A Great Way to end an Exhausting trip

We arrived at the Clarence after a whirlwind driving tour of Ireland. We splurged for that last night in Dublin and since all we really wanted to do was relax and unwind, the Clarence fulfilled our desires beautifully. We had a great room with a small balcony on the side of the hotel with a pleasant street view. I found the understated craftsman style of the lobby, the study and the octagon bar a bit bland, but enjoyed the style in our room. The water pressure was fantastic for my much needed shower. We did not have any spa treatments nor eat at the tea room so I cannot rate those experiences. My only beef was that they could not provide me a pen when I requested one to write postcrads with. I would go back again though; the bed was that worth it to me.

Won't stay there again

Nice decor in a bland, not very adventurous kind of a way and er... that's about it. Compares very poorly in terms of service and style to other 'rock n roll' hotels including, say Blakes in London. Restaurant closes at 10.30pm - which is painfuilly provinicial. We showed up at 10.30pm sharp and were turned away. When we complained to management, they said this was 'common in Dublin'. When we said 'but we're here for an experience that is uncommon in Dublin' they said nothing. Breakfast is not a bufffet, it is waiter service. Well, service is an oiverstatement. Slow, depressed, disinterested people failing to notice what you need and responding to simple 'off menu' requests like marmite as if we were asking for pate de foie gras in a cheap bed and breakfast. And no air condfitioning - just a tatty fan. Pathetic.

Awful!

This was the worse hotel I have ever stayed at. The hotel was over-rated and over-priced!

Our check-in started with our room not being available upon our arrival even though it was after the 2pm check-in time. My husband and I were going to eat in the hotel's restaurant - The Tea Room, but when we went downstairs in the hallway to the restaurant there was an overwhelming scent of someone recently throwing-up. So, we passed and went to grab a bite elsewhere. Over 5 hours later, upon our return we thought we might have a night-cap in the hotels bar, The Octagon Bar; however the smell of "PUKE" was still going strong. We decided to go straight to our room and watch some television. The high-tech tv-computer didn't wish to work, even though we had it working earlier. I called down to the front desk for them to send someone up to help start the television and they responded with "someone shall be up in 5 minutes". 50 minutes later, I gave up when no one arrived and went to bed. In the morning I thought the television might have corrected itself; however, it still did not work. We called down to the front desk again, this time someone did come within 5minutes; but only to leave with it still not working. The hotel's air conditioning was a $2 fan! The room was hot and you had to open the window, but then you stayed awake to the sound of the drunks walking around all night. Over priced is a complete under statment of how bad this hotel is. U2 -- you should be ashamed to have your name affiliated with this hotel. Maybe you can also update your hotel's printed matter--stating the hotel bar sells cigars --we asked and no it doesn't.

To anyone interested in this hotel--please re-think it.

Loved the Clarence

Loved the Clarence. The warm welcome every time we came in was really great. Dinner at the Tea Room greatly exceeded our expectations; also loved the Octagon Bar and The Study. The hotel has an understated rock and roll feel - somewhat like the W Hotel in the US. It felt a tiny bit partied in - but the bed and view were great. The Temple Bar location is tired and awful on the weekends with the "Hen Parties" coming over from the UK. Local Dubliners do not go to Temple Bar, and for good reason. We would definitely stay at the Clarence again, but probably like the Merrion Hotel just a little more because of the elegance and better location.

OK But not quite worth the price

I stayed at the Clarence my last night in Dublin and it was a disaster! They wanted to bring up my baggage and there was some sort of celebrity in the house and I had to wait over 2 1/2 hours for my luggage to be brought up, even though I told them I was in a hurry to see a show that night and I needed to change. They were remotely apologetic, but for the cost and crummy view and noisy construction, I would stay somewhere else better...for probally half the price!

Quality and Service in the heart of Dublin

We had a very early flight and arrived at the hotel just before 10am. To our delight we were told that our room was available and that they had upgraded us to a Deluxe room! This sums up the hotel - nothing seemed to be too much bother and staff were attentive without being 'stuck up'.

The room itself was quite large with an LCD tv, CD and DVD player and an enormous comfortable bed. We requested a quiet room and whilst there was some noise from the rowdier visitors to Temple Bar (we were at the back of the hotel), we were not disturbed.

We didn't eat in the Tea Room apart from breakfast which was probably one of the best we've ever had.

The price isn't cheap, but euro for euro this was good value. We intend to return.

Incredible!

What can we say....but bliss from beginning to end. The warm welcome, the personalized and personable service- we can only hope to have the pleasure to return at a future point in time. From the moment we arrived, we felt as though we were coming home to friendly faces with down-to-earth, impeccable service. Our meal in the Tea Room will not soon be forgotten- the finest during a weeklong visit. The 'study', just inside the foyer, is an experience, meant for people gathering and for extended, tailored service. Friendly, purposeful visits from waitstaff with just the perfect mix of warmth and sophistication. We joked about 'when we win the lottery!' that we would ALWAYS stay at the Clarence; as alas, the cost is apparent, but clearly worth every Euro.

Don't miss out on this treat. Go the extra mile and stay in the heart of the city in the hotel with incredible heart. A real voyager's pleasure.

The Clarence is the best small hotel in Dublin!!

We stayed here during Special Olympics in June of 2003. The hotel was an extremely high quality 5* small hotel but; the service and staff were not stuffy!! We also enjoyed the company of Mr. Pierce B. (the quintecential "black" Irishman) and Mr. Govenor of California. Did not see Mr. Bono? but rooms were great the Penthouse is the best in the city! cheers!If you like the pampering and crowd avoidance of 5* hotels this is the hotel for you in Dublin (Merrion is a "dump")

Classy discretion

Classy, discreet service - yet still maintaining a very friendly atmosphere. Lovely rooms. The Octagon Bar was great fun. The restaurant was marvellous and the waiter had no problem making my friend's 8 year old daughter feel like a million dollars. Highly recommended

We will be back !

My Husband and I stayed in The Clarence in August for 3 nights. Hotel is very cosy and the decor is veryindividual. Room charges may seem expensive but most definately worth the money. Excellent rooms with a very comfortable bed with proper duvet and pillows ! The food is excellent and lots to choose from. The staff are very pleasant and most helpful and alwys with a hi and a smile. Excellent location for chilling out ! Would 100% recommend the hotel for anyone wanting an "almost" perfect hotel !!!!!!!!!