Everglades Hotel

We recently celebrated our wedding at the Hastings Everglades Hotel(August 2009). As with any bride and groom we were keen that the day would reflect us as a couple and put in lots of effort when planning the reception. From the outset, our events manager, Mairead was friendly and helpful in explaining our options. Mairead took on our preferences and gave recommendations that suited our taste. We received all the flexibility needed when deciding, room layout, meal choices and room reservations etc. When we finally settled on decisions Mairead and fellow staff were efficient in putting the arrangements in place and kept us fully informed of any changes the occurred along the way.

On the day, we didn’t give any thought to all the preparation we had made as we had every confidence that the Everglades were looking after them. As with any wedding couple the day itself flew past in a bit of a daze - but the atmosphere in the lobby and main room was just as we’d hoped. It was a thrill to catch little moments from the top table as our guests enjoyed all the personal touches we’d brought into our day with the help of the hotel. The meal, course-by-course and catering service throughout the day were superb. Delicious, prompt and hot! Any fears that a kitchen could not provide so many good steaks was unfounded – reference to the main course remains one of the favoured compliments of some male guests who are not easily impressed by dresses, flowers and singing! Victoria, the banqueting manager ensured that the set pieces ran smoothly and coped well with an impromptu arrival of celebrity guests Messrs T Markham and S Maguire.


For us, the wedding couple, the evening flew and we didn’t get to dance, or to chat, or to relax as much as we would have liked - such is the nature of these exciting and wonderful days. But with thirty odd rooms booked by our own guests we got a comprehensive selection of opinions on the hotel the next day. The room, meal, buffet and staff all got high praise. Special mention was given to bed-comfort, breakfast and the friendliness of the staff - especially from seasoned traveller friends!

Overall, top marks to the Everglades. We continue to accept compliments on their behalf as we catch up on all the ‘buzz’ since returning from our honeymoon!