Pros

  • Set in busting Temple Bar district in Dublin's center
  • Walking distance to most city center attractions
  • Homey rooms with upscale amenities and triple-glazed windows
  • Well-maintained bathrooms with walk-in showers
  • Low-price minibar items, and espresso machines
  • Wi-Fi free throughout
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Cons

  • Set above a fetish shop
  • No on-site facilities
  • Rooms prone to noise
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Bottom Line

The upper-middle-range Merchant House consists of four rooms that overlook a narrow cobblestone street in the popular Temple Bar district in central Dublin. While the location is buzzing and plenty of tourist attractions are within easy reach, nightlife can be noisy -- even with triple-glazed windows. Rooms are sumptuous yet homey with plenty of amenities such as underfloor bathroom heating and minibar prices that won't make you wince. For guests seeking nothing more than a well-equipped room with character, this is a decent option. On-site dining plus river views for around the same price are available the Clarence nearby -- though rooms are plain in comparison. 

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet

Oyster Hotel Review

The Merchant House ( 5 star Suites )

Scene

Housed in early Georgian town house above retail outlet

While the small, unassuming doorway of  the Merchant House is easy to miss, it sits under the same sign as a less-than-inconspicuous neighboring fetish store. Built in 1720 and restored in 2005, the building is a classic example of an early Georgian town house, and as such there's no elevator between floors. The hotel actually consists of four luxury suites with no lobby or public areas -- guests must inform the property of their arrival time to ensure staff are there to meet them. While in the busy part of town, once inside the vibe is generally quiet and mostly sheltered from the raucous passing revelry.

See More Scene

Location

Set in lively Temple Bar district in central Dublin 

The hotel is located on a narrow cobbled street in the middle of the bustling and popular "cultural quarter" of Temple Bar in the center of Dublin. There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars in the immediate area, and some of the city's most vibrant nightspots -- meaning it can get a bit rowdy on the street when the pubs and clubs close. Most of the capital's main attractions are within walking distance, with Dublin Castle just two minutes away on foot, Trinity College five minutes, and Saint Patrick's Cathedral 12 minutes. Grafton Street shopping is about a seven-minute walk from the hotel, while the Guinness Storehouse Museum is a seven-minute drive. The Convention Center Dublin (CCD) is a five- to 10-minute cab ride, while Dublin Airport is  20 to 30 minutes away by car or taxi. 

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Rooms

Individually styled with a homey vibe and upscale amenities

There are four spacious and individually styled rooms, each named after a famous Irish writer. The Bram Stoker room is decked out in sumptuous purple fabrics, with gilded statuettes and contemporary wood furnishings. Decor in the James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and WB Yeats suites tend more toward fresh yet homey styling, with original fireplaces with exposed brick surrounding them. A scattering of random curios and knickknacks give the suites the feel of private, if rather fancy, bedrooms -- though some might find the mishmash a little untidy. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and espresso machines, while minibars feature reduced-price items. Bathrooms are well-maintained, with underfloor heating and walk-in showers (though no bathtubs). Windows are triple glazed to cut down on the nightlife hullabaloo. 

See More Rooms

Features

The property consists of only the rooms, which limits on-site facilities.

While there are no facilities aside from the rooms, extras such chocolate and Champagne can be organized in advance. The hotel also offers a four-course breakfast (for a fee) a minute walk away in its small restaurant.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

The Merchant House ( 5 star Suites )

Scene

Housed in early Georgian town house above retail outlet

While the small, unassuming doorway of  the Merchant House is easy to miss, it sits under the same sign as a less-than-inconspicuous neighboring fetish store. Built in 1720 and restored in 2005, the building is a classic example of an early Georgian town house, and as such there's no elevator between floors. The hotel actually consists of four luxury suites with no lobby or public areas -- guests must inform the property of their arrival time to ensure staff are there to meet them. While in the busy part of town, once inside the vibe is generally quiet and mostly sheltered from the raucous passing revelry.

See More Scene

Location

Set in lively Temple Bar district in central Dublin 

The hotel is located on a narrow cobbled street in the middle of the bustling and popular "cultural quarter" of Temple Bar in the center of Dublin. There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars in the immediate area, and some of the city's most vibrant nightspots -- meaning it can get a bit rowdy on the street when the pubs and clubs close. Most of the capital's main attractions are within walking distance, with Dublin Castle just two minutes away on foot, Trinity College five minutes, and Saint Patrick's Cathedral 12 minutes. Grafton Street shopping is about a seven-minute walk from the hotel, while the Guinness Storehouse Museum is a seven-minute drive. The Convention Center Dublin (CCD) is a five- to 10-minute cab ride, while Dublin Airport is  20 to 30 minutes away by car or taxi. 

See More Location

Rooms

Individually styled with a homey vibe and upscale amenities

There are four spacious and individually styled rooms, each named after a famous Irish writer. The Bram Stoker room is decked out in sumptuous purple fabrics, with gilded statuettes and contemporary wood furnishings. Decor in the James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and WB Yeats suites tend more toward fresh yet homey styling, with original fireplaces with exposed brick surrounding them. A scattering of random curios and knickknacks give the suites the feel of private, if rather fancy, bedrooms -- though some might find the mishmash a little untidy. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and espresso machines, while minibars feature reduced-price items. Bathrooms are well-maintained, with underfloor heating and walk-in showers (though no bathtubs). Windows are triple glazed to cut down on the nightlife hullabaloo. 

See More Rooms

Features

The property consists of only the rooms, which limits on-site facilities.

While there are no facilities aside from the rooms, extras such chocolate and Champagne can be organized in advance. The hotel also offers a four-course breakfast (for a fee) a minute walk away in its small restaurant.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Cribs

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.