Luxury Penthouse Living in The Clarence Hotel, Dublin!

I would never tire of waking up to this view of the heart of Dublin.

I know we usually bring you the best ways to see a city or a country on a budget but I thought, occasionally, you might like to see the splurges too. Have you ever wondered what was housed in that bright green penthouse on top of one of Dublin's top hotels, The Clarence? Well wonder no more!

Sue & I were lucky enough to spend a night in room 501 at The Clarence Hotel recently. I say lucky, as when we were checking in we were advised that the Penthouse was available that night & asked would we like a complimentary upgrade. Who says no to that?! 

Keep scrolling & we’ll give you a sneak peek at the luxury that awaits you in the penthouse suite. Unfortunately we can’t show you all of our photos but we’ll certainly give you a flavour of our night between Bono’s sheets!! Disclaimer: Bono wasn’t actually there at the same time we were otherwise that would have been just downright awkward - I mean the three of us wearing shades indoors? Catastrophe. 

The Clarence Hotel, Wellington Quay, Dublin.

Location is fantastic as you're right around the corner from Temple Bar, well that’s if you have a wad of €100’s handy to spend on a pint & a packet of crisps. Otherwise you are within short walking distance of all of Dublin city centre, but if you prefer, there is a taxi rank right at the front door to whisk you to wherever.

Reception

To be honest the reception area did nothing for me, it was lacking that wow factor you would expect from “Dublin’s original rock’n’roll hotel”. My brief disappointment soon evaporated when we received the most wonderful welcome by the Receptionist & Concierge. 

They really do make you feel at home immediately, right down to them wrestling your bags from you to bring them to your room. It was like something from Fr.Ted “Ahh we’re grand” “No, I’ll help” “Sure we’re fine, we can manage” “Let me assist you, I’ll just take the heavy ones” So we all boarded the lift with the poor Concierge like a Sherpa.

Love the colour!

Room 501 boasts a fully equipped kitchen, complete with a Nespresso machine & complimentary pods. Any hotel room that has a Nespresso machine gets a thumbs up from me. 

We had a choice of three bathrooms with showers & baths. Walk in wardrobes & a separate cloak room were located just off the main entrance. There's also two large bedrooms with super king size beds, dressed in the finest white cotton bed-linen.

Cloak room

Walk in wardrobe

One of the bathrooms.

Everybody loves a nose in the bathroom press!

Other features of the Penthouse included a dining room & full size living room with entertainment system. They both opened out onto the balcony complete with seating area that runs the full length of the Suite. 

There is also a spiral staircase that leads to an open plan loft with a baby grand piano & bar. Unfortunately the private Jacuzzi was undergoing renovations when we stayed...boo!

Perfect size to have a few friends over for a dinner party!

The beds were so comfortable you’d order breakfast in bed just to stay a bit longer.

Private balcony with stunning panoramic views of Dublin.

You can see for miles.

Fully stocked mini bar including champagne.

Prices actually weren’t that exorbitant.

Twilight in Dublin

As we had a late lunch before we checked in, we headed straight out for a drink but we were too quick out of the traps as The Liquor Rooms isn’t open till 5pm. 

We rambled around the corner where we had a beer in Temple Bar & got coppers change from €15. MADNESS. 

The Liquor Rooms

The Liquor Rooms are part of the Clarence complex and are situated beneath the hotel. We had heard good things so we headed in for a cocktail or two...

This place gives me a fuzzy feeling....

....maybe that’s just the cocktails though!

I loved the atmosphere here, it’s described as “cutting edge” but I just found it homely & comfortable. The interior feels like an old timey speakeasy under cover of a Spiegel tent. There's no blaring music, only ambient background tunes, so you can have a conversation and that’s just what we did, while supping cocktails with our pinkies out. 

We enjoyed the experience so much that we stayed longer than we had planned & treated ourselves to a sharing platter of deliciousness. Prices were good too starting at €8pp for 4 items & cocktails starting at €9.50 each. We've been back several times since and would recommend it highly. 

Breakfast at Cleaver East in The Clarence Hotel.

I won’t lie, I was really looking forward to breakfast as it is served in Cleaver East restaurant produced by Michelin star Chef Oliver Dunne & his talented team. 

There was a whole host of fresh local produce whipped into a gastronomic feast of world class standard. I opted for Eggs Benedict & would have asked for seconds if I had any room left in my belly! We haven’t had the chance to have lunch or dinner on Cleaver East but we will be doing so in the very near future.

Perfection on a plate

Before check out we headed back to our suite to enjoy a Nespresso with a view & peruse the morning papers that were left hanging outside our room. Such an utterly fabulous way to start the day.

Good morning Dublin!

We've stayed in some pretty fabulous places all over the world and, it has to be said, that this penthouse rates way up there with some of the best. Sure isn't it no wonder Bono loves it? 

You'll find further details about room 501 and how to book on The Clarence's site HERE. Prices run in and around €1,299 per night but you can be lucky with timings so might just nab it for less. 

Tell us, what's the nicest place you've ever stayed - home or away?