The ClarencevsIsaacs Hostel
The Clarence and Isaacs Hostel are both praised by professional reviewers writing for major publications. Overall, The Clarence is preferred by most professionals compared to Isaacs Hostel. The Clarence is ranked #8 in Dublin with praise from 12 sources including Frommer's, Fodor's and Star Service.
The Clarence Show All Reviews
6-8 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2
From $154/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Michelin Guide
"Attractive riverside hotel... Stylish and well-run."
Concierge
"Unforgivably at these rates, service can falter, veering madly from friendly-polite all the way down to rude."
Insight Guides
"City-centre, riverside location, backing onto Temple Bar. The Art Deco interior has been lovingly restored by new owners (who include U2)."
Lonely Planet
"A handsome boutique hotel designed to reflect the aesthetic of a 1930s gentlemen's club." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"The hotel's owners include Bono and The Edge of the band U2. This Arts and Crafts hotel was restored by the singer and the guitarist and reopened in 1992." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"With original wood-paneling in Arts and Crafts style, and luxuriously furnished rooms, this old establishment successfully combines contemporary cool and comfort."
Star Service
"Across the river from The Morrison, this hotel is partly owned by rock-music impresarios Bono and The Edge, front men for U2." Full review
i
The Clarence is supposed to be a personal vision of the kind of hotel its owners would choose when visiting Dublin, and as such, it is besieged by music and noise, from Temple Bar partygoers in front of the hotel, to the late-night thumping of the Kitchen nightclub in the basement.
Fodor's
"This renovated 1852 grand old hotel is the place to sample Temple Bar's nightlife, even if your pals are too busy rocking to hang." Full review
Oyster
Upscale
"The Clarence is an upscale 50-room boutique hotel set on the banks of the River Liffey in the center of Dublin." Full review
The Telegraph
7.0
"The Clarence occupies an imposing and historic building overlooking Dublin’s quays and River Liffey." Full review
Isaacs Hostel
2 - 5 Frenchman's Lane, Dublin 1
From $40/night
- Free Internet
- Free Breakfast
- Shuttle Bus
- Laundry Service
- Laundy Room
- Multilingual
Time Out
"This is the aristocrat of Dublin's hostels. ... It has the usual mix of bunk beds, lockers and TV rooms, but adds a heady cocktail of extras like...a restaurant and an attractive (free) sauna." Full review
Let's Go
"There seem to be a million hostels near Gardiner Street, but this is the one that you want to stay at." Full review
Oyster
Budget
"Isaacs Hostel is a two-pearl property housed in a converted 19th-century wine vault that's within walking distance of many popular Dublin sites and is well serviced by public transportation." Full review
EuroCheapo
Editor's Pick
"From the street, the Isaacs Hostel has an undeniable, ramshackle charm. Bright red trim pops against a well-worn exterior of brick and stone. The reception area is similarly attractive." Full review
The Telegraph
8.0
"Isaacs does urban accommodation very well indeed: a prime location in the city centre, a quirky and historic character, and a buzzing and friendly atmosphere ensure that it stands out among Dublin hostels." Full review
Lonely Planet
Top choice
"The north-side's best hostel – hell, for atmosphere alone it's the best in town – is in a 200-year-old wine vault just around the corner from the main bus station." Full review