The George Limerick

Upon entering the George Boutique Hotel, guests are transported by escalator  to the open-plan reception and lobby area, which is also  home to the restaurant and bar. Though the lobby is uninspiring -- cream-tiled floors, leather armchairs, and worn banquette seating festooned with crimson floral patterns -- the restaurant is more inviting, with floor-to-ceiling windows that illuminate the space with natural light. Wooden floors match the tables and upholstered chairs, and there’s both intimate booth seating, as well as a larger communal table. The bar is equally bright and filled with light from an atrium ceiling, and bedecked in a soft color palette of cream hues coupled with wooden details.

The hotel’s central location within a short walk of most tourist sights and attractions makes it popular with tourists and business travelers, who make use of its business-friendly amenities, such as meeting rooms and Wi-Fi, and special business rates and packages. The property also gets a fair share of bachelorette parties, as it offers a special package for this occasion too.

The hotel is located on O’Connell Street, the main street running through Limerick City, and is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars. Most of the main tourist sights and attractions are within a short walk, including King John’s Castle (a 13-minute walk), the Hunt Museum (six-minute walk), the Limerick City Gallery of Art (six-minute walk), and the Frank McCourt Museum (six-minute walk). River Shannon and its lovely riverside walk is two blocks from the hotel. The property is well serviced by public transportation, with several bus stops serving different lines right down the street and the train station a nine-minute walk away.

Rooms at the George Boutique Hotel are fairly large and feature tastefully appointed decor that includes wallpapered accent walls with subtle damask patterns in pale green or beige hues that pair well with a mostly brown color palette -- wooden furniture and floors, plus striped coffee-colored bedspreads and pillows. Though some of these elements are a bit dated, such as the heavy patterned curtains and bedspreads, the rooms are generally pleasant and clean. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, tea- and coffee-making facilities, work desks, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are a bit small, with either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, and basic toiletries. Suites with separate living rooms and lovely private terraces are also available.

The on-site restaurant, gBK (the George Bar and Kitchen) serves a modern Irish menu with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed and informal space that’s popular with locals and guests alike. There’s live music on the weekends courtesy of bands, as well as DJ sets. 24-hour room service is available.

The hotel offers business travelers two meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi, which is available throughout the property.There's a computer available for guests’ use in the lobby. Other freebies include newspapers and overnight car parking nearby.