Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Centre

The service stood out: I left the privacy sign on my door, then got a kind note saying I could still ask for fresh towels. When I did, they arrived promptly and were still warm from the dryer. The room had enough space for two adults to unpack a week’s luggage, but the full-size bed felt small compared with a Queen. Its mattress was too firm and springy, squeaked and groaned, and reminded me of a college dorm bed in all the worst ways. We enjoyed the stay apart from the mattress. The neighborhood was much quieter than across the bridge or a few blocks down the street. It’s also easy to get around: the redline tram stop is right outside, and the Dublin Express bus stop is about a 10-minute walk away if you want to avoid a taxi. We walked around Wood Quay and all the way to St Stephen’s Green without trouble. I skipped the hotel breakfast, but there are several cafes nearby and a Spar for something quick.

The free breakfast was a nice extra each morning, even though the food didn’t change during my four-night stay. Watch out for the waffle machine: grease the pan well and add enough batter. For dinner, I’d recommend Legal Eagle, just a three-minute walk away. The room was solid and came with an iron and ironing board, and the price was fairly reasonable. It’s not right in the busy district, but there’s a tram stop across the street.

All the employees we met were kind and patient. Since I had to book my stay separately, the check-in staff made sure I could keep the same room without checking out in between. The Dublin Express is close enough for the airport, and the train is just steps away. I’d definitely return. Breakfast was a real plus each morning, and I could get everyone properly full before heading out to explore. The sofa bed wasn’t the best, but that was okay since it wasn’t meant to be the main bed. Someone had left a bad review about the M floor, but at the end of my Ireland trip, the lack of a view didn’t affect my stay. There was still plenty of natural light.

Aidan made this stay feel especially welcoming. He noticed my husband’s visual impairment when we arrived and, the next morning, remembered it at breakfast, walked us to a table, and moved chairs so it was easier for him to get around. He kept checking in with us, and also made an effort to chat with everyone in our 32-person study abroad group, learn our plans, and help us find our way around Dublin. My husband doesn’t use a cane or other aid, so you wouldn’t necessarily know about his vision unless you paid attention. Aidan did, and that thoughtful effort meant a lot, especially since we’d never traveled abroad before. We’ll come back to Dublin and stay here again. The location made getting around on foot easy, and the DART is right beside the hotel. Our room was small, but comfortable and suited our needs. Breakfast was another highlight, with lots of tasty choices that set us up well for the day. Most of the staff were nice and helpful too.