Katie G.
Yelp
I don't have a lot to compare Kelly's to as far as Dublin hotels go, but I have been been to Europe about 25 times. I've stayed in everything from five star hotels to shit holes, rest assured, this is not a shit hole.
I've spent two nights in Dublin so far and there are a few things that are crucial to a good hotel imnho - comfortable beds and a bar that stays open past 2 AM. Now, you add the world's most friendly and witty bartender, John, a cheery staff, clean rooms with wifi, easy access to bars and restaurants and museums, and you have a Yelp Five Stars from me. I must also make a shoutout to Greg, and the lovely lady who bartends next door at The Bar With No Name who is a total love. The staff here, again, is absolutely fantastic.
Now, I'd also like to point out a few cons because I am a Yelper and we can complain about such things.
There is no lift/elevator here. Those 37 extra tshirts you packed and will likely never use here in IRL? Yea, you'll wish you left them at home.
There are no fans/air conditioning. As a Texan, I forgot how people survive without such inventions.
There is a bar in the hotel, it does not close, it is awesome. You will meet some interesting people there. Most are pretty clean cut, a lot will be buying bottles. Ask the bartenders about their craziest stories.
It is loud outside. You may or may not care because you might be outside being loud. But if you are old and crotchety, like me sometimes, you will not be able to get away from the loud until Hogan's closes.
The hotel is a little creaky. The floors creak, the stairs are hollow, and, at least for our room, we shared a door entrance with the room next door and could hear everything from them going in and out from their room. It's not bad, an unnoticeable after a pint or three.
The staff here will bend over backwards to make you happy. Seriously, they will go to the ends of the earth. Ice cubes for your bottled water? Sure. Scissors to borrow? No problem. Best fish and chips? Gotchya covered, go here. They will draw on maps, hold babies and probably cartwheel if you asked.
The people here really made my five star decision quite easy. That, and when you see the Ireland sun (it does happen folks) streaming into your room in the morning onto your fluffy white, crisp comforter, you're going to smile, and reach for your bottle of water to nurse your hangover away.