The interiors are not what you would expect from rock star owners. There's no zebra print or evidence of smashed guitars anywhere. The overall look is classic and understated, with plenty of oak paneling and Arts and Crafts touches. As the overall vibe is relaxed and informal, the Clarence will appeal to those in the entertainment industry, as well as tourists looking for a good time in Dublin. It's the kind of place where you can stride in wearing jeans and flips flops, park yourself on a lobby chair, and no one will blink.

The design of the hotel is meant to encourage hanging around. The ground level houses the Study, which is flanked by tall Arts and Crafts style windows, and with its long wooden table, leather club chairs and piles of newspapers and magazines, you'll want to linger here with a cup of coffee in the morning””or a pint of Guinness at night. If you're looking for something more formal, there's also the Tea Room, a soaring space with 20-foot ceilings. The menu is contemporary Irish, although you can get a proper fried Irish breakfast in the morning. Sample dishes include roasted and poached loin of venison, served with a pumpkin and liquorice puree; Dublin bay prawns with a Granny Smith, coriander and mint salad; and vanilla crème brulee.

One of the hotel's biggest draws is its Octagon Bar, where plenty of tourists and locals come to rubber neck and try to catch glimpses of visiting celebrities. Mariah Carey, Jack Nicholson and Michael Douglas have all been spotted here. And yes, the bar is octagon shaped.

Another major selling point for the hotel is its location, along the River Liffey in the heart of trendy Temple Bar, near the Ha'Penny Bridge. Guests can spill out the front door and choose from a huge array of pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops, as well the Irish Film Centre.

Every bedroom is decorated in jewel tones inspired by ecclesiastical colors (go figure) of crimson, royal blue, amethyst, gold and chocolate. Our room, although very small, was well appointed with Shaker style furniture, hardwood floors and a black and white tiled bathroom. The closet and bathroom cabinets are made of solid oak. If you want to live like a rock star, book the duplex Clarence Penthouse, which has a terrace, hot tub, bar and a baby grand piano.

Befitting a hotel owned by rock stars, the entertainment system is top notch. Each room is equipped with a flat screen television with access to on-demand films and 4500 songs (although you'll have to pay for the privilege). And who knows? You may even have a Bono sighting during your stay.