Arbutus has been operating as a hotel since 1880, but it was taken over by the Buckley family in 1926 and has been owned and run by them ever since, spanning three generations. The historic hotel features pleasant Victorian decor, though it might not suit all tastes -- elegant floral-printed wallpaper is paired with antique wooden furniture, striped and floral patterned couches, large Arabian print rugs, leather Victorian plush armchairs, and heavy drapes. Some of the furniture is dated, but overall, the property has a homey atmosphere. The bar has a more traditional Irish-pub style with dark wood paneled walls, leather chairs and booths, vintage photographs, wooden floors, and colorful floral tile. Guests tend to be older vacationing couples, though families make their way here too. 

With its central location, Arbutus Hotel makes a convenient home base to explore Killarney and surrounding areas. It’s a short three-minute walk to High Street, a popular thoroughfare filled with shops and restaurants. Killarney Golf and Fishing Club is also walking distance, just eight minutes on foot. But many places are best reached by car or bus, such as the Killarney National Park, which is a six-minute drive away, and the Muckross House and Gardens, which is about a 15-minute drive. The Gap of Dunloe is a 26-minute drive, Ross Castle is seven minutes away, and the Torc Waterfalls can be reached in 13 minutes by car. A bus and train station are a two-minute walk from the hotel. It takes 20 minutes to reach Kerry Airport by car. 

The Arbutus' rooms are decorated in a warm, homey style that’s slightly more dated than the rest of the hotel, but pleasant -- though the floral-heavy patterns cloaking the spaces might not suit all tastes. Victorian-style decor includes floral wallpaper and colorful floral carpets paired with blond wood furniture and antique plush patterned chairs that give the rooms old-fashioned elegance. Each room includes a flat-screen TV and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Bathrooms are small, but pleasant, with white or tan marble tiles and floral tiles as well as shower/tub combos. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Guests should note that some complaints have been made about cleanliness issues, stains on carpets and furniture, odors, and thin walls that permit bothersome noise.

Guests can begin their day in a spacious breakfast room with a breakfast buffet that includes homemade brown bread, scones, and other cold items and made-to-order dishes like a traditional Irish breakfast. Breakfast is an additional fee, though it's bundled into some rate packages. A nightcap or a drink before dinner can be had at the hotel’s Buckleys Bar, which sometimes provides live traditional music for those wanting a true Irish-pub experience. There’s a resident’s lounge known as the Drawing Room, with cozy couches and chairs nestled around a fireplace. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and there's a nearby public parking lot for a fee.