The Clarence

The Clarence, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property in Dublin, Ireland, offers guests a blend of history, boutique luxury, and a vibrant city-centre experience. Owned by U2's Bono and The Edge, the hotel is celebrated for its prime location, attentive service, and unique design.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Clarence generally receives very positive feedback, often described as an "excellent boutique hotel" with an "awesome vibe". Guests frequently highlight its central location and the high quality of its staff and services. While some minor issues are occasionally noted, the overall sentiment points to a delightful and memorable stay for most visitors. On some platforms, it garners an impressive guest feedback score of around 17.9 out of 20.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Clarence for several standout features:

• Location: Its unparalleled position on the River Liffey, at the edge of the bustling Temple Bar district, is a major draw.
• Design & Vibe: The hotel offers a "chic, youthful vibe" with interiors that blend Regency architecture with earth tones and Shaker-style furnishings. It has a unique character, known as Dublin's "original rock'n'roll hotel".
• Service: Attentive, friendly, and helpful staff are frequently praised.
• Dining: The presence of a Michelin-star chef at Cleaver East restaurant is a significant highlight.
• U2 Connection: The ownership by Bono and The Edge adds to its allure and makes it a favourite stopover for celebrities.

3. Room Quality

The Clarence features 50 to 52 individually styled rooms and suites. Rooms are designed for simplicity and comfort, with Shaker-style oak furnishings primarily crafted by Irish artisans. Key features include:

• Beds: Many rooms boast "massive super king beds" dressed in fresh white linens.
• Design: Earth tones are accented with "vibrant pops of color" in luxe leather seating and rich carpets.
• Amenities: Accommodations typically include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, Nespresso machines, and free WiFi. White bathrooms come with walk-in showers and separate toilets, along with Paul Costelloe toiletries, hairdryers, and shower caps.
• Views & Balconies: Some rooms offer patios or balconies with views of the city or the River Liffey. The Penthouse is particularly impressive, spanning two floors with a baby grand piano and a 700-square-foot rooftop terrace offering panoramic city views.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a notable dining experience:

• Cleaver East: This popular dining venue features "fine Irish and European cuisine" overseen by a Michelin-star chef, often at "affordable prices".
• Breakfast: Guests have enjoyed "delicious, good value, warm breakfast" including tea, coffee, bangers, scrambled eggs, and bread. High-quality à la carte hot options are also praised.
• Octagon Bar: Located at the heart of the hotel, this "super stylish" bar is known for its award-winning cocktails, famed Irish whiskeys, and a relaxed ambiance, making it a popular meeting spot. A bar food menu is also available.
• The Study: This residents' lounge provides a "chilled out bliss" atmosphere with 24-hour food and beverage service, giving the hotel a warm, private home feel.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Clarence consistently receives high praise. Guests frequently describe the staff as "friendly and helpful". They are noted for being "attentive," "courteous," and "enthusiastic". Many appreciate the staff's willingness to "go above and beyond," such as having rooms ready early or offering breakfast upon arrival.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Clarence boasts an "absolutely ideal" and "brilliant location" in the heart of Dublin. Situated on Wellington Quay overlooking the River Liffey, it is nestled in the cultural quarter of Temple Bar. This central position offers "easy walking access" to many major attractions:

• Nearby Attractions: Dublin Castle (3-4 min walk), Trinity College (6-8 min walk), Grafton Street (6 min walk), Ha'penny Bridge (5 min walk), Irish Whiskey Museum, and the Guinness Storehouse (20 minutes' walk).
• Transport: Pearse Station is 1.2 km away, and the Wellington Quay bus stop is approximately 600 metres. Dublin Airport is about 13 km away, with a taxi ride typically taking 20-30 minutes and costing around €35.

7. Value & Pricing

Despite being a luxury boutique hotel and a Michelin Key selection, The Clarence is often considered to offer "great value for money" and "exceptional value" compared to the average hotel in Dublin. Typical price ranges for rooms can vary, with examples such as $129-$235 (USD) or €110-€274 (EUR) depending on the room type and booking platform.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues are mentioned in guest feedback:

• Noise: Due to its central location in the lively Temple Bar district, rooms can be "prone to noise" from the vibrant nightlife, especially those with river-view balconies. Double glazing helps but doesn't always eliminate the sound.
• Room Comfort/Maintenance: Some reviews mention issues such as a "lack of air conditioning" and bathrooms that could benefit from updates, with reports of "chipped and marked" baths or drainage problems.
• Lobby Space: A few guests have noted limited lobby space, which can make it difficult to socialize or relax during the day in common areas.

Sources

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