The Wilder Townhouse

The Wilder doesn't just feel like a hotel, it makes you feel at home. Everyone we met, from reception to the bar and breakfast team, was so friendly and welcoming. Breakfast was excellent, especially the poached eggs, which were among the best cooked we've had. We stayed in the beautiful Lady Jane Suite, which was warm and luxurious, with everything you'd expect and more. Even the soaps and shampoos smelled incredible. The hotel itself is beautiful and perfectly placed for exploring Dublin on foot. We're already looking forward to our upcoming stay at its sister hotel, The Montenotte Hotel in Cork.

A lovely old building with period details and some modern art, and a relaxed feeling of luxury. The staff were really friendly and let us check in early, which was great. We had a perfect stay and enjoyed the delicious breakfast. I'd love to come back.

The hotel looks beautiful, but it felt like style mattered more than substance. The welcome cookie reminded me of a Farley's rusk. I'd have preferred a kettle for making tea in my room to a booklet of haikus. For a fairly premium rate, I expect decent service and somewhere to put my clothes, not to live like a student with things on the floor or over a chair. The view of the bins wasn't great either. We love Dublin, but we'll stay elsewhere next time. We checked in on Friday evening and tried to unpack, but there was no cupboard or drawer space at all, just four coat hangers on hooks. Management and staff said all rooms were like that because it's an old building, though I could see ways to make room for proper storage. Staff seemed disengaged. Nobody greeted us or asked how we were when we passed reception. At 8:30 on Friday night, we waited ten minutes in the restaurant before anyone came over. The food was okay but pricey, and we felt rushed. The waiter took my husband's plate while I was still eating. We were the only people in the restaurant and bar, but nobody offered us the complimentary drink. We didn't feel welcome enough to stay and relax. The bathroom was equipped well and the bed was comfortable, but the rainfall shower head was blocked, the pressure was poor, and water sprayed the wrong way onto the overhead bar. There was no hook or rail by the shower for a towel, so it had to go on the floor. The basin drained slowly too. I mentioned the problems to the manager, Stephen, as we left in the morning. He apologized, said all the bedrooms were the same, claimed there was a bathroom rail, and said he'd have someone check the shower. When we got back late that afternoon, the shower head had been cleared. There was also a bottle of Prosecco and three macaroons as an apology. We returned the Prosecco because we don't drink it, but ate the macaroons. Stephen asked if we'd like non-alcoholic drinks, though I don't think guests should have to suggest how complaints are handled. The basin was still draining slowly. Breakfast on Sunday was another letdown. Service was almost nonexistent. Coffee came for my husband and the hot breakfasts arrived, but we had to go to the bar ourselves for more toast and butter. No one checked on us or brought a coffee refill, and we waited ten minutes to find someone even though the breakfast room was full and three staff were mostly chatting in the bar. I had the vegetarian breakfast, my husband had the full Irish, and both our poached eggs were hard. It was the driest breakfast I've ever had. I suspect the mushroom had been microwaved about an hour earlier. The continental display was arranged beautifully but wasn't practical. It was hard to know where to put the huge cheese and meat domes while holding a plate.

We booked The Wilder for our wedding with friends and family staying alongside us. Everything was perfect, from the lovely atmosphere and incredible food to the amazing service. Our guests all felt the same, and we can't wait to return. The spacious Lady Jane suite worked really well for the wedding morning.