Best Breakfast Included Pubs

Step into The Grand Hotel Tralee and you'll quickly understand why locals call it the beating heart of Kerry's capital. Perched prominently in the center of town like an old friend waiting to welcome you home, this beloved institution has been serving up authentic Irish hospitality since before your grandparents were courting. While other venues might rest on their laurels, The Grand Hotel Tralee continues to evolve while keeping its soul firmly rooted in tradition. From the moment you cross the threshold, there's an unmistakable buzz in the air - that perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort that's harder to nail than a proper pint pour. The entrance hall sets the tone with its elegant wood paneling and warm lighting, managing to feel both impressive and intimate at the same time. It's the kind of place where you might spot a local politician having a quiet coffee in one corner while a group of tourists plan their Ring of Kerry adventure in another. The rooms themselves tell a story of thoughtful modernization. Recently refreshed with a decorator's careful eye, they strike that elusive balance between classic comfort and modern necessity. Clean lines and plush bedding invite you to sink in after a day of exploring, while freshly updated bathrooms sparkle with the kind of cleanliness that makes germaphobes smile. And yes, while some rooms overlook the bustling street life of Tralee (perfect for people-watching), others offer a quieter perspective - just be sure to request your preference when booking. Let's talk about the food because, oh my goodness, the food. The hotel's restaurant has become something of a local legend, particularly for its lamb dishes that could make a vegetarian question their life choices. The breakfast spread is the kind that makes you set your alarm early - think freshly baked brown bread that would make your Irish grandmother proud, locally sourced eggs cooked to perfection, and rashers that could cure any hint of the previous night's overindulgence. The full Irish breakfast here isn't just a meal; it's a proper Kerry morning ritual. The pub attached to The Grand Hotel Tralee deserves its own paragraph (or three). It's one of those rare gems that manages to be both a legitimate locals' hangout and a welcoming space for visitors. The bartenders have that magical ability to remember your name and your drink after just one visit, making you feel like you've been coming here for years. In the evenings, the atmosphere shifts from casual day-drinking spot to lively social hub, with the kind of authentic Irish pub experience that tourism boards try (and fail) to bottle and sell. Speaking of atmosphere, timing your visit right might reward you with impromptu traditional music sessions that spring up like mushrooms after rain. There's nothing quite like nursing a perfectly poured Guinness while local musicians set up in the corner, their instruments carrying tunes that have echoed through these walls for generations. Location-wise, you couldn't ask for better. The Grand Hotel Tralee sits right in the town center, making it the perfect base for exploring. Everything from the Kerry County Museum to the best shopping spots is within easy walking distance. And while there's no on-site parking, the street parking is free overnight until 8:30 AM, with plenty of affordable options nearby for daytime storage of your rental car. Here's a local's tip: if you're visiting during the Rose of Tralee festival, book well in advance - and I mean really well in advance. The Grand becomes festival central, humming with activity and alive with the kind of excitement that only comes once a year. Even if you're not here for the festival, the hotel's central location means you're always close to whatever events are bringing Tralee to life, from food festivals to cultural celebrations. The Grand Hotel Tralee isn't just a place to rest your head - it's a slice of Kerry life served with a side of genuine warmth. Whether you're using it as a base to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, attending a local wedding, or just fancy a weekend break in one of Ireland's most charming towns, you'll find yourself planning your return visit before you've even checked out. Take my advice: book that room, grab a seat at the bar, and let Tralee's grand dame show you why she's earned her reputation as the heart of Kerry hospitality.

Just what London's Westminster district needed - another boutique hotel masquerading as a proper pub. The Sanctuary House Hotel seemed destined to be yet another tourist trap trading on its proximity to Big Ben, until I actually spent a night there. Consider this my reluctant love letter to an establishment that had absolutely no right being this good. Let's address the elephant in the parlor - yes, The Sanctuary House Hotel sits practically in Westminster Abbey's shadow, making it almost suspiciously well-located for London sightseeing. I arrived fully prepared to pen a scathing critique of yet another mediocre central London hotel charging premium rates for postcode prestige. The universe, however, had other plans. First impressions were... confounding. The building itself has that classic Victorian pub architecture that developers usually butcher in the name of modernization. Yet here it stands, refreshingly unmolested by chrome-and-glass "improvements." The ground floor pub retains its period features without descending into twee historical cosplay. It's as if someone actually respected the building's heritage while dragging it into the 21st century. How irritatingly competent. The rooms upstairs presented their own crisis of cynicism. I expected the usual London hotel room - barely enough space to open your suitcase, with a view of someone else's brick wall. Instead, I found myself in what can only be described as a masterclass in spatial efficiency. Yes, the rooms are compact (this is central London, not Texas), but they're thoughtfully designed with built-in storage, clever lighting, and surprisingly luxurious touches like proper coffee machines and rainfall showers. Even the complimentary biscuits weren't the usual disappointing digestives. The bed - oh, the bed. I've slept in five-star hotels with less comfortable mattresses. Combined with the remarkable quietness of the rooms (despite being in the heart of Westminster), I slept better than I do at home. This was not part of my plan to find fault with everything. The pub downstairs deserves its own grudging appreciation. While most hotel bars feel like soulless afterthoughts, this one actually functions as a proper London pub, complete with local regulars who seem genuinely fond of the place rather than trapped by convenience. The breakfast served here in the morning is another unexpected triumph - proper English breakfast fare that doesn't taste like it came from a catering warehouse's freezer. The staff, annoyingly, make it even harder to maintain professional disdain. They've mastered that rare balance between attentiveness and restraint, appearing exactly when needed without hovering. Even more impressively, they manage to treat both tourists and locals with equal respect - a feat that deserves some sort of hospitality medal in central London. Location-wise, you're practically tripping over London landmarks. Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and St. James's Park are your immediate neighbors. St. James's Park tube station is literally around the corner, making it almost impossible to get lost - though watching tourists try remains an endless source of entertainment from the pub's windows. Here's the truly infuriating part - while not cheap (this is Westminster, after all), The Sanctuary House Hotel delivers value that's hard to dispute. You're paying for location, certainly, but also for a level of comfort and service that makes you forget to be cynical about the price tag. For those requiring practicalities: yes, book ahead. Way ahead. The secret is unfortunately out, and these rooms get snapped up faster than seats on the tube during rush hour. Request a room on the higher floors for the best blend of views and quietness, and do yourself a favor by including breakfast in your rate. So here I am, a professional skeptic, recommending The Sanctuary House Hotel in Westminster with barely a trace of sarcasm. London has countless hotels, but precious few manage to combine location, comfort, and character this successfully. Book a stay before my reputation for cynicism recovers - you'll find me in the pub, pretending I'm not enjoying myself nearly as much as I am.