First off, the location of this hotel is great -- right in the newly redone Eyre Square. However, it is located right above a bar, so I imagine if we actually ended up spending the night there, it would have been pretty noisy. My husband and I arrived on Nov 23 to our requested non-smoking room. We were told they have two, and ours was #201. The room was large and semi-clean, but pretty dark and dismal and the beds were quite squishy. The decor was well worn, and not charmingly so.

The bathroom, though clean and also fairly large, had the type of flickering, awful flourescent light that you'd expect at a flophouse. We weren't living in the place, though, so it would have been adequate, except it reeked of smoke. There were also no signs, notes, or any indication whatsoever that it was a non-smoking room. I have severe asthma and any prolonged exposure to smoke smells makes me ill.

Naturally, we brought our luggage right back down to the front desk and explained the situation, quite politely. We were flatly told that the room was non-smoking, and that they'd have to charge us for the night, since we did not give 24 hours notice. Needless to say, I pretty much wanted to throttle the girl at the front desk, but figured I'd take it up with my credit card company when we returned.

We ended up going to the Great Southern, which was right across the square, and only paid about $30 more for a wonderfully decorated, comfortable, immaculate, true non-smoking room in an elegant, customer-pleasing environment.

We really aren't super choosy people, but this place was downright gross and would be more appropriately rented by the hour.

I recently stayed at "The Skeff" for the third time. I will admit that the rooms are nothing amazing, but they are quite large which is a plus, especially if you are travelling with someone.

They said that they are renovating the rooms early next year, which will make it better.

This time, we had a room at the back of the hotel, but the front rooms don't really bother me. However, if you are sensitive to noixe, request a room in the back.

The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful when I needed it.

You can't beat the central location of this hotel.

We had to move to another hotel after one night because after the nightclub downstairs closes, people stand outside on the sidewalk smoking and talking loudly for another hour (until 1:00 a.m.) The smoke comes right up into the rooms in the front.

I don't know who would enjoy staying in those front rooms., unless they didn't plan to sleep. Perhaps those rooms shouldn't be rented. After the club patrons left, the noise in Eyre Square, directly opposite, began. People were shouting to each other at 4:00 a.m. and woke us up. I would think the hotel would call the police or try to do something to ensure their guests' comfort, but the noise went on and on.

I also thought the room, on the second floor in the front, was quite dingy and not like the pictures at all. The curtains were dusty and dirty. The staff didn't seem at all perturbed we were leaving. They must be used to it.

We stayed in the Skeffington Arms Hotel for four nights in June and we loved it. The rooms were very big and clean and we had a lovely view of Eyre Square. The receptionists at the front desk were very helpful if we asked them for anything it was never a problem for them and would always help us with any information on tours etc. We also had a meal in the resturant and it was lovely. You could'nt ask for a nicer hotel in Galway as it is perfect!! I would recommend the Skeffington Arms Hotel for a stay in the city of tribes as it is the perfect hotel and even better location. The bar is better know as the Skeff and they have a cocktail menu with 365 cocktails we sampled a view of them and they were fantastic. We never usually stayed there but the hotel where we would asually stay in was full and we were delighted to have came across this hotel. If there was marks out of 10 this hotel would get 10/10. Anyone i have met i would always tell them to stay at the Skeffington Arms Hotel. We will be coming back in the near furture again and will stay there again on our next visit..