Lake of Shadows Hotel

First overnight stay at a hotel where we previously enjoyed excellent evening meals. The check in was speedy and friendly, and we got a room at the top of the building, so if you get similar lifts are best used for baggage! We were overlooking the car park which is very secure with a token to leave free system, and Church Street which is a little noisy until about 11.15 p.m. The room 161 was fresh, bright and spotless, with all we needed, tea and coffee making facilities, TV etc. The bathroom very modern, good shower, and could have been improved a little by adding a shelf as we had to keep our tooth-cleaning gear in the bedroom, the only ledge being the toilet cistern top, which is OK for a bottle of shampoo, not so much toothbrushes! The toilet area is neat in size, about 20 inches wide as it the shower exit so perhaps 161 is not for you if you have a little extra padding! But for average folks like us it was fine. Breakfast was cooked to order and excellent. Cereal/fruit selection could have been better, and no croissants, but perfectly adequate. Dinner was as expected - excellent. Can't beat a roast. We had the famous Houdini, which was good but not fantastic as before. A light drizzle of white chocolate only and less caramel inside than before, but still a nice ending to a meal. Staff are very busy but professional and friendly. Will certainly be back for more overnight stays.

Stayed here Friday 14th March with the better half. On arrival greeted by Steve who was polite and courteous. The rooms were small but clean and lovely and cosy. We decided to try the restaurant, again clean and staff couldn’t do enough for you. Special mention to Eimear who looked after us. I went for the Cajun Chicken with fries and better half tried the vol au vent both were delicious. On reading a previous review on here I decided to go for the Houdini coconut ice cream and it was simply delicious, definitely give it a try. I had the full Irish breakfast the next morning and again tasty. All in all a great we trip and would definitely recommend this establishment.

Receptionist would need a course on people management, should have checked if stay was paid for in advance or whos name or card details they had for payment instead of asking for payment right away, then sending us to wrong floor on a two floor hotel , not very professional at all other than that V.Good

Due to unseasonably summery weather, and the sea being out far beyond the usual levels two weary walkers who had exceeded their plans for the outdoors found themselves in need of a meal at the end of the day. As frequent visitors to another Buncrana establishment they were disappointed to learn there that the roast dinner there was the same as the one they had enjoyed at home two days before, and they decided to give the Lake of Shadows a turn, and were so glad they did. Never having been there before they looked at first impressions - comfy chairs in the lobby, clean modern toilets and liked what they saw. The bar area is carpeted and comfy with a great sun room - dark, tile floor, antique filled areas in so many other restaurants lack cosiness. The young man serving was very friendly, a big bonus to any establishment. The turkey and ham dinner is a great option when you have worked up an appetite walking all day and did not disappoint - lashings of tender turkey, just the right amount of ham and stuffing, a roastie which seems to be off so many menus of late, and copious amounts of veg with a good variety, and of course that filling bed of mash. If one was to split hairs, the broccoli could have been cooked a little less, that would indeed be splitting hairs. We forced room for the Houdini pud having heard it was fantastic - and it was. Coconut lovers heaven! We will most certainly be back even if the sunshine isn't.

Stayed for 1 night with bed&breakfast and evening meal, when we went for a few drinks before our meal we had the first interaction with the front of house man who was very rude and abrupt, unfortunately this carried on all night, bar man was very friendly but rest of staff need training.With the deal your choice of meals was very limited. Food was burnt and mash dry, very disappointed as this was our second time here and food was amazing then. Will not recommend because of front of house man’s attitude and food.

Ordered Sunday lunch which the food came out and I waited on my extras that I ordered "gravy and a bowl of chips" few minutes past and still no sign on the extras. Had to go and ask a staff member about them which I waited another 10 mins, still no sign and had to ask another staff member. My food was cold by this stage when the gravy and chips came out! A staff member came to clear the table and ask was everything OK. I explained what had happened and she said you should of ask someone to "reheat" your food. Food was 3/10. I have ate many times in here and most certainly will be my last!