We decided to treat ourselves to an executive room at this four star hotel recently for a three night break with the understanding that excellent service, facilities and a spacious room were to be expected.

On arrival we were reluctantly given a balcony key by an apathetic staff member (you must also sign for it) who wanted to know if we wanted it because we were smokers (!)

The room was a disappointment, I have seen the superior room and the executive room we were in was not good enough to merit the increased rate. The balcony which was supposed to be a plus point, especially following the rudeness downstairs, would not open. The nespresso machine wasn't working.

The table in the room was a tiny coffee table that would barely fit a dinner plate let alone cater for two people having room service, one of us had a cheery meal next to the tv.

Breakfast had the usual cold buffet and a limited selection of self-service hot food. We waited for 10-15 minutes in a room that had only two other tables occupied before we got exasperated and approached one of the staff who had steadily ignored us. Ordered tea/coffee, received tea, waited another while for coffee having re-ordered it. Asked for vegetarian options (hot food for us that point was mushrooms and a tomato) and ordered scrambled egg. Rubbery is the word that best fits, of the microwaved kind.

Brought several issues to the attention of reception staff, were told that we would be moved to another room and our suitcases would be moved to another room when we were out. In the meantime a pleasant lady came to the room about the balcony -key given didn't work, she needed to get her master key. We would then be expected to let the reception know when we needed it locked/unlocked. She thankfully sorted the nespresso machine for us and was on the whole very helpful. A member of housekeeping managed to get a key sorted for us by the time we came back in the evening, as we mentioned we would be complaining about the balcony saga.

Just before we left, another member of staff came to the room and after letting us know that he had been trying to get hold of us told us that we wouldn't be moved to another room and that his manager said if we wanted extra room we could pay more and get one.

We fancied watching a film on our last night and rang down to see why pay per view wasn't on the tv. We were told unapologetically that the hotel does not have pay per view and then after we pointed out that this was a feature of the room described on their own website, received a less haughty reply of 'We could bring you a DVD player'.

On the up side the room was spotless, all credit to the housekeeping staff and the night room service had decent food and a friendly porter. Taxis and wake-up call for the airport were all timely. The leisure centre was well equipped, spa was completely booked out for four days in advance so would advise booking early if going. Location is very handy.

Overall though, it was average and I expected more from a four star hotel.

I used a Choice Privileges points sale as an excuse to stay here for three nights. There was a minor glitch checking in but it was quickly resolved.

I reserved a suite because it was the same number of points as a regular room. I had a nice view overlooking the River Liffey. The bed was *very* comfortable. I could just about get the room warm enough by keeping the heat turned up all the way (but I tend to keep the temperature at about 74 F at home, so I think it would be fine for most people). There were about 7-8 usable cable stations. The bathroom was very clean with separate shower and tub.

I didn't make use of the health club/exercise room nor the restaurant during my stay. I did get a sandwich at the Bagel Bar Coffee House across the walk, which was very good. The front desk was helpful with several inquiries and always had a bowl of fresh apples available.

I didn't price any other hotels so I don't really know how this compares to other properties in Dublin, but it more than met my needs and expectations. It was also convenient to public transportation. I got a "3-Day Rambler" bus pass which I used to go door-to-door from the airport to the Clarion and back, plus various trips about town. The Clarion is not a very long walk from many of the tourist, shopping, and nightlife locations, but it's nice to have the bus as an option when it's 35 degrees and raining. There's also a Luas stop not very far away, though I never used it.

In addition to being very conveniently located to the O2, it's also fairly close to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre (where I saw Oliver!) during my stay) and the Abbey Theatre. I felt fairly safe walking back from the Abbey on Sunday evening.

when we arrived at Connolly station, a Luas tram can bring you to behind this hotel. However after a quick check in our room wasnt ready. that as no problem as it was just after 10am and we hadnt expected the room to be ready. we went to the city centre again a short walk or luas ride away and got a phone call from reception to say the room was ready. when we returned our case was already in the room with tea/coffee makers, petals on the bed and chocolates. we were also told that whenever we wanted free strawberries and cream just to ring. food in the bar that evening and a cocktail voucher was also an added treat. we have stayed here before and cannot fault this hotel, it prides itself on being so clean

Great location.Stayed here while at the O2 which is only a short walk away, O'Connell street is only a short walk too. Hotel was clean, staff friendly and breakfast was really good and high quality. Didn't use pool, wasn't even told there was one in the hotel. I enjoyed the nespresso coffee machine in the room, great bonus. TV reception was not good, only a few channels worked.