Hotels

We had a terrible experience at this hotel. I rang to get directions knowing that there was some sort of traffic restriction on O'Connell Street - I couldn't get a good description of how to access... more

We had a terrible experience at this hotel. I rang to get directions knowing that there was some sort of traffic restriction on O'Connell Street - I couldn't get a good description of how to access the Hotel by car from two different staff at two different calls. The web directions didn't help either. We were kept awake all night by a recurring alarm somewhere close by our window. On going to breakfast - my wife would normally have fruit salad and yoghurt. The fruit salad looked at least two days old (apple was brown and the general appearance looked soggy). So she went for the yoghurt in individual sealed plastic tubs. These were two days past the best before date hand written on the lid. The hotel was expensive for the general standard of accomodation even without the issues we had. We will not be returning there. Close

Was a little bit concerned after reading conflicting reviews of experiences but decided to chance it anyway. Travelled with spouse and son and arrived quite late at night having pre-booked for 4... more

Was a little bit concerned after reading conflicting reviews of experiences but decided to chance it anyway. Travelled with spouse and son and arrived quite late at night having pre-booked for 4 nights at substantial discount with hotels direct online.Dealt with promptly and efficiently and given a twin and double on 4th floor in old part of the building which did not overlook street, which was probably just as well as town teeming with French & Aussie footy and rugby fans up for matches with Ireland @ nearby Croke Park. The rooms were reasonably spacious and the beds very comfortable with fresh clean linen, which was changed daily. The en-suite bathrooms had been recently refurbished and had very good hot showers which were very welcome every evening after a full day out. They were also cleaned spotlessly every day-- a nice touch was the complimentary spa style bathrobes and slippers. Tip-- book a twin and you get a larger en-suite and integrated fridge in bedroom which is handy. Rooms also had interactive TV/Internet access, broadband wi-fi, phone, tea/coffee making facilities. ironing board and iron. It had all the amenities you would expect such as two/three restaurants and bars all of which were well laid out and welcoming but expensive. A full Irish breakfast was 23 Euros and a small glass of Coke 3 Euros-- we were able to get a full Irish breakfast for all 3 of us at 23 Euros in Temple Bar. But the best thing about this hotel is its unbeatable location-- its the first stop from the Airport by Aircoach/ Airlink buses and the penultimate stop on the way back. O'Connell St itself is a wide avenue a bit reminiscent of the Champs Elysee in Paris and within walking distance of virtually everywhere including Temple Bar, Grafton St, Trinity College, St Stephens Green, Ha'penny Bridge etc. Its also around 10 minutes to Connolly Station from where you can, as we did, access the Irish coast in 20 mins by the cheap and efficient DART rail system. Tip-- if visiting the Guinness Storehouse the quickest and cheapest way is to get the LUAS tram from the same station. Also within 5 mins of the Hotel is Henry St which has all the familiar High St stores such as Debenhams, M&S, Tesco, Boots + a few Irish Department stores of varying standard. The real top end designer store is Thomas Brown ( Irish equivalent of Harrods/Harvey Nicholls) in Grafton St. Would also recommend a visit to the Blarney Woolen Mills in Nassau St for excellent knitwear. While most of the UK was being lashed by storms during the w/end of 13/15 Nov, in Dublin the sun was out and there were just a few brief showers so we had a most enjoyable weekend. Eat wise would recommend the Imperial Chinese restaurant in Wicklow St which we found from the excellent AA pocket guide book to Dublin and Bewleys Oriental Cafe, also in the guidebook. In general therefore the Greham fulfiled all our needs. If I was nitpicking I would say that the workmanship in the refurbished bathrooms were not of the very highest standard but you do get a feeling of the grandeur of days past , particularly in the grand foyer and lobby and any hotel that includes past diverse visitors such as Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Taylor, Muhammad Ali, the Beatles and Beyonce is fine by me. If you are watching the cents eat elsewhere but if moneys no object the food within the Gresham and associated service is of a high standard. There are at least 3 McDonalds or Burger Kings within a mile of the hotel if you are into reliable junk food, including one that is open 24 hours. Finally although O'Connell St is always busy and buzzing, you are not immune from the Romanian gypsy type beggars who are not especially aggressive or persistent (as in London) but can be ubiquitous particularly near ATMs and shopping centres. Dublin and its people make it great as a short city break and the Gresham made it special for us. Close

a very pleasant stay had at the Gresham where reception staff were very welcoming. the concierge's knowledge was also called upon and he did not disappoint. my partner uses a walking stick and it... more

a very pleasant stay had at the Gresham where reception staff were very welcoming. the concierge's knowledge was also called upon and he did not disappoint. my partner uses a walking stick and it was noticed that the front entrance lacks disabled facilities but it was explained to me that the building is listed and they are unable to install ramps or a whelchair lift. the food was very good (had a great steak) and the full irish breakfast is recommended. buses, coaches and taxis are in abundance right outside the front door and the hotel is in the centre of everything and a short walk from the Liffey. Close

Stayed for one night, as prev reviewers have mentioned, exc location for Air Coach. Reception large and bright, staff weren't over friendly a little stiff as someone else put it but were courteous... more

Stayed for one night, as prev reviewers have mentioned, exc location for Air Coach. Reception large and bright, staff weren't over friendly a little stiff as someone else put it but were courteous. Room was on the 3rd floor, wasn't over spacious but fine for one nights stay, bathroom was large, looked like it was fairly new and very clean, plenty of toiletries. Hairdryer in room and also tea/coffee facilities,(look for them as we only stumbled on them hidden in a drawer!). Ate in the pub attached to the hotel early eve before going onto an event, small menu, little pricey but then everywhere is with the £/€ exchange. We returned later in the evening and had a drink in the hotel bar, prices matched those outside in the bars. As it was dark when we arrived we couldn't see the view outside from our room, oh dear, what a grotty view, it was all the ventilation ducts, etc, I know we weren't there to look out of the window but...... yuch. Mind you it was nice and quiet so I suppose you have to give up something - view or O'Connell St noise! Restaurant for breakfast was very nice, hot buffet but only warm, but I do wonder if that is the way things are done now, as unless the breakfast is cooked to order, it is only ever warm, maybe it's a health & safety thing? Plenty of choice, loved the soda bread, orange juice very nice. Staff again were very "stiff" not over friendly, no checking if you needed topups of tea/coffee, toast etc. Our breakfast was included in our room chg, not sure I would pay the €23 they were charging. Would come back to this hotel tho. Close

The Gresham is a lovely old dame, and we got a great deal on hotels.com which allowed it to be within our budget. When we arrived, we learned they had upgraded us to a larger room, with a nice-sized... more

The Gresham is a lovely old dame, and we got a great deal on hotels.com which allowed it to be within our budget. When we arrived, we learned they had upgraded us to a larger room, with a nice-sized bathroom and excellent tub - very big by European (and older hotel) standards. The lobby is beautiful with a nice bar area and cozy place to sit and have a drink. We found the service generally to be adequate but a bit icy ? not as warm and friendly as the rest of Dublin ? and didn't try the room service. A few odd things; first, there was no minibar. Mind you, there was a minifridge in our room, but it wasn't on, and there was a note saying if you wanted to partake in the minibar they'd be happy to stock it for you. I found this odd as usually hotels delight in charging you the exorbitant minibar fee for your bottle of water, which is exactly what I would have used it for, but instead we had to order one up to the room. A bit inconvenient and just not what you'd expect from a more expensive hotel. Housekeeping was a bit odd as well - our room was thoroughly cleaned each day but didn't do the usual tidying up, which I assume is to prevent thefts or accusations. Concierge was not overly friendly, again, just something you expect when you are staying at a four-star historic hotel. In short, they don't bend over backwards for you here, but it is a perfectly lovely place to stay and a great value as long as you can find a deal. One caveat, we saw the standard rooms, and they were a touch small, so go for the upgrade if you can. If you are looking to splurge on a romantic weekend away, the Gresham was once good enough for Liz Taylor, but I would think there are now more elegant places to pamper you in Dublin. Close