Hotel berhampiran Union Road Presbyterian Church, Magherafelt

We were all looking forward to a family meal at the Glenavon alas it was not to be. We were seated at a table not of our choosing, after we were told to move! Odd as it wasn’t busy. We perused the menu and a very abrupt rude server asked, “what do yous want”. We ordered and our meals arrived fairly quickly. Sadly there were no condiments on the table save salt and pepper. We asked for red sauce and cranberry, the server made it plain to us this was too much trouble. Children’s dinner was just a burger, looked very processed and arrived on boiling hot plates. Hardly suitable for little ones. Orders of chicken Maryland, and chicken in a cream sauce had no flavour. The turkey was served on a pile of so called stuffing. I have no idea what it was, as well as a huge pile of mash and a bisto gravy very salty. The side of carrots, green beans, manage tout, broccoli and cauliflower sat in a puddle of water. All were cooked to death with not a hint of seasoning. We were all hungry so we ate what we could. The rude lady server answered questions directly asked to family by family. On being asked if we were finished, in spite of half my turkey dinner left uneaten, the young man server was advised the meal was of poor quality. He apologised and without being asked he told the manager and the chef of our dissatisfaction. The young man returned to say the manager would speak with us… when we left he still had not appeared. The children were refused dessert upstairs at a table but tea and coffee was available. The rude lady server asked if she should order this for us, and said we were not able to order ourselves upstairs. And so was the end to our anticipated lovely meal. It was my first visit to Glenavon upon recommendation from friends, and it will be my last. Simply not the best, poor food, poor service, canned music and dreary surroundings, this hotel doesn’t deserve star rating.

Unimpressed with the experience. On the welcome email it stated check in was 3, we queued at 2.50 to be told the room may take up to an hour to be ready. We were staying in the Cottages, a home from home as sorts. We walked & walked & walked the premises trying to kill time. Bedrooms spotless but livingroom didn't look touched from previous guests. Because we were later getting to check in by the time we got to the thermal village it was packed out, everything was full so we walked about trying to squeeze in somewhere but we couldn't so turned and walked back to the Cottage. If you're thinking of going definitely get in before check in. We missed on this entire experience so straight away dampened our stay. We're not drinkers so only availed of the water from the mini bar. Gillies - I think they've changed butchers since we last stayed but anyway the prawn cocktail was the nicest I've ever had and the wheaten bread was exceptional. The sirloin was over cooked and pretty bland, same with the chunky chips, nothing spectacular for the price. The waitress also didnt know if there was a residents menu. Dessert was like the multi paganini you bought from stores, disappointing. On return to our cottage the smell of sewerage was repulsive, I was thankful we weren't in the smaller white cottages. That needs sorted out asap. For the prices charged I think standards need up'd. At no point did we feel 'welcomed' or 'special'.

Very comfortable stay Nice breakfast arrangement. Friendly staff and well managed room.