Scotts Hotel

Opened in 1936 and redeveloped in 2007, Scotts Hotel is one of the larger and more contemporary hotels in the area. Though it’s a family-run hotel, the spaciousness and modern decor provides a brand-hotel atmosphere with a stylish boutique twist. The charming navy hotel with white French windows has a trendy interior decor. Glossy wooden floors, zebra-patterned rugs, a glass chandelier, and a sleek, curvy black desk creates a playful vibe. Cream plush chairs and loveseats are clustered together to provide seating in the lobby. The restaurant is made up of wooden floors, wooden tables, and black or white leather chairs. It’s a simple but chic style that ties in well with the adjoining lobby. Most guests tend to be couples or groups of friends in their 20s and 30s who can be seen congregating in the bars. 

Scotts Hotel is well-appointed in Killarney, just three minutes on foot from the popular Main Street, and close to a variety of bars and restaurants. It's a five-minute walk to public transportation or train stations. But many attractions in the area can only be reached by car or bus. The nearby Killarney National Park is a six-minute drive, while the Gap of Dunloe is a bit farther at a 27-minute drive. Ross Castle is a short six-minute drive; Torc Waterfalls are a 12-minute drive; and the Muckross House and Gardens takes 17 minutes to reach by car. Kerry Airport is a 19-minute car ride away. 

The Scotts' guest rooms carry on the contemporary look found in the lobby, though they're not as punchy or attractive in their design. Different color schemes (teal, burgundy, or lavender) can be found in the bed runners and curtains offsetting the neutral carpets, white linens, wooden and upholstered headboards, and plush chairs. Canvases of enlarged stones or feathers or accent walls in bold wallpaper give the rooms a trendy edge. Each room has a flat-screen TV and a coffee/tea-maker. Suites come with separate sitting areas with couches, while the five apartment units have two bedrooms, pullout sofas, and kitchenettes with mini-fridges, microwaves, and sinks. Some rooms let in more noise than others, which can be an issue with the boisterous bar scene. The bathrooms are sleek with white tile sometimes punctuated with gray countertops, though they lack countertop space. Most have a shower/tub combo, but Suites have small showers and separate baths with deep tubs. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Overall, views aren't remarkable, and some rooms overlook the parking lot. 

The highlight of the Scotts Hotel is the three hip on-site bars. The Scotts Bar is a popular local hangout that serves food and drinks. It also has an outdoor courtyard that doubles as the town’s only open-air live music venue in the summer season. Indoors, there are two more watering holes: Snug Bar provides a cozier, intimate atmosphere, and the stylish Resident’s Lounge is a luxurious bar set with red velour chairs and sexy, low lighting. The Courtyard Restaurant serves an Irish breakfast for a fee in the morning, plus lunch and dinner, though there have been complaints about food quality and service. Guests can make use of a small business center with a computer and printer, and there's free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. A free underground parking garage is also available, an uncommon feature for Killarney hotels.