Do you have any good or bad experiences booking in Dublin for a few days? Where did you book your reservation, and did the location offer good access and interesting experiences? ![[thankyou.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/d/df165fe9c1593d19166ae7e1ffe5e272089cc07b.gif "thankyou"){kind=small}
We stayed at The Fitzwilliam a couple years back. Full disclosure: we were traveling with a friend who is in the travel industry, so our treatment and room type may not be completely representative. But I would say that the location was great, right across from St Steven’s Green and at the end of the trolley (is that what they call it there?) line. Also fairly easy walk to Temple Bar and other areas of tourist interest. The common areas were very nice, and the breakfast (included with room, IIRC) was extensive and good. This is more of a modern hotel (think an American W) than a classic/historic property, if that matters to you.
Can’t help you with hotel, since we only flew into Dublin from USA for 1 day and stayed overnight at Airport Hotel to catch very early flight next morning to Cardiff. Used booking.com to book a couple of hotels on this vacation. Efficient easy to use website. All reservations in place and hotels as described. Post trip follow up reviews are requested so ratings and reviews are current. If you are looking for a restaurant in Dublin, I highly suggest The Winding Stair. Central location near two-penny bridge, very fine food, pleasant service, hip with mainly locals rather than tourists, casual, fairly priced and nice wine list, although I must confess to drinking a local hard cider with my meal. Written up in several travel guides and has website. We didn’t reserve and walked in on a weeknight (Monday). It was full, but we managed to get a table. Suggest making a reservation. My wife really enjoyed the food and atmosphere as did I.
I stayed in 2 places, Nancy. The Old Schoolhouse was very quaint on the outside, OK on the inside and lunch there was fine.
Aishling House was a bit out of the way and “ordinary” exterior, but lovely interior and helpful host (B&B).
Have you been to Dublin before? And are you seeing any more of Ireland while you’re there? If so, PM me your email address and I’ll give you some more info.
sante,
The Westbury is a nive hotel, great location right off Grafton Street, near the St. Stephens Green end of Grafton… The Merrion is one of the best in town, on the other side of St. Stephens Green. Also on the green is the Shelbourne, a historic more elegant hotel… they have a nice afternoon tea off the lobby.
I know there is a newer Westin near Trinity college, also centrally located. Frankly though, Dublin is prettly small and walkable city, so nothing will be too far afield.
I’ve also stayed at Jury’s Christchurch, a bit further from Grafton, but more reasonable. Also stayed in the Hotel Temple Bar as well, but its a noisy location, and for the price there are better options…
I’ve heard the Gresham is ok as well, across the river up O’connel Street, but still walkable to the city center.
hope this helps…
FitzWilliam all the way! Right on the Green and at Grafton St. If you do decide to go there, let me know as I have people that work there and will treat you right!
We liked the Fitzwilliam from comments here and looking at their site. DH took a stab on Priceline or one of the online services using 4 stars in that location. He got a bite and had to accept before knowing what hotel. He has never come up with a turkey, so I am hoping no one has any (or too many) negative stories to tell about the Hotel Conrad (Hilton).
http://conradhotels1.hilton.com/en/ch/hotels/guestRooms.do?ctyhocn=DUBHCCI
We will go back to Dublin at the end of the trip and will hold off booking until we see what we like and what is available.
Mike, your information is very helpful and I will write to you soon.
Nancy, I’ve stayed at the Conrad half a dozen times–it’s totally fine. I also like the Merrion.
Thanks, Mark! Any recommendations for casual meals in the area? Sal’s cousin Sean will probably show us a few public houses. ![[drinkers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/8/82916bed5ad74ac8470bc04089d9758b0c80c9fa.gif "drinkers"){kind=small}
Glad you’ve been able to make use of some of my ramblings, Nancy! Enjoy, I look forward to your own impressions.
The last time I was there we ate at Pearl Brasserie–very nice meal. Right next door is Patrick Guilbaud (2 star place, quite expensive, but supposed to be quite good). The concierge at the Conrad has never steered us wrong, either–he recommended an Italian place called Unicorn that was pretty decent, and there was a steak joint as well, but the name escapes me. I’ve also eaten fish & chips on the rec of a taxi driver, and had some on-the-run meals at the airport, so I don’t always get a nice sit down when I’m there.
Be curious to see where you end up eating–always looking for good recs myself!
We were in Dublin back in May and stayed at the Brooks Hotel for four nights–it was a lovely place and was very nicely located with respect both to dining and sightseeing.
A different POV on Brooks Hotel above: avoid at all costs!
Very noisy, lumpy bed, indifferent staff and censored internet; my company is part of a wine and spirits wholesaler and access to our corporate site was blocked by the hotel’s filters (presumably alcohol along with other “sins” are blocked) and they refused to do anything about it.
merrion.
Wow, I just love all of the different points of view! One might have terrific experiences in a hotel or restaurant and others might have a nightmare event. The internet filter is what I deal with at work. Of course, I don’t have time to do much internet research except for job related issues. However, when on a break, it would be nice to be able to check out a wine bar or some such. but, I digress.
Back to Ireland…I am so ready. Looking forward to finding new adventures and delving into our family history both past and present (both of us). We will eat mostly casual meals and splurge once in a while, I am sure.
Mark, we could get you in touch with relatives in the Blackrock area of Dublin for suggestions.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed. We will report back when all is said and done.