Drury Court Hotel

The small, family-run Drury Court Hotel has a low-key atmosphere and limited communal spaces. Its red brick frontage and understated double-fronted pastel green doors lead into the bright, functional lobby. Olive and gray tub chairs provide seating in the long, narrow space that feels more like the entrance to a serviced apartment building and lacks atmosphere, but it’s a pleasant space overall. An olive-green splashback and modern local prints brighten up the old-fashioned reception desk. Hallways are plain but pleasant, with white walls, attractive patterned red carpet, and white wood trim. Vintage heater covers and white metal stair spindles are cute, but the tired red seats and small tables feel out of place, while office-like white paneled ceilings are dated. Though the property lacks facilities or common spaces to lounge in, the adjoining bar is an atmospheric place with a friendly vibe.

Situated on a busy side street with plenty of foot traffic as well as shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, and apartments, the Drury Court has an enviable St. Stephen’s Green location in central Dublin. It's within walking distance of numerous attractions, and the city’s hop-on, hop-off bus service stops just around the corner. St. Stephen’s Green itself is a five-minute walk away. For shopping, Drury Street, William Street South, and Grafton Street are all within a two- to five-minute walk from the hotel. Dublin Castle is five minutes away on foot, the Olympia Theatre is a six-minute walk away, and it’s a seven-minute walk to the heart of the Temple Bar nightlife district and to historical Trinity College. The Guinness Storehouse is about a 20-minute walk or 10-minute drive from here. Heuston railway station is a nine-minute drive or 15-minute bus ride from the hotel, while it’s a 20-minute drive or about a 40-minute bus ride to Dublin Airport.

Refurbished in 2014, rooms are comfortable but can be a little dated in parts; some are also on the small side. Beds feature tufted headboards and old-fashioned throws, while attractive gray accent walls match the floor-length curtains. Black-and-white photos in dated frames adorn the walls, and floors are covered in simple gray or burgundy carpets. Rooms are furnished with generic wooden bedside tables, desks, and drawers. Views are less than inspiring, overlooking neighboring buildings, rooftops, or the street. Suites, also sold as Family Rooms, sleep up to three and have sitting areas with gray sofa beds. Bathrooms are decent, with shower/tub combos with fixed showerheads and individual toiletries, but the peach-colored tiling feels dated. Standard Triple and Super Twin Rooms have more tasteful white tiling and gray marble vanity sinks. All rooms have individual heating and triple-glazed windows, flat-screen cable TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, phones, safes, and free Wi-Fi. 

One- to three-bedroom serviced apartments (in an adjacent building) have cozy bedrooms with a homey feel -- think: modern headstands and elegant gray throws, patterned blinds, and chic bedside tables and lamps. Large built-in white-wood closets and desks are convenient, but the gray carpet looks tired and cheap wicker chairs feel out of place. Living rooms are elegant (One Bedroom Apartments have pullout sofa beds), while chic but compact bathrooms have modern shower/tub combos with power showerheads and individual toiletries. There are small balconies and well-equipped kitchenettes, plus irons, ironing boards, and vacuum cleaners.

This low-key hotel has limited facilities, and notably no gym (there are local gyms within walking distance). A great continental or full Irish breakfast is served at the adjoining bar, but it’s not included in all rates. The bar has a modern menu of evening meals, though food service stops relatively early; room service is also available. The hotel can provide free cribs, extra pullout beds for a fee, and free loaner DVD players and DVDs; international adaptors are also for sale. There’s a safety deposit box at reception, and same-day laundry can be arranged through an outside service for a fee; the 24-hour front desk can also book tours for guests. Meeting facilities are available for up to 15 people, free Wi-Fi works throughout, and limited free on-site parking is available for guests booking directly -- discounted rates are also available at two local car parks within a five-minute walk.