For months I’d heard whispers about a fabulous new hotel in Galway so I became determined to find out more. The g Hotel has been recognised by Conde Nast Traveller’s Hot List 2006 as one of the best new hotels in the world so it was clearly something special.

The hotel has a slick PR machine behind it and Lusso were soon invited to come and check it out personally. I knew the counties of Tyrone, Down and Donegal quite well but Galway was going to be an all new experience.

I flew into Galway International Airport but Knock and Shannon airports are also within easy reach of Galway city. The traffic from the airport was surprisingly busy but my driver kept me entertained en route with tales of incredibly high property prices and the record breaking crowds at Galway Races the week before.

Okay, the g Hotel is not a jewel to look at from the outside but as the saying goes, “it’s what’s on the inside that counts”.

The g is the flagship property of Monogram Hotels, a niche brand of luxury hotels and it first opened its doors in late 2005. The inspiration behind this hotel is the famous milliner, Philip Treacy, as it is he who has designed the interiors. I was aware of Treacy’s spectacular hats but wondered if his talent would transfer to interior design. The first few moments inside this hotel made me realise that it very much has. It is simply stunning. This is one of those places where you find yourself smiling but you’re not really sure why. It’s probably because it’s a veritable feast for the eyes, as there is beautiful design and art everywhere you look.

The dark and contemporary reception area really sets the tone, with its black glass walls acting as a frame for a tank of sea life bringing a riot of contrasting colours. The tank even contains locally bred Connemara seahorses.

The public areas on the ground floor of the g comprise three individually styled and themed lounges and a restaurant, all linked by a raspberry carpeted corridor, giving all guests that VIP feeling. The first room is the exquisite double height Grand Salon which has the most eye-catching light installation by artist Tom Dixon. The room’s huge glass floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Lough Atalia and the sun pours, in making this room a truly magical space, especially when the sun’s rays catch the thousands of Swarovski crystals encased in the occasional tables. The room’s colour palette of oysters, silvers and creams is perfect for catching the special West of Ireland light.
In the evening, old black and white films are projected onto the window’s sheer curtains. Thankfully there is no accompanying soundtrack to spoil the mood and the soft focus of the huge projection ensures it’s not compelling to sit and stare at for too long. It’s a great design feature that emphasises the Hollywood glamour of the g.

Through the open doorway is the exceedingly pink Pink Salon. Andy Warhol camouflage print fabric-covered chairs sit on a mesmeric black-and-white vortex, hand woven carpet.