Hotel Scoop: A Year of Favorites From 11 Jaded Hotel Reviewers


Editor Tim Leffel reviewed a wide variety of hotels and resorts in 11 countries this past year, but nothing could compare to the experience of staying in Ireland’s oldest continuously inhabited castle. Kilkea Castle is now a hotel and Tim was the first guest to sleep in his room’s bed as the place opened up in October. It’s got a tower worthy of Rapunzel, thick stone walls, and its own crumbling chapel and graveyard. There’s also a golf course, full restaurant, and bar, however, plus updated rooms that won’t make you feel like you’re in a drafty fortress. Order a dram of Irish whisky and listen to a good story as you sit by the roaring fire.