The ‘upgraded’ Dublin city hotel that’s had €7.6m revamp near iconic city hotspots, perfect for shopping weekend
There is something special about checking into a hotel in the heart of Dublin, knowing that some of the capital’s best-known attractions are right on your doorstep. And it can be difficult to choose, depending on what you are looking for in a city hotel. For me, this time it was for shopping, attending an awards night and meeting friends. Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch is part of the Fattal Hotel Group and has just completed a €7.6 million refurbishment.
The refurbishment is part of the wider story of Leonardo Hotels, which has grown considerably since opening its first hotel in Ireland in 1993. The investment in Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch reflects the importance of continuing to update established city-centre properties to meet the expectations of today’s guests, local and international. The upgraded rooms now comprise 164 standard bedrooms, 18 executive rooms, eight family rooms and 100 triple rooms – suitable for all guest types. They have also installed air-conditioning in all of the guest rooms – a welcome addition during our hot summer.
Kate Dowling, Hotel Manager says, “From our signature DREAM beds and luxurious rainfall showers to the addition of air conditioning in every bedroom and newly designed social spaces with wireless charging facilities, every element of the refurbishment has been carefully considered. We are excited to welcome guests to experience the transformation for themselves.”
Like many city hotels, location is everything and this hotel in Christchurch is steeped in Dublin history. The area is a real mix of old Dublin with lively traditional and modern pubs, restaurants and cafés, making it an ideal base for exploring the city by foot. You don’t have to worry about transport; walking is the best way to explore.
From the hotel, Temple Bar is just a short stroll away, Dublin Castle is nearby and the shops and restaurants around the city centre are all within easy reach. Whether you are visiting Dublin for a shopping weekend, a social night out, sightseeing or just a change of scenery, this hotel is in the perfect spot. You want somewhere that allows you to get out and explore, but you also want a comfortable room to return to when your feet have had enough of pounding the pavements and need a rest.
During my stay, I was based on the Executive Floor on the fifth floor and this added another guest level to my visit, with the additional comforts to make the experience feel that bit more special. These included a super-king bed and a Nespresso machine for that all-important morning coffee and one of the biggest advantages was the 1 pm checkout, giving me extra time to enjoy the room, or go out for breakfast and not be rushing back to check out.
The reception area was busy with international guests checking in and swiftly heading out to the bustle of the city. For such a busy part of Dublin, my room was quiet. On entering my room, I felt like I walked into the scene of an enchanted children’s attic. My room had a quirky loft-style vibe, with its triangular windows bringing in plenty of light. The black-and-white design of the room gave it a contemporary look, while the layout and furnishings added character. I initially thought the pattern on the sideboards resembled musical notes which makes some hotels more memorable through their quirky additions.
The dining options offer a great variety of food choices, whether it’s something light or more filling, or a few dishes to share before an evening out. I like the fact I didn’t have to venture far from my room to get some food before heading out for the evening. Sometimes, when you are staying in the city, the last thing you want to do is to spend time searching for somewhere to eat outside. I heard many American accents checking in and also the following morning in the breakfast area. It was a hive of excited tourists getting fed with a great Irish breakfast buffet, before heading out on their day trips.
The lovely thing about staying at Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch is that you don’t have to go far to experience Dublin’s character. The hotel is right on the doorstep of The Liberties, one of the city’s oldest and most distinctive neighbourhoods, alongside shops, traditional pubs, cafés and also newer places to eat and drink. It is an area with a personality all of its own, and away from the main shopping streets and the usual tourist hotspots.
You can walk to St Patrick’s Cathedral and visit Dublinia, where you can explore the city’s Viking and medieval past. I could hear the happy roars of the popular Viking Splash Tour buses going past me as I was walking around. If you go down further into The Liberties, you will pass the Guinness Storehouse and also the Teeling Whiskey Distillery; they distil their whiskey three times to get that pure velvet taste that their whiskey is renowned for. Why not also visit the renowned Thomas Street market (open on Saturdays), 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 old Dublin culture.
Whether you want to head out without much of a plan and discover a different side of Dublin along the way, or just sit in the reception/bar area with a coffee or a drink and watch the world go by, there’s no pressure to be going anywhere at all.
Hotel room prices:
Standard room with breakfast for two from €110
Executive room with breakfast for two from €130
www.leonardo-hotels.com/dublin/leonardo-hotel-dublin-christchurch
Published online for the Irish Sun
