Shantalla Lodge B&B

The Shantalla Lodge, although outside the city center, makes an inviting base for visiting the area. The property's warm, homey ambience begins with its setting in a two-story home with an attractive white and red-brick exterior. Bright and modern interiors make it feel every bit the suburban Dublin home, too. The spacious hallway has hardwood floors, white-wood trim, large mirrors, and attractive framed prints, with neutral gray carpeting on the stairs and throughout the upper floors. The gorgeous dining room has large windows that let in plenty of light, making for a warm, cozy space with tables covered in white tablecloths, and a sofa and armchair tucked into the corners. The lovely carved wooden fireplace is topped by a large mirror. Guests are mainly couples, though families also frequently stay here.

Surrounded by other houses and with neighborhood shops across the street, the Shantalla Lodge is located on a fairly busy residential North Dublin street, halfway between the airport and the city center. While there's not a lot to do in this suburban area, buses stop right outside. Central Dublin is a 25-minute bus ride or 12-minute drive away, while it’s a 23-minute bus ride or a seven-minute drive to Dublin Airport. The Omni Centre shopping mall is a 10-minute walk away, six-minute bus ride, or a two-minute drive, while the Helix theater is a nine-minute bus ride or four-minute drive from the property. Nearby Dromcondra village (for a wider selection of restaurants), Dublin City University, and the Morton Stadium (or National Athletics Stadium) are all within a three-minute drive or a 15-minute bus ride. It’s a six-minute drive to the Santry Woods public park and the Croke Park athletics stadium. Dublin Port is a 12-minute drive away, and it’s a 21-minute drive to Howth fishing village, popular for its seafood restaurants and walks along the cliffs.

Clean, bright and modern, the Shantalla's five rooms come in Single, Twin, Double, and Family configurations; all have comfortable beds with small headboards and bedside tables, though some rooms are on the small side. Decor is understated and elegant, with off-white walls featuring framed prints. All rooms have individual heating and closet storage space, as well as wall-mounted flat-screen TVs; some rooms also have desks. The Double Room is perhaps the most cramped, while the Family Room is especially bright and comes with both a double and single bed. Free drinking water is provided in all the rooms, along with hairdryers and free Wi-Fi. Rooms face either the street or the back garden, and some guests find the street-facing rooms a bit noisy, especially when the windows are open. Only the Single Room lacks an en-suite bathroom; The bathroom is private, but it's across the hall. Bathrooms have attractive modern tiling, and walk-in shower cubicles, most with power showerheads, but those in the Twin and Family Rooms are fixed. Some sinks come with vanity cabinets with large mirrors.

Personal service from Shantalla's husband-and-wife team goes a long way here. The owners are happy to recommend restaurants, as well as tips on the best ways to get around Dublin. Breakfast is a highlight -- it's cooked to order, and includes a full Irish, vegetarian, or continental spread, all served with fresh Irish soda bread from the local bakery. There’s plenty of choice, and the owners will leave out a continental breakfast for guests leaving early in the morning. Coffee and tea are available 24/7 in the dining room,  along with fruit and cookies. There’s fast and free Wi-Fi throughout, and guests can use the laptop computer and printer in the hallway. Free parking is available both on the large driveway and on the street itself.