I never tire of going into the city centre for a day out. There’s always something to do and I turn into a typical tourist and look for tours and activities to do as well as shopping.
The range of hotels is fantastic and depending on where you want to explore, researching the right hotel is key. As the festive season begins, people and families are looking for overnights and seasonal treats for their families, so here are two city hotels I stayed at recently. The size of a family room is important, particularly for a multi-generational family trip into Dublin. Based on a family of 5-6 (the grandparents may want to come along to) or two solo parent families looking for a good value package, both the Grafton Hotel right beside Stephen’s Green and the Hyatt Centric in the Liberties, are a perfect choice.
The first thing that strikes me as I check in to The Grafton Hotel in the city centre of Dublin is the location. A perfect position for tourists or families to explore the Grafton Street area either by walking, the very frequent luas/tram, the many tour buses and even a horse and carriage is an option. Situated right at the top of South William street where the bustle of the city is infectious, you can find a cosy café or local pub with traditional Irish food and people watch all day.
As I walk into the Grafton Hotel foyer, the scent reminds me of the many Spanish students that descended on Irish estates in the 80s (and still do) Nenuco cologne or a similar fragrance in the foyer brings me right back to that era. The décor is very modern and on first glance, it’s a mix of 1920s chic with a Moroccan twist. Even the main hotel toilets have stunning mirrors. The colour scheme throughout the hotel is warm, muted tones, perhaps a bit dark for some, but I love it.
The family room is a great size and can sleep six people very comfortably. With two sets of single bunkbeds and a great size king bed for adults. If you are a larger family, its perfect and also if you are two solo parents sharing (2 adults + 4 children) you could split the cost for a city hotel treat. There are endless activities to do (free and paid ones) for families in the city. Stephen’s Green is a short walk from the hotel, as is Merrion park. Grafton street is a popular place to ramble for tourists and locals and you can walk along and listen to the many buskers singing their hearts out and watch a whole range of entertainers, that appear every weekend.
Another hotel option further into the city and if you love history and exploring ‘auld’ Dublin, is the Hyatt Centric Hotel in the heart of The Liberties. This stylish hotel is one of the city’s oldest and liveliest neighbourhoods, where history, art and culture are all in one place. You’re just a short walk from iconic spots like the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Vicar street and the trendy cafés and markets that give The Liberties its unique vibe. My family and I went on the Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour, a short walk from the hotel. The tour was very informative and we learned a lot about Teelings; they distil their whiskey three times to get that pure velvet taste that their whiskey is renowned for and a tasting experience was included in the tour. Why not also visit the renowned Thomas Street market, less than a 10 minute walk away from the hotel where you may get a bargain or three. You will hear old stories from the sellers and make some bargain purchases and really feel immersed in Dublin culture.
Drop your bargains back to the hotel and sip a refreshment at the reception area and people watch for the afternoon. Inside, the Hyatt Centric amps up the cool factor. The cosy colour scheme, spacious reception area with floor-to-ceiling windows, funky decor that nods to Dublin’s past, are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The food at the hotel’s Liberties Gate Restaurant and Bar is superb. It serves up locally inspired dishes and craft cocktails that are as vibrant as the neighbourhood itself. You don’t really have to leave the hotel to experience an authentic Irish atmosphere.
For those who like to mix sightseeing with fitness, there’s a fully equipped gym that overlooks the city, so you can soak in the views. The social scene anywhere around the Liberties and the Grafton street areas is traditionally Irish.
Both hotels offer a stylish gateway to Dublin’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. Stroll down Grafton street and listen to the buskers while browsing in the many shops all on one street or grab a designer bargain a few minutes’ walk away in The Liberties. Its Dublin at its best for families, tourists and anyone who loves a city centre overnight experience.
Hyatt Centric packages: Bring the family and recharge in this spacious room featuring a king bed, sleeper sofa and a modern bathroom. Capacity is strictly limited to a maximum of two adults and one child (under the age of 12) or a maximum of three adults. This can be a connecting room, upon availability. Prices from €355 (An interconnecting room means you could share the family room price)
The Grafton Hotel packages: Christmas Magic Escape – €460 is available: 29 Nov 2024 – 05 Jan 2025 and includes an overnight stay in a Family Room, welcome plate for the family, a complimentary Christmas Cocktail per adult, Grafton Teddy for the kids, a traditional Irish Buffet Breakfast for the family. Early check-in & Late check-out and 24-hour discount car parking beside the hotel, there is also room only family room rates from €309.