Hyde Hotel Galway: Former Name, Owner & Amenities Guide

If you’ve ever walked from the Galway train station toward Eyre Square, you’ve passed it: a sleek, modern hotel that wasn’t always named Hyde. Before its rebranding, this property operated as the Forster Court Hotel — a transformation completed under the Hyde Hotels brand by Ennismore, a joint venture with Accor.

Former Name: Forster Court Hotel ·
Location: Heart of Galway, next to train and bus stations ·
Distance to Eyre Square: 5-minute walk ·
Brand: Hyde Hotels (Ennismore / Accor) ·
Style: Modern boutique

Six key facts, one pattern: the Hyde Hotel Galway is a transformed property with some lingering data mismatches that travelers should note.

What was the former name of the Hyde Hotel in Galway?

The Hyde Hotel Galway was formerly known as the Forster Court Hotel, situated on Forster Street in the heart of the city. The official Hyde Hotel website confirms this rebranding history (Hyde Hotel Official – About Us).

History of the Forster Court Hotel

• The property operated for years under the Forster Court name before being acquired by Connacht Hospitality Group.
• It underwent a complete renovation in 2017, transforming the interior into a modern boutique style (Connacht Hospitality Group – project overview).

Rebranding to Hyde

• After renovation, the hotel reopened under the Hyde brand, part of Ennismore (a joint venture with Accor).
• The name change signals a shift from standard city hotel to lifestyle boutique.

The implication: the Hyde brand brings a global lifestyle aesthetic to a property that retains its local roots.

Who is the owner of the hyde hotel?

The Hyde Hotel Galway is owned and operated by Connacht Hospitality Group, a Galway-based hospitality company. The group’s official site lists the Hyde Hotel as one of its properties (Connacht Hospitality Group – Hyde Hotel page).

Hyde Brand Ownership

• Hyde Hotels is a brand under Ennismore, a joint venture with Accor. The brand portfolio includes lifestyle properties worldwide (Accor Group – Ennismore brand page).
• The specific ownership of the Galway franchise is not publicly detailed on the official site, but Connacht Hospitality Group’s involvement is confirmed.

The Hyde Hotel Galway Management

• Day-to-day management is handled by Connacht Hospitality Group, which also runs other hotels in Galway.
• Guests interact with a local team, not a corporate chain.

The pattern: local ownership with international brand backing — a combination that gives the hotel both independence and standards.

Is the Hyde Hotel all-inclusive?

No, the Hyde Hotel Galway is not all-inclusive. It operates as a city boutique hotel offering room-only rates. This is a common point of confusion because another Hyde property — Hyde Bodrum in Turkey — is an adults-only all-inclusive beach club resort (Hyde Hotel Official – website).

Room-Only vs. All-Inclusive Options

• Rates cover accommodation plus standard amenities (WiFi, TV, toiletries).
• Breakfast is available as a surcharge (Expedia – hotel details).
• On-site restaurant and bar are open to guests and non-guests.

What’s Included at Hyde Hotel Galway

• Free WiFi, 42-inch flat-screen TV with satellite and Netflix, coffee/tea facilities, hairdryer, direct dial phone.
• 24-hour front desk, concierge, luggage storage, elevator.
• No pool, no spa, no all-inclusive wristbands.

The takeaway: this is a city hotel, not a resort – and that distinction matters for booking expectations.

What is the Hyde Hotel known for?

The Hyde Hotel Galway is known for its modern boutique style, central location, and service that has received positive reviews. It sits in the heart of Galway City Centre, next to the train and bus stations and a short walk from Eyre Square.

Central Location Near Eyre Square

• Five-minute walk to Eyre Square (Travelocity – location details).
• Adjacent to the main transport hubs – ideal for arriving by train or bus.
• Walking distance to the Latin Quarter, Galway Cathedral, and the Spanish Arch.

Exceptional Service and Dining

• On-site restaurant and HYDE Bar offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.
• Snack bar/deli available for quick bites.
• Concierge can arrange tours, reservations, and travel tips.

The trade-off: you pay a premium for the location and style, but the convenience and service justify it for many travelers.

Why did Hyde go out of business?

The question likely refers to the original Hyde company — a nightclub chain that filed for bankruptcy in 2019, as noted in Wikipedia. However, the Hyde hotel brand continues operating under Ennismore, and the Galway property is very much open and accepting bookings (Wikipedia – Hyde nightclub history).

The History of the Hyde Company

• The original “HYDE” brand started as a nightclub chain in the UK and Ireland.
• It filed for bankruptcy in 2019, but the hotel brand was spun off earlier and is now under different ownership.

Current Status of Hyde Hotels

• Hyde Hotels is alive and well, with properties in Galway, Dublin, Bodrum, and other locations.
• The Galway hotel is currently open and taking reservations directly via hydehotel.ie.

The implication: don’t confuse the nightclub’s fate with the hotel — they are separate entities.

Specifications at a Glance

Seven specifications, one pattern: the Hyde Hotel Galway offers standard boutique amenities with a few pleasant surprises.

The pattern: practical amenities without resort extras – consistent with the city‐boutique positioning.

Timeline: From Forster Court to Hyde

Three dates capture the hotel’s evolution:

• Pre-2017: Operates as Forster Court Hotel.
• 2017: Complete renovation and rebranding to Hyde Hotel Galway.
• 2022: 19 additional rooms added, bringing official total to 69 (Connacht Hospitality Group – timeline).

The pattern: a steady investment in the property, signaling long-term commitment to the Galway market.

What’s Clear and What’s Not

The takeaway: most basic facts are solid, but travelers should verify room counts and awards directly.

Voices from the Property

“Our hotel was completely renovated in 2017 to create a contemporary space for travellers exploring the west of Ireland.”

– Connacht Hospitality Group

“We offer 69 guest rooms, each with ensuite bathrooms and modern amenities like 42-inch satellite TVs and free WiFi.”

– Hyde Hotel Official site

The consensus: the hotel prides itself on modern comfort and attentive service, backed by a clear history of investment.

What This Means for Travelers

The Hyde Hotel Galway delivers exactly what it promises: a stylish, well-located base for exploring Galway. It is not a resort, not all-inclusive, and not the same as the defunct nightclub chain. For the traveler who values proximity to transport and the city center, the choice is clear: book directly through the hotel’s site for the best rates and avoid confusion over room types. For anyone expecting a beachside, all-inclusive escape, look elsewhere — or head to Hyde Bodrum. The Galway property is a city hotel through and through, and that’s precisely its strength.

For a similar boutique stay in the city centre, The Western Hotel Galway offers a Georgian charm just a short walk from Eyre Square.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Hyde Hotel Galway – History & Ownership Guide (internal article)
• Connacht Hospitality Group Hotels in Galway (internal article)