The Killarney Avenue Hotel is housed in an elegant, white, estate-inspired building with arched dormer windows and decorative column details at the entrance. Inside, decor is something between Old World castle and country estate. The lobby feels grand, with white-paneled walls, coffered ceilings, and a fireplace, all featuring elegant detailing. Golden sconce and chandelier lighting create a high-end ambience. Warm wood floors are accented with chic herringbone carpets that pair perfectly with powder-blue armchairs and white sofas. The hotel's bar and restaurant are charming and can stand on their own. The bar offers a rich yet cozy country-pub vibe with wood-paneled accent walls, inset ceilings, stained-glass windows, and a mix of wood and mosaic tile floors. The restaurant has a similar decor but adds large period paintings and wood-beam ceilings. Killarney Avenue Hotel is one of four properties that make up the family-owned O'Donogue Ring Hotels group. Of the three in Killarney hotels in the group, this is the most intimate and, arguably, charming. The hotel draws mainly tourists, including couples and families, and is popular with wedding parties.

Killarney Avenue Hotel sits on a busy main road in the center of Killarney. It's located next to a movie theater and is within easy walking distance of restaurants, pubs, and shops. Kilarney Towers, with its health and wellness facilities open to Killarney Avenue Hotel's guests, is a two-minute walk away. The edge of Killarney National Park is about a minute's walk from the hotel. The hotel makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Ross Castle is a five-minute drive away, and Muckross House is a 15-minute drive. Both can also be reached via public transportation -- the Killarney Bus & Rail Station is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The regional Kerry Airport is a 20-minute drive. Dublin is a three- to four-hour drive away. The hotel offers free parking in an on-site garage, though spaces are limited.

Though traditional and tasteful, Killarney Avenue Hotel's 66 rooms don't quite match the elegance of the lobby's decor. The style evokes a chain hotel, with carpeted floors, beige walls, and light-wood furniture. The rust-colored bedding, patterned armchair upholstery, and blue carpets can appear slightly dated. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained with vanities topped in green marble, and -- a nice bonus -- jetted bathtubs.

Rooms are air-conditioned and include wardrobes, desks, safes, irons and ironing boards, coffeemakers, 21-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Extras like bathrobes, slippers, and mini-fridges are not standard, but they're available on request. Bathrooms include hairdryers and individual toiletries. The hotel offers Single, Double, Twin, and Family Rooms, in addition to a Bridal Suite with furniture upholstered in rich red velvet. 

Killarney Avenue's best features include its restaurant and pub, which offer charming, traditional style and good food. The Kenmare Bar has a country-pub feel and serves beer and whiskey (to live music on weekends), while the Druids Restaurant crafts international dishes from local ingredients. A full Irish breakfast is served daily and features cook-to-order items, although it's not included in all room rates. 

The hotel is well-versed in event planning -- wedding receptions are popular at the hotel's private Avenue Suite & Bar, which includes its own bar, dance floor, and dining space for up to 300 guests. The hotel also has lounge areas in the lobby and a separate Residents' Lounge, which is lined with inset wood bookshelves and finished with a coffered ceiling. 

While the hotel has no wellness facilities of its own, guests can use the Tower Leisure Club at nearby sister property Killarney Towers, at no extra charge. The club features a 50-foot heated indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, and whirlpool, as well as a fitness room with modern equipment. Guests can also book spa treatments at the hotel groups' third Killarney property, Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, a one-minute walk from the Killarney Avenue Hotel. 

Guests find staff are happy to offer local recommendations, and will arrange for dry cleaning and laundry service, or booking a car. The hotel is family friendly -- babysitting can be arranged, and the hotel has kids' menus, high chairs, and playpens. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.