Imperial Hotel Tralee

Just what Tralee needed - another hotel with delusions of grandeur. The Imperial Hotel Tralee sits there on Denny Street like it owns the place, which I suppose technically it does, wearing its history like a slightly tarnished crown. I approached with the enthusiasm of someone getting a root canal, fully prepared to add it to my ever-growing list of mediocre Irish accommodations.

Let's address the elephant in the room - those infamous annexe rooms that have caused more drama than a soap opera. Yes, they're technically behind the main building in what could generously be described as a lane. And yes, my initial reaction was somewhere between skepticism and outright horror. But here's the irritating truth - they're actually rather good. Spotlessly clean, modern, and equipped with everything you'd expect, plus a few surprises. Like the patio doors that smokers will appreciate (though I judge you silently for that habit).

The main building of the Imperial Hotel Tralee has that classic Irish hotel charm that makes you feel like you've stepped into a time warp - but in a good way, which pains me to admit. The staff, particularly, seem to have missed the memo about being jaded hospitality workers. Instead, they're genuinely helpful and warm, which is frankly suspicious. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, but it never did.

The beds deserve special mention, if only because they managed to spark a domestic dispute between one couple I overheard - he found it heavenly, she thought it was torture. I'm with him on this one (words I never thought I'd write). The pillows are surprisingly decent too, though I'll deny saying that if questioned.

Now, about that bathroom door situation in some rooms - whoever thought putting a full-length clear glass window in a bathroom door was a good idea clearly needs to reassess their life choices. It's like they're trying to create their own reality show. But mention this quirk at reception and they'll likely sort you out with a room featuring more traditional bathroom privacy arrangements.

The location, irritatingly enough, is perfect. Right in the heart of Tralee, you're stumbling distance from everything worth seeing (which, in Tralee, is more than you'd expect). During the Rose of Tralee festival, you're practically tripping over sashes and tiaras - take that as either a warning or an enticement, depending on your disposition.

The hotel's dining options have no right to be as good as they are. The fried brie starter is a heart attack waiting to happen, and I hate myself for loving it. The service in the restaurant hits that sweet spot between attentive and overbearing, though during peak times you might need to deploy your best passive-aggressive cough to get attention.

For parking - a usual nightmare in Irish town centers - they've somehow managed to provide actual spaces for guests. I'm almost angry about how convenient it is. The Wi-Fi works (a miracle in itself), the heating functions when you need it (another miracle), and they even manage to keep the coffee fresh in the rooms, which is more than I can say for some five-star establishments I've endured.

Look, I wanted to dislike the Imperial Hotel Tralee. I really did. It would have made my job easier and satisfied my cynical soul. But despite its quirks (or perhaps because of them), it's wormed its way onto my "actually decent" list. Whether you're in town for business, pleasure, or being forced to attend yet another cousin's wedding, you could do worse. Much worse.

If you must stay in Tralee (and I acknowledge there are legitimate reasons one might need to), the Imperial is worth your consideration. Book directly through their website - not because I'm doing them a favor, but because it typically works out better for everyone involved. And if you do end up in one of those annexe rooms, just remember - sometimes the best surprises come in unexpected packages down slightly suspicious alleyways. Though I can't believe I just wrote that sentence, and I'll probably need a drink to recover from this unexpected bout of positivity.