Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley

We spent a 3-day midweek break at the Clarion Liffey Valley Hotel, which cost about £65 a night through the net, but we were a bit disappointed with it.
The hotel is located just off the M50 outer ring-road motorway, so very handy if you're hiring/taking a car, but not so good if you're looking to be in the city centre. There's a big, modern shopping centre next door (2 mins in car or 10 min walk) which has a large cinema, food court, restaurants etc in it - much cheaper than eating in the hotel or the small (and slightly bizarre!) restaurant/leisure complex in the hotel car park.
The hotel car park was absolutely chocka when we arrived about 6pm and we had to park quite far away but I think that was because a lot of people were using it for the gym as it was much easier to get parked later that night.
If you're looking for a traditional Irish welcome, you might be disappointed - all the reception staff seemed to be eastern European, and although very efficient didn't have the local knowledge you'd get from a Dubliner, and we had a bit of difficulty making ourselves understood at times.
Decor in the hotel is lovely, but beware that you might have a bit of a trek to your room as it is a large hotel! Our room was beautifully decorated in a contemporary style, but it was really cold, probably because the radiator is behind the curtains. We had a balcony which would be nice in summer, but the windows were absolutely filthy - not just a bit grimy, but so dirty you couldn't see through them and the room was dark in the day.
The bed was a bit of a joke and although it sounds petty it spoilt the break a bit as we were shattered from lack of sleep - take your own pillows if you like anything remotely soft. The huge superking bed is actually just 2 singles together with a big ridge between them, so not particularly romantic/snugly, and the duvet cover was 2 feet bigger on each side than the duvet inside it, which just wasn't comfortable or warm.
We asked for another one 2nd night and it was much better, but first night was so cold and uncomfortable that neither of us slept much at all - not quite the battery-recharging break we'd planned! Bathroom average, shower average (but one of those you can't lift down), nice toiletries!
Room service prices are reasonable for a 4* hotel, but make sure that your order is understood (foreign speaking staff again!) and check it carefully before signing as ours was totally wrong. We ordered a chicken mayo sandwich, and a mature cheddar & ham sandwich, but eventually received a mustard & chicken ciabatta and something with a thin pink slice of cheap ham and a cheap slice of processed cheese on it, definitely not what we had expected. When we complained, the staff didn't seem to understand what the problem was and because we'd signed for it (mainly because it was about midnight and we were shattered after previous night's lack of sleep) because we couldn't wait any longer, they made us pay for it with no interest at all in the points we were making.
Because we weren't really impressed with the hotel itself, we didn't bother using the bar or restaurant so can't comment on that.
Overall I'd say that if you're not too bothered where you stay and can get a cheap deal on this hotel then go ahead, but if you're looking for something special or if comfort and good service are important to you then look elsewhere as there are so many hotels around Dublin that are much better!