How to Half your Christmas Stress and Increase your Relaxation

 

Are you fed up with all the Christmas stress; cooking the turkey, basting the ham and creating the perfect family dinner? Do you feel the need to get away and let someone else do all the worry? We all love the get-togethers and the festivities but hate the organising, cleaning, stress and tidying up the mess? Would you like to experience Christmas with a difference this year?

 

If the answer is yes, well then let me tell you about a place where you can enjoy the ultimate stress-free Christmas experience all under one roof. A home away from home so to speak.  It is here in Ireland’s Lakelands where you can enjoy a home away from home Christmas experience in a family run destination hotel. We have created Christmas experiences for generations of families who have come back again and again over the festive season.

 

“Great stay at the Hodson Bay over Christmas.  Great value and plenty of food even carvery dinner on St. Stephen’s Day before we headed home. Adult only rooms were great with walk-in shower and plenty of space. The highlight, however, was the staff. Everyone was extremely friendly, helpful and efficient. Anything we needed was brought to the room immediately and with a friendly smile…” EKDublin – Jan 2017

 

 

 

Space to Do What You Want

 

 

Been at home with all our family, extended family, friends and neighbours who drop by make Christmas amazing. But, remember last year cabin set in quickly. There were many times when you wanted to climb out the nearest window when the political debates started or the Christmas reruns kicked off again. Well, Christmas hotel stays allow you to roam the whole hotel and the grounds. So, you have the best of both. You can dine stress-free with your family and extended family while enjoying everyone’s company with laughter and ease.

 

 

 

Something for Everyone

 

 

 

Staying somewhere different at Christmas can be a lot of fun too. And one of the great benefits of Chrismas hotel stays  is the facilities. Think how all year round you have worked so hard. You are tired. You would love someone to come in to take away all the hassle of cooking, cleaning and entertaining. So, I ask you, how does waking up every morning in fresh sheets, going for a swim, having breakfast served to you, with no washing up, and lots of options for things to do, none of which include work or household chores, sound?

 

 

“We arrived to a warm welcome on Christmas Eve by staff dressed in festive jumpers… There was plenty of activities for children and adult entertainment provided for various tastes too. There was a good mix of age range which is important – from families with young children right through to senior citizens. The leisure facilities were open every day albeit on a reduced schedule only on Christmas Day which was understandable with normal times the other days which was great as it was good to work off some calories or help develop an appetite once again.” Margaret A (Christmas 2016)

 

 

Ultimate Rest of Body, Mind & Soul

 

 

 

We have got to say one of the best treats during a Christmas hotel stay is the spa. It’s that little piece of heaven. And there is no better time than Christmas to allow yourself to rebalance, reenergise and refocus. And it is huge plus when you can share it with friends and family.

 

Cliona F told us about her and her college friends experience at our hotel & spa:

 

“We are 6 college friends (all mums), who have been going away on one night treats every year for the last 20 years. This was our first time to the Hodson Bay and it certainly won’t be the last! The adults-only retreat area is fabulous – everyone raved about their chosen treatment (I had a fantastic massage), the bedrooms are well appointed, dinner was delicious and the chef and serving staff were able to accommodate my allergy requirements, with minimum fuss and hassle. Breakfast the next morning was another pleasant experience. 6 happy mammies left after 24 hours – with no complaint between them about ANYTHING. That’s a first! Thank you, Hodson Bay!”

 

 

 

Traditional or Non-Traditional Dining

 

 

Are you adventurous or traditional when it comes to your Christmas dining? Well, maybe you would like to be different this Christmas. And you can have that when you celebrate Christmas hotel style. You can order what you like and do it your way.

 

“Christmas 2016 & a big birthday for myself. All of the children & grandchildren wanted to celebrate the occasion, & with there being 15 of us + my sister & spouse, I opted for the 3 night Christmas Package in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone. It was an excellent decision as the hotel put on a magnificent programme for the entire 3 days. We were greeted on arrival with mulled wine/mince pies & very enjoyable live music which set the standard for the entire 3 days. Food was great & the belly of pork on St. Stephen’s night was the tastiest I have ever eaten. The grandchildren had endless kids clubs/activities/swimming to occupy themselves, while in the afternoons the adults were entertained with bingo/quiz. Christmas night (after we had dined well on turkey/ham at 3pm.), we were spoiled with a wonderful variety of finger food/dips/sandwiches as we relaxed in the bar to live music. I have no hesitation in recommending it highly to anyone else in the future.” Finbarroshea – Christmas 2016

 

 

Entertainment and much much more

 

Another reason why staying in a hotel is pretty great; everything is under the one roof. On Christmas Eve you enjoy festive snacks, homemade mince pies, a fabulous evening meal, a celebratory Christmas mass, live entertainment and late-night nibbles. And on Christmas morning, the little ones can meet Santa. You will enjoy a beautiful festive food and later dance the night away with our late-night entertainment. On St. Stephen’s Day the celebrations continue with a lavish lunch, family movies and popcorn, and even more live music in the evening.

 

“The hotel had a New Year’s Eve ball on for residents with a band and DJ for entertainment and a glass of free champagne for ringing in the new year. The breakfast was a buffet with a large selection of hot and cold food. Will definitely be back, but maybe for 2 nights next time.” David S – Jan 2017

 

 

Exploration in Ireland’s Lakelands

 

 

Once here you can leave your car and take plenty of lovely peaceful lakeside walks. And if you’re in the mood to explore further, Athlone Town is just 5 minutes’ drive with fantastic shopping, rivers ways, cycling on the Greenway, discovering Athlone’s medieval past, sipping a pint of the black stuff in Ireland’s oldest pub and soaking up many other cultural and heritage experiences from the heart of Ireland.

 

 

We have All Taken Care of this Christmas

 

 

The worse thing about Christmas has to be all the cleaning and tidying. Well, when you stay here at Christmas that is all done for you. Fresh bed linen every morning, tidied wastebaskets, room service, fresh cotton towels and no washing up after dinner. This leaves more time for you and yours to soak up the festive atmosphere and decide what way you would like to spend your day.

 

 

Christmas with a Difference

 

 

So, if you would like to get away from it all and celebrate Christmas hassle free we would love to have you stay. We promise you a warm welcome with lots of festive fun. So, from our family to yours we wish you a very Merry Christmas and if we don’t see you over Christmas we hope to in the New Year. Health and Happiness to you and your family.