I booked a double room via the internet. Later that evening my phone rang, it was a lady from the hotel. She told me that although I booked a double room, it would in reality be a twin room.

I told her I had the receipt for the booking which clearly stated the booking was for a double room. After some time she eventually said "ah sure we will work something out when you arrive" (perhaps there might be a shed out the back ?).

Upon arrival there was a double room awaiting, however it was quite dirty and dusty (two foot cob web hanging from central overhead light etc - not something a cleaner should miss nor something a spider could produce over night.

I mentioned this on checking out. But as you may know services in ireland are inverted such that it is the customer who is wrong.

On a weekend trip to the town what more do you need than a hotel in the centre of the town classically decorated in keeping with the character of the building, excellent service, first class food and drink, friendly staff and a hands on manager always willing to help with any query. Do not be put off by the low star rating as this is the Bord Failte classification which is weighted heavily by disabled access lifts etc which cannot be installed due to the age of the builidng, however, disabled persons were freely using the ground floor when I was there.

I can't believe anyone would give this hotel an excellent rating. They must not stay in many hotels for comparison. My wife and I just did a 2 week road trip through Ireland (from Canada) and this was by far the worst hotel we stayed at despite a travel guide endorsing it and the pictures on the website looking promising. The lobby is fine but the rooms are very, very dated and not very clean at all. We paid nearly $100/ night for this dump and ended up checking out after 1 night. We walked accross the street to the Pembroke Hotel and paid the extra $10 for a wonderful hotel. Please save yourself the trouble and don't make the same mistake we did; just go to the Pembroke.

Not only did we feel welcomed to the Club House Hotel, but to Kilkenny as well. The staff was attentive to our every need, the breakfast room beautiful and served a fresh made to order breakfast. I traveled there with my daughter, and as soon as they knew she was looking for long term living arrangements all were involved in helping us with our search for a flat. Once we found a place for her to live, the owner offered to take us (and our many bags) in his own car to her new location. As I left her to come home I felt comforted that they offered their freindship and support to her. She was to see them if she should need anything in the future during her extended stay in the beautiful town of KIlkenny, . In my many travels abroad it is rare to find such warmth........THANK YOU