Parkgate Street, Dublin, Ireland | (618) 248-8274
West-of-center location next to Heuston Station, with easy access to Dublin's attractions
Playful and plush lobby with sink-into sofas and kitschy touches
Impressive restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients for a new twist on Irish favorites
Swanky bar serving cocktails and light meals
Rooms include flat-screen TVs, and some have river views
Free Wi-Fi in rooms and in some public spaces
Meeting rooms and conference facilities
Private multi-story car park
Some rooms get noise
Standard rooms a little dated
Not all rooms have air-conditioning
No fitness center
Fee for parking
The 225-room Ashling Hotel has plenty going for it -- from its fabulously plush lobby to an award-winning restaurant serving excellent breakfasts -- though some rooms are a little dated and the decor falls short for an advertised four-star property. On-site parking (for a fee) is a bonus, and the tram system on the hotel's doorstep is convenient for getting into Dublin's center, but the Ashling's location might still feel a little remote. All in all, it seems a bit pricey for not being in the city center, but if a central location is not important, it's worth a look.
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Scene
Modern, characterless facade belies plush and spangled interiors
The Ashling Hotel is housed in a smart but relatively nondescript building whose modern glass and stone facade gives little clue to its flamboyant interiors. Inside a plush palette of pinks and purples jostle with spangled-polished tiles, bold floral-patterned rugs, and a healthy smattering of gilded kitsch and colorful modern art. Smartly dressed, efficient staff man the mirror-paneled reception desk, flanked by wall-mounted chandeliers and decorated with vibrant wall art. Soft velvet sofas provide seating for a mixture of leisure and business travelers, while a trio of elevators whisk guests to one of the hotel's eight floors.
Location
West of Dublin's center and overlooking the famous Liffey River
This city hotel overlooks the Liffey River, just west of Dublin's city center. The city's tram system, the Luas, passes by the front door, making access to the rest of Dublin easy, while a five-minute walk away is Dublin Zoo, the Guinness Storehouse, and Phoenix Park, with wild, roaming deer. The National Museum of Ireland is next door. A five-minute journey on the Luas tram brings travelers to the lively Temple Bar area and Trinity College, or it's 20 minutes on foot. Dublin Airport is a 20-minute drive away without traffic.
Rooms
Bright, simply styled rooms of various sizes with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi
The hotel's standard rooms are fresh and bright, with simple decor and traditional furnishings (and quite different from the extravagant lobby). In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs and tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are clean and modern, some with smart contemporary fixtures and bathtubs. Superior and Deluxe Rooms also include king-size beds, air-conditioning, and walk-in showers with rain showerheads (Deluxe Rooms have double sinks). Family Rooms are also available, and can include a double and a single bed, a double and two single beds, or a double and three single beds. Suites, some with separate living areas, occupy the two top floors.
Features
Impressive on-site dining that sources local ingredients
Awarded an AA Rosette for fine dining, the Chesterfields Restaurant is a real highlight, offering an excellent selection of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including extensive cooked breakfasts and lunchtime roasts. The hotel's Iveagh Bar has a swish, informal atmosphere with a cocktail list and light meals, while vending machines selling drinks and snacks are also available. The hotel also has it's own multi-story car park offering a special overnight rate for guests.
