Having stayed in many hostels in Europe, I felt that Avalon House was in keeping with the basic standards. Rooms were clean but cramped, bathroom clean but bumped my elbows on the shower walls everytime I tried to shower. It did seem expensive for a hostel, but I also did not look into hotel prices so perhaps it was far less than a hotel would have cost. I was with two other friends in a four-some room -- both nights we were there the fourth bed was filled by a loner, the first time at 3 in the morning, which wasn't so pleasant. The lift is STILL broken -- reportedly they now have to buy a whole new one, so expect it to be broken for a long while to come. We were on the fourth floor and climbing up the steps is certainly no fun. The first night we got towels for free, the second night the receptionist tried to charge us 2E each for a towel -- these nights were ten days apart, by the way. Reception was helpful enough otherwise. Computers for the free internet were frustratingly slow -- couldn't stand to check my email there. Breakfast was basic but I've stayed in hostels without any breakfast, so no complaints really. Next time I go to Dublin I would likely "shop around" a little more, but would be fine with staying here again -- location is unbeatable, really.

We stayed for 1 night in a twin bedroom with shared facilities, on the top floor of the building. It took us forever to get there because the lifts were not working, and this is actually the 7th floor, as far as I can remember, so it was terrible to drag all your luggage for so long! Then, the room itself was very, very basic, quite like Michael's cell in Prison Break! Length=the length of one bed+the width of the second bed+20 cm (to put your luggage, presumably); width=length of the second bed (see photos). There is a small window, a tiny sink (with a strong stink), and a "clothes-hanger" consisting of 2 items (see photo). No place to turn around, literally. Paper-thin walls. It felt kind of damp, stinky and dirty and although the sheets did not look too bad, we slept in our clothes, which you shouldn't have to do when you have paid 34 EUR per person per night!!!
The toilettes (shared) were generally OK, as one might expect in such a place, but the showers (shared) were bad - in practice, the water was remotely lukewarm.
The breakfast was basic, too - toast, butter, jam, cereals, coffee, tea, oranges (kinda bad).
The whole place had a run-down feel and the ambiance was rather bleak.
The staff at the reception were generally OK and one good thing was that there was free WiFi in the lobby. The hostel is not far from Temple Bar and St. Steven's Green so its location is more or less good.
In the lobby, there was a notice on the message board asking customers to submit their reviews of Avalon House directly only if they were positive and if negative, to send them to Avalon House first, so that they could take remedial action... I thought this was... weird.
I don't plan to go back there and I don't recommend the place.

I agree with most of the other people who hae reviewed staying at Avalon House. The rooms are SO tiny and extremely basic. The bathroom/toilet didnt have a lock on it so had to hope that noone walked in on you. The breakfast was average and was a long wait to get to the toaster. And the staff werent overly friendly. Good things are the free internet, and couches to laze around on. Wouldnt go out of my way to stay here again.

I stayed at Avalon House this weekend gone and I have to say I was pretty disappointed in the place. I read good reviews which is why I feel the need to set the record straight, and their website makes it look fab...it's NOT!

Rooms are fine - basic and cramped, but fine. I stayed on Level 2 and there is only ONE toilet/shower for the whole level. I went to Level 3 for a shower but there was nowhere to put your clothes and the toilets were dirty, so I went back down and waited for the ONE on our level!!

Breakfast is one of the worst I have ever had - Bread for toast, jam and nutella, bruised mandarins, and OJ and coffee.

We paid a high price for this accommodation and I don't think it was worth it (I don't know if it was higher because it was a rugby weekend - I hope so) and the staff were not very friendly or helfpul at all.

It also didn't seem like a very social hostel, but I suppose that always depends on who is staying there at the time.

So, I would definitely look around for other places in Dublin if you have the time, but if you're after basic accommodation in a good location, with free Internet and can hold for the toilet...book now! :o)