SINCE Galwaywoman Claire O'Reilly returned from London last May to take up her job as general manager of the Clarence Hotel in Dublin she has been involved in every aspect of the massive renovation, from helping to choose the cutlery to marketing the hotel abroad. Now that the building is at last at the "hard hat tour" stage, the long awaited opening is in sight and she is taking bookings for the end of May.
Thirty five year old Claire previously worked with the Forte group and her last position with them was as general manager at the St George, beside the BBC in London, so she's "used to famous guests and media types". Although the hotel is owned by Harry Crosbie, Bono and The Edge she says that "it's not going to be a rock n roll hotel. What we're aiming for is a five star rating with an emphasis on comfort and service." A sneak preview of the two finished bedrooms reveals that the design is so stylish, the new Clarence is set to be Dublin's answer to New York's Paramount.
Everything in the rooms was commissioned, from the jewel coloured velvet curtains and leather armchairs to the American oak wardrobes and stone topped dressing tables. For a bit of romance amid all this high design, there are very smart looking, wall fitted candleholders. The penthouse suite (which will set you back a cool £1,000 a night) does not, as was rumoured, have its own helipad. Instead the two bedroom, two bathroom, suite has the more homely comforts of a wood burning stove and its own baby grand piano. True fans of the old Clarence will be relieved to hear that the much loved octagonal room is still intact.