Charming
boutique guesthouse in a Georgian townhouse setting
Pleasant
suburban neighborhood with good bus connections
Rooms have
large, comfy beds and high-definition TVs
Pretty
Victorian period decor in public spaces and bedrooms
Free full Irish and continental breakfast with homemade bread
Friendly,
hands-on owner, helpful with local recommendations
Cozy lounge
with computer and free newspapers
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free (but limited) on-site parking
In a Dublin suburb, a bit far from city center
Shower/tub
combos have dated fixed showerheads
Rooms lack
fridges and safes
Some rooms are small
Waterloo House is an upper-middle-range boutique hotel located in a quiet residential area that’s about a 10-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride into Dublin's city center. With just 19 rooms set across two beautiful Georgian
townhouses, the property has an intimate,
guesthouse-like vibe and charming Victorian period decor throughout. Though some rooms are small, they are tastefully decorated and have large, comfortable beds and
high-definition TVs, but lack fridges and safes; shower/tub combos also come
with dated showerheads. The free breakfast is a highlight, plus the hotel offers free Wi-Fi and limited on-site parking. But travelers might want to
compare rates with the nearby Butlers Townhouse, which has equally chic
Victorian-style furnishings and more modern bathroom fixtures, but breakfast isn't included in all rates.
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.
Scene
Charming and atmospheric period property with an intimate guesthouse vibe
Waterloo
House is a low-key hotel in a charming period setting, with a hands-on owner
who gives the place an inviting, guesthouse feel. It’s as popular with
weekend tourists as it is with business travelers, who are the main weekday
clientele. The two gorgeous Georgian townhouses have a double-fronted entrance,
with a beautifully aged brickwork facade and striking purple doors. The
interior feels smart and well cared for throughout; atmospheric hallways have
cream walls and a mix of modern and more traditional framed paintings by Irish
artists, and the front desk is tucked away in a quiet, intimate side
room. The cozy lounge features period decor, including busy patterns on the wallpaper,
carpeting, curtains, and sofas, as well as original sash windows, an elegant chandelier, and a fireplace. The dining room is awash in red hues, including cherry-colored walls and a patterned carpet contrasted by crisp white tablecloths. There’s plenty of natural light from the adjoining conservatory, which has dated brown flooring and overlooks the attractive gardens.
Location
In a largely residential suburb, a half-hour bus ride to the city center
This small
hotel is set back from a busy tree-lined street in the largely residential
inner Dublin suburb of Ballsbridge, also a popular location for embassies and
diplomats. The hotel is a five-minute walk from Baggot Street, famous for its Irish pubs, and nearby Herbert Park is a 14-minute walk away. The nearest DART train station is at Lansdowne, a 15-minute walk away, which is far enough to make other means
of transport, like buses, more convenient. Buses to the city center take just under a half-hour; alternatively, it’s a 10-minute
drive. It’s a four-minute drive to the
Aviva Stadium; the drive to the RDS Arena is the same, but by bus it
takes around 15 minutes. The National Gallery, National Museum, and Grand Canal
are all within a five-minute drive or 15-minute bus ride, while St. Stephen’s
Green and the popular shopping area of Grafton Street are both a seven-minute
drive or around 15 minutes away by bus. Other attractions like Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and Dublin’s nightlife district of Temple Bar are a 10-minute drive or 20- to 25-minute bus ride, while the Guinness Storehouse is about a 15-minute drive or 40 minutes by bus. Heuston train station can be reached in about 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus, while Dublin Airport is a 20- to 30-minute drive or 45 minutes by bus.
Rooms
Ornate rooms with tasteful period decor and comfy beds, but some are small and have dated showerheads
The hotel’s
ornate Victorian-themed decor continues into its 19 cozy bedrooms; many are
spacious, and pricier rooms come with fireplaces, but some are quite small. Traditional, dark wooden furniture includes desks, wardrobes, nightstands, and headboards; the furnishings pair well with beige walls and cream-colored carpets. Big, comfortable beds are topped with white linens and beige throws. Large windows are framed with floor-length maroon curtains and overlook the street or garden. Homey but stylish bathrooms have cream
walls with white tiling and black checked detailing. Some have shower/tub
combos with dated showerheads, while others have slightly more modern
power showerheads.All the individually heated rooms have phones, large flat-screen HD TVs with cable, free Wi-Fi, irons and ironing boards, and
trouser presses, as well as individual toiletries in the bathrooms.
There are also coffee- and tea-making facilities, plus free drinking water in
eco-friendly refillable glass bottles -- but no fridges or safes. Rooms are
quiet and, despite the age of the building, there is an elevator to all floors.
Features
No gym, but fantastic free breakfast, cozy lounge, and free parking and Wi-Fi
The hotel has limited facilities on offer --
there's no fitness center, for instance (though there’s an off-site gym
within walking distance). Breakfast gets top marks, however, and it’s included
in rates -- the full Irish and extensive continental buffet selection includes
homemade Irish soda bread and muesli. The cozy lounge has a pleasant atmosphere
in the evening in particular; there are free newspapers here, as well as a
computer and an old-fashioned tube TV. There’s limited on-site parking
available free to guests, or the hotel can arrange an alternative spot nearby.
The staff at the 24/7 front desk also offer great local recommendations, and
there’s free Wi-Fi throughout.
