Liffey Valley Complex Fonthill Road, on the M50/N4 intersection at Liffey Valley, Clondalkin, Ireland | (888) 551-4925
Big, attractive spa with heated pool, kids' pool, and hot tub
Modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and kettles
Bright, large fitness center with variety of machines
Good selection of dining and drinking options on-site
Designated play area for kids
Big car park
Free Wi-Fi
Far from Dublin's main attractions
Backs on to busy road so traffic noise audible from some rooms
Lack of air conditioning in rooms
With little local competition, the 352-room Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley is a modern, functional hotel that is light on charm but perfectly adequate for the needs of its clientele. Rooms are contemporary, if a bit corporate-feeling, and Wi-Fi is fast (though the lack of air conditioning might be an issue). A spa with a big pool and hot tub is a plus, along with the large, bright fitness center. Guests hoping to explore Dublin city center will be disappointed -- it's a good 20-minute drive away.
Scene
Conference center chic hotel in a retail park
Stepping through the modern, silo-esque entrance area of the Clarion Hotel guests are met with a large airy atrium, polished stone floors, and a general hum of modern efficiency. Interior design is conference center chic, with minimal no-nonsense decor and functional furnishings. Popular with wedding parties, exhibition attendees, and businessmen, the ambience borrows from the nearby retail park, with commercial mall-meets upscale hotel vibe. Outside a patio with seating and manicured bushes stretches along the connected restaurant building, and a separate building just beyond houses the suites.
Location
Located in a retail park seven miles from Dublin center
Set in the Liffey Valley retail park seven miles west of Dublin, the location of this hotel would not appeal to those interested in easy access to the city center. There's little in the surrounding area for the average tourist, but there are family-oriented attractions such as Pirate's Cove and the SuperDome bowling center a short drive away. Dublin center is about a 25-minute drive, while the airport is about ten miles away, or 20 minutes by car.
Rooms
Free high-speed Wi-Fi but no air conditioning
The Clarion Hotel Dublin Liffey Valley has 352 rooms, decorated in light modern tones with simple contemporary furnishings. Standard in-room amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee facilities. Tiled bathrooms have marble tops and high-performance hair dryers. Many rooms come with bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling windows. Lack of air conditioning can be an issue during warmer weather.
Features
Kids play area, pool, and fully-equipped fitness center
The on-site Kudos Bar provides a relaxed environment for lunch and dinner, specializing in healthy options. The Sinergie restaurant serves up European flavor in more formal surrounds, while the Savour lounge bar is good for drinks and snacks. The Sanovitae Health & Fitness Center features a large heated pool and kids' play pool, as well as sauna, steam room, and hot tub. As well as a fully-equipped gym for the grown-ups, the 'Little Gym' also provides classes and programs for children. There is also ample parking for those arriving by car.