Clifden House by Nina

I stayed with my mom for one night, and the price fit our budget. The staff were friendly, and check-in was easy enough. In the morning, the woman at the desk called a cab for us and made sure we could find it. Our room was tasteful, with a hot shower. The location was fine for us, though it’s a little farther from the river than some people may like. I enjoyed seeing Dublin’s social tapestry all around us.

The people at the counter were pleasant, but couldn’t resolve our problems, and talking to the manager didn’t lead to any solution either. Our previous hotel booking had been cancelled because of a clerical error, so we ended up here. Now I understand why. We were given a basement room that felt dank and dirty, with iron burns on the carpet and mold around the windows. There were water problems on the day we arrived, so we couldn’t clean up or even use the bathroom. On the stairs to check in, a piece of the banister came off in my hand while the rest of our party was walking up. The hotel is a ten-minute walk from Dublin’s main street, which wasn’t too bad. Breakfast was available, but four minutes’ walk away, so we didn’t bother. I wouldn’t recommend this place unless someone who actually cares takes it over and gives it the attention it badly needs.

The water warning at check-in was bad enough, but then it stopped altogether. Across my family's rooms, none of the toilets, sinks, or showers worked. For what we paid, basic things like a sink or shower should function. I also felt for the reception staff, who were taking the anger for the management group's poor handling. I'd avoid staying here.

The bed was impossible to sleep on, with every spring poking through and the mattress sinking under us. The room also had creaky loose floorboards, water damage, holes in the walls, and we ended up eating on the floor. Clumps of hair kept turning up on our feet and bodies, which was unsettling. There was no water for hours, so the toilet and sink couldn't be used. When it came back at midnight, the water had floating bits in it. The room stank, had no proper air circulation, and the fan they supplied didn't fit the outlet. The walls were so thin we heard every step, conversation, and creaking door. We booked what we thought was a three-star hotel for the last part of our 10-day trip, but it was nowhere near that standard. I'd give it zero stars if I could. Don't stay here.