The Sandymount Hotel

The noise made it impossible for me to get a good night's sleep. There was no soundproofing between the rooms: I could hear a neighbouring guest talking until 12:30-1 a.m., not loudly, and from the other side I could even hear someone urinating and flushing repeatedly. The flush sounded like a hurricane, and there were other noises I’d rather not have heard. I could also hear people walking on the floor above. I’ve stayed in many old hotels that managed to soundproof their rooms, so I don’t see an excuse. Construction work in the hotel started early in the morning too, another thing to consider if you want to sleep well. The so-called fitness center was about the size of the bedroom, with a small home treadmill, bike, cross trainer and some weights. My home gym is better equipped. It felt like the worst token gym I’ve seen, so skip this place if a proper workout matters to you. The public areas and outside of the hotel are lovely, but that’s where the appeal stopped for me. The double room was tiny, as the pictures show, and the toilet area was even smaller: the door opened onto the bath, with barely standing room for one person. I could have put up with that if I’d slept well. I rarely give hotels a poor rating, but at 380 for a room I expected the room and facilities to be up to scratch, not to feel like a bedsit.

I liked the wooden key and how clean all the spaces were. There’s a lot of potential here, though the lobby ceiling had seepage stains, and there was a garlic smell that I assume came from the kitchen. Reception staff did their job and were available, but could have been friendlier and smiled more. The white lights in the room spoiled what would otherwise have been a perfect atmosphere, and there was no bathroom socket apart from the one by the mirror.

The place is undergoing building work to make it more accessible, but getting around with limited mobility is still a little difficult because of the multiple steps and levels. It’s in a residential area slightly outside the city centre, with public transport nearby. Facilities and service are excellent, everyone serves you with a friendly smile, and the whole place is clean and well maintained. Still, a great find.

Luca at the bar was so welcoming and took time to chat with us. He made me a gorgeous custom cocktail that looked as lovely as it tasted, and you can tell he really enjoys his work. Luca, if you read this, put that sunset cocktail on the summer menu! We stayed at the Sandymount hotel on the 7th February. It’s lovely inside and really convenient for us, not too far from the RDS.