Fodor's Expert Review Kingsley Hotel

A 15-minute walk (or short taxi ride) from the city center, the Kingsley has an idyllic riverside location, overlooking a rowing club on a pretty section of the River Lee and beside the Lee Fields, a big meadow with paths that are popular with joggers. The imposing modern facade conceals a luxurious interior: the lobby and lounge are paneled with dark wood and furnished with upright velvet armchairs, like an old-style gentlemen's club. This is a popular venue for afternoon tea, while the restaurant also has a large local clientele. The staff is eager to please in a pleasantly old-fashioned way. Guest rooms have large bathrooms, super-king-size beds, beautifully crafted contemporary-style mahogany furniture, workstations, and CD players. Black, white, and gray decor is enhanced by bright red detail (cushions, throws). The health center has a 20-meter pool and an outdoor hot tub overlooking the river, and the hotel boasts Ireland's only Ayurvedic spa.