Guests at the Killarney Riverside Hotel are greeted in an elegant, modern lobby with gleaming white-tiled floors and walls that give the space a fresh and clean effect that’s further emphasized by lots of natural light streaming through large windows. The spacious room has plenty of comfortable and cozy nooks to settle into with a book or a board game from the small library, with lots of couches and armchairs clustered around wooden coffee tables, and a fireplace that inspires lingering. The decor is modern and elegant, bedecked in neutral hues with pops of crimson that come from accent rugs, pillows, and lampshades. The atmosphere is inviting, with an attention to details, such as fresh flowers, free cucumber water, and a bowl of apples at the front desk for guests.

The hotel is located on Muckross Road, a main thoroughfare lined with many hotels, inns, and private homes that leads to Killarney. The property overlooks the Flesk River and is situated right next to a Holiday Inn. Though there aren’t any restaurants or shops in the immediate area, Killarney, filled with quaint houses and charming cobbled streets, is within a 15-minute walk. With its beautiful scenery, mountains, lake district, and national park, the area attracts nature lovers. The entrance to the Killarney National Park is within a two-minute drive of the hotel, where travelers can explore the Torc Waterfall (a seven-minute drive), as well as the beautiful Gap of Dunloe (a 23-minute drive), and hike the MacGillycuddy Reeks. The area also attracts golfers and there are several courses near the hotel, such as the Ross Golf Club (and Killarney Racecourse), which is a four-minute drive, and the Castlerosse Golf Course, an eight-minute drive. 

The hotel has Deluxe Rooms and Mini-Suites that are clean, comfortable, and tastefully appointed, if a bit dated. Dark wooden furniture includes elegant dressers and work desks that are paired with mostly neutral-hued walls and carpets, which are enlivened by vibrant crimson bedspreads, patterned accent pillows, and curtains. A series of black-and-white photographs adorns the walls. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, phones, electronic safes, coffee- and tea-making facilities, free Wi-Fi (though spotty and slow), and 24-hour room service. Bathrooms are clean and comfortable, with ample storage space around the sink, shower/tub combos, and basic toiletries. Some rooms overlook the Flesk River, while others have lackluster views of the parking lot.

There are two dining choices at the hotel: the elegant, fine-dining Bacchus Room and the more relaxed River Bar and Bistro, which serves a selection of small bites and bar food, and has live music on weekends. A variety of breakfast selections are available, including a full Irish breakfast, as well as afternoon tea and 24-hour room service.

The hotel's Rejuvenation and Beauty Treatment Center offers a full range of treatments, including massages, holistic treatments, facials, and manicures, but there is no pool, sauna, steam room, or fitness center. There is a small business center with computer and printer in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Other freebies include parking by the hotel, as well as coffee or tea upon arrival, and fresh apples and cucumber water in the lobby at all times.