabulous three-course meal at the Old Inn Restaurant.
Feeling relaxed and recharged from the Treetop Spa, it had seemed we had worked up a bit of an appetite. Our evening meal at The Old Inn restaurant was booked for 8pm so after dolling ourselves up after the spa, we headed for a quick drink at the 1614 bar. The atmosphere at the Old Inn was comforting, with a warm fire and cosy interiors. Alongside the harmonious music of the live entertainment, our stay at the Old Inn was already stellar.
The stay continued to go from strength to strength as we entered the restaurant, where we were met with friendly and helpful service and a lovely seat located right next to the window. Our stay included a three-course meal and a glass of house wine. When ordering, the staff were exceptional, going above and beyond to recommend dishes and informing us on the details of the wine. For my three-course dinner, I opted for the Traditional Prawn Cocktail with Treacle Wheaten Bread to start, followed by a main of Old Inn Prime Beef Burger with Chunky Chips. All finished off on a sweet note with a Traditional Christmas Pudding with custard. The dinner was exceptional, right from the service to the food which was exquisite and packs with heaps of flavour.
With full bellies, it was time to head back up to the room and hit the hay. So relaxed from our evening spent in The Tree Top Spa, it didn’t take long to sail into slumber.
Well-rested, the winter sun began to break over another day at the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn. Packing up our belongings and preparing to say goodbye to such a fabulous stay, we headed down to the restaurant for a light breakfast. The breakfast offering at the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn was vast with a full spread of pastries, fruit and treats alongside a menu of cooked breakfasts. A sure way to start off your day on the right note! As breakfast concluded, our stay at the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn had come to a close and it was time to depart the historic Old Inn, Crawfordsburn.
The Old Inn, Crawfordburn is a hotel packed to the brim with character and charm. Loving hands and delicate touches have been incorporated through the property to ensure that the valuable history of the property remains intact. The gem nestled above the trees of Crawfordsburn Country Park is the Treetop Spa, which leaves guests feeling rested, relaxed, and rejuvenated. The freestyle approach to visit the Spa anytime during your stay is ideal, giving guests free reign over their own Old Inn Experience. The Old Inn Restaurant is a culinary delight and the ideal way to spend an evening with your family, friends or perhaps your significant other. With friendly faces and staff that would go far beyond the extra mile to ensure you enjoy a stellar stay, there is a reason why the Old Inn Crawfordsburn is the longstanding heart of the Northern Irish Hotel Scene.
Be sure to check out NI Travel News’ Facebook for a chance to win : An Overnight Stay for Two, Access to Treetop Spa, Afternoon Tea, A Three-Course Meal, and Breakfast at the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn!
