Generator Dublin

The hostel has no AC or fans. Ireland usually isn't too hot, but it was really warm during our stay, and even with the windows open there was no airflow. I love the Generator hostels, but I wouldn't recommend this one unless you're just passing through. We switched rooms after I found myself as the only girl in a mixed dorm of five guys. Thankfully they agreed to move me, though I thought it should've been the least they could do. The showers were tiny, uncomfortable and gross. I'm small and still felt squeezed in. In the new room the bathroom door was broken. Staff offered a sign for the front door, but they didn't have one, so we had to use an Irish flag and write “BUSY” on it ourselves to stop people walking in. I wouldn't book here again. It didn't feel worth the price.

A youth prison-style hostel where they charge extra for everything. I've stayed at Eastern European trucker stops that were cleaner and better. The room comes with mold and dust, but no towels. I'd look further for somewhere to stay in Dublin.

The hostel took my payment for a February 22 reservation after accepting the check-in time I entered, between 12:00 and 01:00. I assumed it was confirmed and made my travel plans around it. Later, I got an email saying the check-in time had been denied and the booking wasn't complete. There was no phone call or immediate notice, and no chance to adjust my arrival before the booking was effectively cancelled. I had to scramble for somewhere else at very short notice. I called the number listed for the hostel five times. No answer, and the voicemail box was full. If late check-in isn't allowed, the system shouldn't accept that time and process payment. Taking payment and then denying the agreed arrival time is misleading and extremely inconvenient, especially for people arriving on overnight transport. The whole thing caused unnecessary stress and left me questioning how reliable their reservation system is. Future guests should confirm late arrival policies directly before booking to avoid the same situation.

There were a lot of 'teenage-ish' guests pulling pranks, like knocking on doors. Rooms are close to the upstairs 'lounge/drinking area' and the alleys, so good luck opening the windows. Even after midnight, people were often yelling, running and arguing while intoxicated in and around the hostel. The team didn't address it. This place might suit groups of younger travellers, but not adults hoping to sleep before the next morning. Police came at least once during my stay, though I didn't know why. I stayed for a week in August 2025, and it didn't compare well with my experiences at other Generator locations. On check-in day, a male front desk team member was chatting and laughing with a group of non-Asian guests. After they left, I smiled and said "good day," thinking the place had a good vibe, but his face immediately dropped. I can't think of anything I did or said to annoy him. He was cold and distant again the next day when I asked a question, though another employee was very kind. I could be wrong, but one apparent reason was that I'm Asian.