Modern hotel in leafy, fashionable Ballsbridge
Walking distance to the Aviva Stadium, Google European headquarters, the Royal Dublin Society, and public transportation
Home to popular Gasworks Bar and Restaurant with weekly live music
Bright, clean rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers
Executive rooms provide Egyptian cotton duvets and bathrobes
Fitness center with a mix of cardio and weight-training machines
Two-story car park free of charge
Noise from bar can reach some lower-level rooms
No air-condioning
Some guests complain that beds do not offer enough support
There's not a lot to find fault with at the 142-room Grand Canal Hotel, but equally little to get excited about either. It's a modern hotel with all the amenities expected of a mid-range property, plus a few more -- free on-site parking for one. Rooms are generally satisfactory, but an upgrade to an Executive Room brings such extras as smart TVs, CD players, Egyptian cotton duvets, and robes. The location, across from Grand Canal Dart Station and within walking distance of Aviva Stadium, the Bord Gais Theatre, and the Royal Dublin Society is ideal for some travelers, but the city center is at least a 20-minute walk away. There's a Dublin Public Bike Scheme station, one of 40 public bike stations around the city, right outside the hotel.
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Scene
Modern hotel on historical site with the popular Gasworks Bar
Neat, modern, clunky and characterless from the outside, the Grand Canal Hotel has a lobby tastefully decorated in simple warm tones and paneling that exudes a warm yet contemporary sheen. Irish history buffs might be interested in the fact that it stands next to the site of Bolands Mill, which featured in the famous Easter Rising of 1916. Today its location makes it popular with business travelers (Google European headquarters is nearby, as is the Convention Center) and leisure visitors in town for an event at the nearby Aviva Stadium or 02 Arena. Locals also pop in for drinks and to socialize at the Gasworks Bar, bringing some local color to the hotel.
Location
Set in leafy upmarket Ballsbridge (Dublin 4), one block from the Dart train
The hotel is located in the leafy, upmarket neighborhood of Ballsbridge in Dublin 4, a couple of miles southeast of the city's center. One block away is the Grand Canal Dock Dart station (Dublin's light rail system) that connects to the city hub in about 10 minutes, as well as to some of the area's pretty coastline. The Aviva Stadium, home to Ireland's rugby and soccer teams, is a 10-minute walk away, while Google's European headquarters is a five-minute walk. An airport shuttle stops outside the hotel, and takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Rooms
Bright, clean rooms include large flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi
The hotel's 142 rooms, including two suites, are bright, fresh, and modern, with large windows and carpeted floors. Standard amenities include large flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Executive Rooms ramp things up with Egyptian cotton duvets, recliner chairs, smart TVs, and superfast Wi-Fi. The two suites go even further, with wraparound balconies and enough room to hold corporate meetings and entertain. All bathrooms are clean and modern, and provide tub/shower combos and quality toiletries. Some guests report that beds could offer more support.
Features
On-site bar with live music and weekly DJs
Also popular with locals, the hotel's Gasworks Bar and Restaurant is a real social hub, offering an extensive bar menu, daily roast, and live music every week. The Lobby Lounge also serves drinks in smarter surroundings, while the Epic Restaurant provides a daily hot breakfast (for a fee) and contemporary dining for large groups. The chefs create baked treats daily, and a full Irish breakfast is served every day (for a fee). Guests also have access to fully equipped gym and a two-story car park free of charge.
