The Fairview is a charming boutique hotel housed in a light gray stone building with lovely French windows. The decor throughout is best described as old fashioned and elegant, but homey. The lobby has black-and-white checkered marble floors, and an antique writing desk serves as the reception desk, which gives the place a sophisticated vibe. The checkered floors extend into the breakfast room, a small area filled with white tablecloth tables, high-backed brown leather or orange floral upholstered chairs, and tan wallpapered walls with swirling floral designs. By contrast, the Resident’s Lounge provides a relaxed but classy atmosphere with wooden floors, leather or velour couches, chic glass coffee tables, and trendy pillows and rugs. Guests are mainly couples who can be seen congregating in the small breakfast room, but families stay here too.

The Fairview is situated between two bars and is a three-minute walk away from the restaurant- and shopping-filled avenues of Main Street and High Street. But many sights are best reached by car or bus. Killarney National Park is a five-minute drive away, while the Muckross House and Gardens is 16 minutes by car. The Gap of Dunloe is a 24-minute drive, Ross Castle is a six-minute drive, and Torc Waterfall is a 12-minute drive. A bus station and train station are both four-minute walks from the hotel. It’s an 18-minute drive to Kerry Airport. 

The Fairview's rooms have a warm inviting decor akin to a tasteful country house with wooden floors, white linens, floral designs, and in most rooms, a maroon-and-cream color scheme. It’s the Penthouse that differs the most in terms of decor, as it has a luxurious feel with white carpeted floors, chandeliers, a canopy bed, dark wooden furniture, and antique velour chairs and chaises. It also includes a terrace. While no two rooms are exactly alike, all are spacious, and outfitted with plush velour couches, antique chairs, wooden furniture, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and coffee/tea-makers. Executive rooms, Suites, and the Penthouse also include a DVD player, and Suites come with gas fireplaces. Most of the cream-tiled bathrooms have heated floors and jetted baths. Upper-grade rooms come with a separate shower. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Some rooms overlook the street, and noises can be a bother in lower-level rooms. 

The Fairview is low on extra features, but what it offers amplifies its cozy nature. The hotel’s Resident’s Lounge encourages camaraderie with a table of chess, comfy sofas, and a fireplace for lolling around. Each day begins with a free breakfast buffet plus made-to-order items such as a traditional Irish breakfast, pancakes, and omelets. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and nearby parking has an inexpensive daily fee. Pets are welcome here as well.