The Clarence, Dublin

Advantages: Classy & great service and location
Disadvantages: Expensive and very traditional

...I stayed in the Clarence hotel in October 2005 and was pleasantly surprised by the stay i had. The loaction was great, right in the centre of Dublin but you were able to escape the hustle and bustle of the city by just walking through the door. I found the staff and service great and the quality of the food and rooms high. However on the downside the hotel was pricey and to some may be a bit too traditional for them. The breakfast was the highlight of my day with a great choice of traditional irish or continental variants. Lunch had several different styles including buffet and the dinner menu would have stood up against any high quality restaurent in the city. All in all I had a very memorable stay and would stay there again.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Stylish, well located, great service
Disadvantages: Pricey, often full

...We stayed at the Clarence (owned by Bono and The Edge) on a recent Dublin weekend. What a fantastic hotel! The service is impeccible, and even if you've managed to find a cheaper deal (see my entry on Expedia) you're treated like royalty. The room was great: in room DVD and plasma screen, very comfy king size bed with Egyptian cotton linen, attractive bathroom, bathrobes and slippers, good range of freebie toiletries. The Octagon Bar is justly famous - it looks like a movie set but is always full of a greatmix of locals and guests. They do great cocktails, with all fresh ingredients. The study is a snug place to take your cocktail if the bar is getting a bit too hectic. We didn't eat at the hotel except room service afternoon tea - highly recommended -and one breakfast, also good but not as great value as the tea. The Clarence... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: No smoking!, great nightlife and shopping
Disadvantages: not a pretty city

...We had a great weekend away - we did it in style, staying at the Clarence, eating at One Pico... We got the cheap Ryanair flights for £1 and arrived late on Saturday, expecting to just go for a beer then crash out, but the Temple Bar area was so lively we just had to go and join in! The pubs being no smoking made a huge difference to us - no dry eyes or sore throats, and we partied till the early hours (and we're not spring chickens!). The atmosphere was completely non threatening, and people of all ages were out having fun. We spent the Sunday walking round the city after a full Irish breakfast (as good as it sounds). Dublin isn't pretty, and has a dirty looking river running through. But the shopping is excellent, even on a Sunday! The fringe festival was on whilst we were there, and we went to the Cafe Theatre to watch a very funny... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful