The Clarence Hotel 6-8 Wellington Quay, Dublin, Ireland | (618) 248-8274
Upscale boutique
hotel with rock-star cachet
Riverfront
setting in Dublin's city center
Some rooms have
balconies with river views
Stylish
restaurant with Michelin-star chef
Snug basement bar
with regular live music
Small underground
car park (fee)
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
Rooms prone to
nightlife noise
Breakfast is
underwhelming
No fitness or spa
facilities
The Clarence is an upscale 50-room boutique hotel set on the banks of the River Liffey in the
center of Dublin. It's owned by U2's Bono and The Edge, and the vibe is mostly understated with simply styled, straightforward rooms -- though they're prone to the
noise of passing revelry at night. Cleaver East, overseen by executive chef Oliver Dunne, offers a six-course tasting menu, and the snug basement bar is super-atmospheric and
occasionally graced by the odd celeb. Travelers seeking sexier rooms should check out the Morgan just along the river, though rates are usually more reasonable here.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Riverfront boutique hotel with upscale vibe and roll 'n' roll connections
With its mullioned
windows, brooding gray stone, and carved gothic sign, the Clarence Hotel
makes a handsome addition to this riverfront row of redbrick buildings. The
property first opened its doors as a hotel in 1852, and in 1992 it was famously bought
by Irish rockers Bono and The Edge of U2, and after an $8 million renovation, it reopened in 1996. It is self-dubbed as "Dublin’s original rock ’n’ roll
hotel," but when guests step inside they'll find the scene more sedate. Picture an airy high
ceiling, leather seating, and plenty of wood paneling. Just off the lobby, a
lounge mixes quirky lighting and avant-garde artwork with a marble
fireplace and traditional seating. The vibe is boutique and upscale without
shouting luxury, and the hotel attracts mostly business guests during the week and
weekending couples on city breaks. Its superstar connection also means other
celebrities sometimes stay here, making the hotel be a bit of a VIP spotting area.
Location
Lively central Dublin location overlooking River Liffey on edge of Temple Bar area
The hotel is
located on Wellington Quay overlooking the River Liffey in the center of
Dublin. There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars in the surrounding area,
with the renowned Temple Bar nightlife within a couple of minutes' walk --
meaning it can get a bit rowdy when the pubs close. Most of the capital's main
attractions are within walking distance; Dublin Castle is three minutes away on foot,
Trinity College eight minutes, and Saint Patrick's Cathedral 10 minutes. Grafton Street shopping is
also about a 10-minute walk, while the Guinness Storehouse museum is about a 10-minute drive. The Convention Center Dublin (CCD) is five- to 10-minute drive or taxi ride, while Dublin Airport is 20 to 30 minutes' driving time.
Rooms
Some rooms have river-view balconies, though these are prone to noise
The Clarence has 50
rooms and suites, all of which are fairly simply styled with leather seating,
stone-topped tables and desks, and Shaker oak floorboards covered with large
rugs. Amenities include tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and 32-inch flat-screen
TVs; suites add Nespresso machines. Bathrooms are traditional and tiled, with
shower/tub combos, heated towel rails, and designer bath products. Some rooms
open to balconies overlooking the river, while others have uninteresting back views. A seriously impressive Penthouse is spread over two floors, with
kitchen, dining room, even a open-plan loft with baby grand piano. The location in
the Dublin's city center means, despite double glazing on the windows, rooms are inevitably
prone to noise from its vibrant nightlife.
Features
Michelin-star chef dining and a snug basement bar
The Clarence
certainly outpunches its weight when it comes to its eating and drinking
options. While breakfast is not a culinary highlight (and not included in the
rate), the Cleaver East restaurant is run by Michelin-star chef Oliver Dunne and serves excellent lunch and dinner menus in chic surroundings at reasonable
prices. The Octagon Bar makes a great spot for nightcaps,
featuring a side lounge with an open fire. In the basement The Liquor Rooms is
a super-cozy bar with secluded areas and occasional live music. Spaces in a
small underground car park can be reserved for a small daily fee, a real bonus
for central Dublin. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
