Clarion Hotel or Strand Hotel in Limerick?

buzz55

Hello,

Hoping to head to the Munster v Connacht game in Limerick on St. Stephen's day/evening.

Had booked in to the Clarion Suites but got an email yesterday to say unfortunately they are closing down for a month around Christmas. Offered to change my booking to a similar room in the Clarion hotel on Steamboat quay.

Would the Strand Hotel or even the Absolute Hotel be nicer than the Clarion? They are all around the same price if I book them now.

I had heard that the Clarion is the official hotel of the Munster team, but I'm guessing that not many of them will hanging around after the game at Christmas - what do you think?

On tripadvisor it gives the Strand as being #2 and Clarion #5, but I guess it depends what you're looking for. I'd like somewhere with a nice pool/spa (for recovery the next day) and that has a good, friendly atmosphere after the game.

Help!

vbunse

I've only ever stayed at the clarion and would highly reccomend it, its fairly new. good location, they have a pool gym available to guests but for post match action think you'll have to stay away form their bar, bar is fine but more of a resturaunt quiet relaxing atmosphere - probably not what you'll be looking for after the game, the best fun will be in the city centre......

Fajitas!

Clarion is a really nice hotel. I doubt there'd be much post match craic there though. Stick to town - It's fairly central anyways, so you won't be too far away!

We stayed there for new years, and they weren't best pleased with us having some drinks back in the hotel rooms. And I wouldn't mind but I think most of the top floor to us - I think 10 rooms or so.

Breakfast there does a hangover well too

phog

They're much of a muchness, I think the former manager of the Clarion is now with the Strand.

The Strand is a bit closer to Thomond Park and just a hop over the bridge from the city centre, underground car park.

Depends on where u intend to end your night, if you're heading to Dolans then the Clarion will be the closest to ramble back to, if you intend hitting the niteclubs the I think the Strand is better choice.

Berty

The strand is the former hilton and in a much better location to the city and to Thomond park being on the banks of the Shannon across from the city centre.

The absolute hotel is then only another 5-10 minute walk from the city but there Strand is in the middle between Thomond Park and the City.

I would pick the strand if I were you.

I dont like the area the Clarion hotel is in. Personal opinion that not all would agree with. I bet they did not tell you that you would have to pay for parking in the Clarion but not the Clarion suites. Not a big deal but It would be nice to be told in advance.

The teams normally stay in the Clarion.

I would say though to answer you actual question.

The absolute hotel would be nicer than the Clarion and would be nicer than the Strand also but I would pick the Strand for location.

enzo7

I would go with the strand aswell, i was there last wk and its areally nice hotel, i hav to agree with berty dont like the area around the clarion.

buzz55

Thanks for all the replies, its looking like the Strand might be a better bet for nicer area, better atmosphere after the match etc. Its a tricky one though as we do like our peace & quiet so we can sleep.....hard to know!

We'd be a bit past the night clubbing stage so the Sin Bin is unlikely - unless maybe downstairs.

Am I right in saying that the Strand is what used to be Jury's in a much previous life?

Berty

buzz55 wrote: »

Am I right in saying that the Strand is what used to be Jury's in a much previous life?

In fact it was originally the Strand, then it became Jurys Hotel Limerick, then it became the Hilton and then it became the Strand.

The full circle was completed.

The strand is not renowned for its after match parties but there will surely be some in the bar of course.

Most will cross the bridge into the city and from the bridge and the hotel you can see Clohessys bar which is like a beacon for sports fans.

Maire2009

As said above the Strand and the Clarion are much of a muchness.

If you do chose the Strand make sure you take the glass elevator, you can get some great views of Thomond and the City.

enzo7

For the walk back alone after the match it worth staying in the strand, i went to a munster match just after xmas last yr and we parked near the strand and it wasnt half near enough. It was my first and last rugby match i hate rugby but thats another storey.

If the strand is the new name for the hilton,I'm not surprised it ain't a hilton anymore.
The service there was rubbish,the one and only time I stayed there.
For example,the cups and plates for breakfast we were given werent washed properly.

The best hotel by far in the city that I've stayed in and would highly recommend is the Marriot.
Stay there once and you won't stay in any other hotel in the city.

needabreaksoon

Berty wrote: »

The strand is the former hilton and in a much better location to the city and to Thomond park being on the banks of the Shannon across from the city centre.

The absolute hotel is then only another 5-10 minute walk from the city but there Strand is in the middle between Thomond Park and the City.

I would pick the strand if I were you.

I dont like the area the Clarion hotel is in. Personal opinion that not all would agree with. I bet they did not tell you that you would have to pay for parking in the Clarion but not the Clarion suites. Not a big deal but It would be nice to be told in advance.

The teams normally stay in the Clarion.

I would say though to answer you actual question.

The absolute hotel would be nicer than the Clarion and would be nicer than the Strand also but I would pick the Strand for location.

I know you posted months ago, but I'm currently booking a weekend in Limerick for the Long Weekend, and am between the Absoloute Hotel, The Clarion or the Strand??? Which do you think I should go for?

Roisinbunny

needabreaksoon wrote: »

I know you posted months ago, but I'm currently booking a weekend in Limerick for the Long Weekend, and am between the Absoloute Hotel, The Clarion or the Strand??? Which do you think I should go for?

Honestly, have been in all 3. The Absolute or Clarion hands down. Great value for money.

Berty

needabreaksoon wrote: »

I know you posted months ago, but I'm currently booking a weekend in Limerick for the Long Weekend, and am between the Absoloute Hotel, The Clarion or the Strand??? Which do you think I should go for?

Roisinbunny wrote: »

Honestly, have been in all 3. The Absolute or Clarion hands down. Great value for money.

Absolute is my choice. Good deals and great hotel. Get a river view room for peace and quiet from the busy road and a nicer view.