The Martello Hotel

The Martello Hotel attracts a lively crowd, from weekend party seekers to families looking for a reasonable getaway near the sea. The lobby entrance is tastefully decorated with ivory-painted wood paneling -- a motif repeated in guest rooms -- that seamlessly matches the reception counter, and small striped seating throughout. There isn't much space to relax here, but the hotel offers a large selection of dining and drinking establishments for a property of its size. The stylish on-site Tower Bistro is popular among both guests and locals, with brown leather chairs, restored wooden floors, and shelves displaying an eclectic mix of knick-knacks (not to mention its often crowded summer terrace), while the Martello Bar has an upscale pub atmosphere and hosts live music weekly. Koo Nightclub draws plenty of guests from across Bray, and those staying in the hotel should keep in mind that certain areas will be noisy well into the night on weekends.

The Martello Hotel is located opposite the Bray Promenade a 30-minute train journey from Dublin via the Bray Railway Station, which is a seven-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel offers discounted tickets to the National Sea Life Bray Aquarium, which is great for families and has more than 5000 sea creatures on display, located a two-minute walk across the street from the hotel. There's a traditional Victorian bandstand across from the hotel as well where performances are hosted during the summer months, and Signal Arts Centre, exhibiting local contemporary art, is also two minutes away on foot. Bray Main Street, which is lined with a selection of eateries, retailers, and bars is an 10-minute walk from the hotel, while The Bray Cliff Walk, a popular 2-hour coastal hike, begins at the bandstand on the promenade, winds around scenic Brayhead, and ends at Greystones Harbor.

The hotel has a mixture of 25 Twin Double, King Double, or King Deluxe rooms, as well as 19 Self-Catering Apartments, all of which are decorated in neutral tones, like ivory-painted wood-paneled walls and plush brown carpeted floors. With white, contemporary furniture and minimal seating, regular hotel rooms feel a bit austere, but are cozy enough, and some guest rooms include decorative fireplaces, exposed brick walls, and sea views that can raise the charm factor. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, coffee- and tea-making facilities, wall-mounted flat screen TVs, air-conditioning, and irons. Contemporary en-suite bathrooms have white tiled walls, stand-up showers, pump-dispensed toiletries, and modern fixtures, though we did spot a bit of stained grout in the showers. Self-catering apartments are colorful and compact, though a bit less fresh with sagging leather love seats. They include attractive, vibrant green-tiled kitchenettes with washer/dryers and space-savvy design features like fold away beds in the living area.