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Hotel Review

Every hotel has a story. Some are haunted, others have been handed down through generations of families steeped in hospitality. But perhaps the story of Harvey's Point is one of the most engaging – certainly one of the most romantic.Set on the edge of Lough Eske around four kilometres from Donegal Town and watched over by the rugged Blue Stack Mountains, Harvey's Point began life as a humble cottage. Discovered and bought by Swiss restauranteur, Jody Gysling, as the perfect place to get away from the demands of his thriving business, visits to the house by family and friends soon made it apparent that the location was perfect for a new venture. Before long Jody was joined by brother Marc, and the small cottage had taken on an alpine-feel as it expanded to include two restaurants, a bar and 20 lakeside bedrooms. Which is where the romantic aspect of the hotel's story really begins. As the property gained in popularity so the brothers added to their staff, recruiting local girl, Deirdre McGlone, as hotel manager. Whether it was the clear star-lit nights or the fresh, earthy waters of the lough, love soon blossomed between Deirdre and Marc and a new hotel family was born.

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Heaven by the lake

Gavin Walker visits the haven that is Harvey's Point Hotel, Country Donegal, AA Hotel of the Year 2008

Three months is a long time in both economics – and in politics.

by Bro McFerran CBE, president of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce...read more

Since then, Harvey's Point has continued to expand on the original site with the recent (2005) addition of 56 incredible bedrooms and suites bringing the total to 71.And what bedrooms they are. With the smallest of the new rooms coming in at 806 square feet, spreading out is not even a slight problem. Each of the rooms has a separate foyer, lobby and mini bar with the sumptuous bathrooms modestly referred to as 'very roomy' on the hotel's website. The bathtub for two is 'very roomy'; the bathroom is massive and, like the bedroom, and indeed the rest of the hotel, is a study in attention to detail down to the thoughtful positioning of a spotlight over the loo for guests so involved in a book that even a couple of minutes away from the pages would be unforgivable.But don't worry, if reading, or simply starring out the window and marvelling at the incredible views of Lough Eske and the mountains is not quite your thing, the 42” plasma screen television will help keep you entertained.

Exquisite diningFor many, including the AA who awarded the hotel restaurant two rosettes on the basis of food excellence, Harvey's Point is famed for its' incredible cuisine. Inspired by an abundance of local produce and seafood, and made all the better thanks to a Swiss attention to detail, the menu, service and atmosphere of dining at Harvey's Point is unforgettable. And with the changing face of the lough and mountains framed in floor to ceiling windows, time is mystically contracted with three hours at table passing in a moment.A business locationSo, Harvey's Point should be on everybody's list of 'must visit' for a personal break. But only two and a half hours from Belfast, and just down the road from Derry, the property is also well within reach for corporate groups. A point that Deirdre made during our conversation. “With the addition of the new wing which includes a dedicated boardroom, and over-sized suites that can be used for even smaller or more private meetings, along with the two larger conference rooms seating up to 300 delegates, we now have an impressive product to offer meeting planners. And with each meeting being assigned a dedicated co-ordinator at the hotel, we can meet the needs of even the most demanding business meeting,” she said.And finallyThe story isn't yet over at Harvey's Point. With a new swimming pool scheduled to open later this year, an ongoing programme of training for a staff who already exude the very best in Irish hospitality and the development of the spa treatments presently available, the hotel is moving confidently into the future.For more information on the hotel, information on special offers that should be snapped up immediately, plus some brilliant pictures of the property and its wonderful rooms and views, visit www.harveyspoint.com

www.harveyspoint.com

The official magazine of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce

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