The Arlington Hotel, Temple Bar

Good Hotel and Location

The Arlington Hotel at Temple Bar is located right on the edge of the oldest and probably most "hip" and busy part of Dublin. Pour your own pint at a limited number of tables the hotel’s restaurant; pretty cool. Not the greatest hotel. They gave us 2 single beds instead of the double we asked for and our bathtub hadn’t been completed; ply wood on the side. Other than that, great location and not noisy as one might expect. I would recommend it. However, I’d figure out your own directions if you’ve never been to Dublin and are walking from the bus station, or any other location. The hotel’s directions were far from simple.

Take a left, down the main street, coming out of the hotel. A block or so down on the corner is a great Italian restaurant. Probably the cheapest and best meal you’ll have in Dublin. For the lunch special I received a whole pizza, appetizer, and drink for less than 2 pints anywhere else.

All That You Need

Rated medium rather than luxury, this is in fact the case - but all that you need. My second visit to the Arlington, Temple Bar. It is ideally suited for the Hop-on, Hop-off bus (just across the road) and just round the corner from the hub of Temple Bar night life. Entertainment in the Hotel was brilliant, breakfasts wonderful. However, I would say you could buy an evening meal a tad cheaper just around the corner in a few places, especially if you dine a little earleir (before 7). If that works for you, you could dine almost anywhere for half the price (known locally as "Early Bird" meals). Hotel staff were frienldy and helpful. Went this time with my mum and last time with my friend, so the hotel caters for all ages. Very good, would definitely return there.

Best part of the trip was Kilmainham Gaol. The irish political history there is second to none. Second time to that hoistorical site - and I still strayed there for 3 hours! Visit to Guiness factory a disappointment. No guide to take you round - and a lot of reading - from the walls! Not my idea of fun! Hop-on, Hop-off bus 15 euros each day but you can but a pass for three days for 25 euros at the airport. This price also includes the price of public transport (bus) into and out of the city - brilliant bargain!

Arlington

Only stayed one night - was expecting it to be loud because there’s a bar beneath the hotel with live Irish music each night. To our delight, the music stopped around 11pm which was good b/c we had to get up at 4am to catch our flight.