The Clarence

Hotel Overview

A part of the Dublin scene since 1852, The Clarence Hotel was purchased in 1992 by two members of the rock group U2, Bono and The Edge. They took on the task of restoring The Clarence, creating their own vision of the ideal place to stay.

The Hotel reopened in June 1996 after a 20-month restoration and refurbishment programme, which transformed The Clarence from a traditional two star property to the owners’ personal idea of how a luxury hotel should be – intimate unstuffy, contemporary, idiosyncratic and efficient with an emphasis on personal service.

Its design merges the traditional and the contemporary to create an environment with its own unique and welcoming personality. Arts and craft style frames the basis of the interior with a subtle palette of the finest natural materials: Portland stone, American white oak, Italian limestone, leather and velvet.

The Clarence is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.



History

Built in 1852, The Clarence had last been refurbished during the late Thirties in the Arts and Crafts style. By the Seventies, while still retaining a sense of old world charm and dignity, it was past its prime. At the same time, the ranks of the original clientele, once drawn primarily from the clergy, judiciary and visitors from the provinces, were swelled by the artists, musicians, writers and designers who began to make the Temple Bar area their own. This easy influence of old and new made the Hotel one of the few places in Dublin where, whatever you looked like, you could sit down with your pint and engage in the fine Irish art of conversation.

A part of the Dublin scene since 1852, The Clarence Hotel was purchased in 1992 by two members of the rock group U2, Bono and The Edge. They took on the task of restoring The Clarence, creating their own vision of the ideal place to stay.

The Hotel reopened in June 1996 after a 20-month restoration and refurbishment programme, which transformed The Clarence from a traditional two star property to the owners’ personal idea of how a luxury hotel should be – intimate unstuffy, contemporary, idiosyncratic and efficient with an emphasis on personal service.

During the restoration an additional floor was added, which now offers the Penthouse and several Suites.

Location

Located in the Temple Bar district, Dublin’s answer to New York’s Soho and the Left Bank in Paris. The Clarence is both a symbol and catalyst of the city’s economic and cultural renaissance, a resurgence that has put Dublin back on the map as a destination for sophisticated travelers from the continent and the United States.

The Clarence Hotel is situated in the heart of Dublin city, approximately 8 km from Dublin Airport and 0.5 km from Heuston Station. It lies within walking distance of some of Dublin's greatest landmarks, including Trinity College, Christchurch, The Irish Financial Services Centre and the Temple Bar district.

It is also within close proximity to many of Dublin's restaurants, theatres, art galleries, museums and shopping areas. Our front-facing Bedrooms, Suites, Meeting and private Dining facilities, overlook the River Liffey, making The Clarence the perfect location for business and pleasure.

Rooms

The Clarence Hotel has 49 Bedrooms: 44 king-size double Rooms, 4 Suites and a Penthouse. Each Room has been individually designed to provide accommodation that is simple, elegant and refined. Twin Rooms are available, but the majority of Rooms have super king-size double beds. Each of the Hotel's Rooms and Suites, no two of which are alike, are decorated in one of five signature colours: crimson, royal blue, amethyst, gold and chocolate.

Shaker-style furniture and specially crafted beds with Egyptian linens create Bedrooms that are calm and comfortable. Spacious white tiled Bathrooms with pedestal sinks, oak cabinets, fluffy white towels and robes add to the comfort of your stay. Absolute attention to detail is unveiled in all Rooms and Suites, each of which is equipped with Satellite Television, VCR, Modem connection, 2 Telephone lines, Voice mail facility, private Bar and Safe.

The Penthouse:

Complete with its baby Grand Piano, panoramic rooftop Terrace and outdoor hot tub, the Penthouse simply epitomizes luxury and offers total privacy and seclusion. The Penthouse comprises of two floors including the Gallery, the Living Room, Dining Room and a Kitchen fully equipped with Alessi appliances and Christofle cutlery.

The master Bedrooms are located at either end of the entry level, and, like other guest Rooms in the Hotel, are decorated with custom-designed oak furniture and heavy cotton velvet drapes in one of the Hotel's five signature colours. The carpet and leather Club Chairs are custom-dyed to match the bold colours.

With its superb views of the River Liffey below and the cityscape fanning north and southeast toward the horizon of the Dublin mountains, The Penthouse at The Clarence is the perfect hideaway for those guests seeking luxury and a friendly, but unobtrusive service.

Guest Services:

  • Concierge.
  • 24-Hour Room service.
  • 24-Hour Laundry & Dry cleaning.
  • Valet parking.
  • Valet service.
  • Business services.
  • Foreign exchange.
  • Theatre and concert tickets via concierge.
  • Babysitting service - on request.
  • Complimentary daily newspaper.
  • Private dining facilities.
  • Beauty treatment room.
  • Secretarial facilities.
  • Video library.
  • Disabled access.
  • 2 Dual line telephones with direct dial.
  • Voicemail.
  • Modem point.
  • Individual climate control.
  • Desk.
  • In-room safe.
  • Mini Bar.
  • Satellite television, combined TV/VCR.
  • Egyptian cotton bed linen.
  • Bathrobe, slippers and luxury amenities.
  • Hairdryer.
  • Fax machine, CD Player and Mobile Phone are available - upon request.

The Tea Room:

Situated in the original Dining Room of the Hotel, The Tea Room Restaurant occupies a light, spacious room with a soaring, coved ceiling. Double height windows face south, flooding the room with natural light and providing a direct link between the calm of the Restaurant and the hustle and bustle of Temple Bar outside.

Undoubtedly the most talked about award-winning Restaurant in Dublin, The Tea Room features traditional dishes with a continental twist. Antony Ely has recently commenced working in The Tea Room and he will bring in a new style of cooking, which will be an exciting, new concept using only the best, fresh Irish produce. Valet parking also available.

The Octagon Bar:

Featuring an octagon-shaped dome, The Octagon Bar has remained a favourite Dublin watering hole throughout the Hotel's history. Filling up with its eclectic mix of residents and locals, The Octagon Bar is a popular meeting place that is available for lunches, pre-dinner drinks, cocktail receptions and dining.

The Study:

The Study is a wonderful room in which many of the property's original features have been retained. Residents can relax and enjoy full food and beverage service 24 hours a day by a large open wood fire. In The Study guests can unwind and enjoy time on their own with highly personalized service, which gives The Clarence the feel of a private home.

The Treatment Room:

The Clarence has teamed up with Nue Blue Eriu, Dublin’s first exclusive beauty emporium, to provide a comprehensive range of beauty treatments and body therapies in the Hotel’s newly opened Treatment Room.

Treatments:

  • 100 Minutes of Heaven.
  • Transcend the Ordinary.
  • The Pink Pamper.
  • Knots Landing.