In a remarkable showing for Irish luxury hotels, Ballyfin Demesne, in Co. Laois, has been named the world's best hotel at the Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards 2016, where it was joined in the top 10 by two other Irish hotels.
The Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards, voted for by over 300,000 readers of the influential US travel magazine, saw Ballyfin in first spot, with Waterford Castle in seventh place and The Lodge at Ashford Castle in ninth, reports the Irish Independent, which added that Ballyfin scored a 99.11 rating from readers, with Waterford Castle getting 98.6 and the Lodge at Ashford Castle on 98.38.
"Beyond the regal four-poster canopy beds, gilded mirrors, and richly textured wallpapers, there are 614 acres of secluded private gardens begging to be strolled.
"But the real highlight? Having a butler row you out on the lake before enjoying a sumptuous lunch at the picnic house."
