I stayed at the Southern Hotel Galway Dec 2005, based on its online profile, and hoping to have a good base to explore western Ireland. I was placed in a room in an addition to the older section, and the new section i was in was terrible. 1. it was FREEZING. I asked the front desk to please help, and they said "oh, the heat doesn't go on for another two hours (at six pm). Brrr! Even later in the evening, the room was still frigid. The bathroom was tiny, made with the crummiest materials (plastic, cheap metal siding) and it was so cold that I didn't even bathe or shower, though I really wished to do so. At check in, the woman at the front desk was the only person in the entire country i had met whom I would describe as "surly". A woman on the plane over had advised me to stay at Jury's hotel, Galway, at the end of Quay (pronounced "key") Street; i now wish i had listened to her. I went to the Southern because it appeared more luxurious. For that kind of luxury, I would have been better off sleeping in the car!

my wife and i stayed in the great southern last week on a weekend break, our first time there although we are frequent visitors to galway. the hotel is old, although has recently been totally renovated. rooms ours on the fifth floor were excellent, bed very comfortable, the room was quiet and very clean. desk staff were efficient, and our car was collected by the valet efficiently and returned the following day, after we had checked out - they kept it as long as we wanted. did not have breajfast in the hotel as we were on room only, anyway there is no shortage or breakfast places - try red square hotel/bar nearby.
the renovations on the square outside will eventually be finished by spring, at any rate they dont affect hotel, only the view. bar downstairs is cosy - basement bar called o'flahertys.
one small gripe - no sports channels on tv, and the pay per view films although new releases, seemed a bit pricey.
overall, fine, some of the other comments here seem a bit pernickety, to be honest, if all you can find to complain about is a squeaky closet, then its not too bad!

From the moment of check-in this was a top star hotel and I should know I run one of the best 5 stars in the country. The building itself is grand in design and the staff were beyond helpfull my Mother is write your really cant beat the Great Southern. The Young Gentleman and lady at the desk were excellent although very busy they made time to speak to my mum and myself and gave us detailed information on the area.My room on the 4th floor was outstanding and had a view of the square which is under construction but thats not the hotels fault.

There was a little noise at night but one would expect that when staying in the city centre.

Will be visiting again very soon

Stayed 3 nights as part of tour. This hotel was built (so Im told) in 1849. Its structure really is wonderful and the entry is as elegant as the photos. The rooms however are far from elegant. The tour co. books twins as a default and I had to argue with staff to sleep next to my husband. Room 617 is good size and bathroom is clean. Note the mahagony seat and towel warmers (nice touch). The floor sqeaked nearly everywhere but what 100+ year old building wont? The windows really need to open a bit more since the 6th floor retains all! the heat in the hotel..(its Ireland- I came for the COLD). Cleaning staff is super sweet. Dining room staff are professional eye rollers-and without rights because the food was overcooked and boring. The adjoining pub O'Flaherty's is fabulous! The food was outstanding and staff were more than pleasant! It is located a very short walk from shop street where you will find everything you could need.