HOW many of us have been at a Christmas party and wished we had a hotel nearby to carry on the craic?
With the festive season coming into view, it’s a wee treat to consider the options available if you want to avoid the hassle of leaving the fun early.
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While the Irish Sun offices are based in Dublin, many of our staff live across the country, so when we had a recent party, two colleagues made their way from Belfast and Wicklow to celebrate.
Instead of spending the night worrying about making the train home, CHRIS CAIRNS and AISLING KAVANAGH decided to check out some of the city centre hotels.
Here’s how they got on . . .
AISLING’S STAY IN THE CROKE PARK HOTEL
I live in Wicklow, so travelling to Dublin is easy enough, but when a party is on with my new work colleagues, I want to be able to enjoy it fully.
So I stayed at the Croke Park Hotel, which is part of the luxurious Doyle Collection.
This includes the likes of London’s Marylebone and Bloomsbury hotels, and I was not disappointed.
Any GAA fan will know exactly where it is, across from the stadium itself, an ideal location if your county manages to make it to play there.
I was heading to a party in Dublin city centre that evening, so this hotel’s location was ideal for a night out.
It’s not too far from Dublin’s centre yet just far enough for a peaceful night’s rest after the event without the noise of city.
Our stay included a suite on the fourth floor, which granted us access to the executive lounge.
This private lounge was located just down the hall, and we could pop in at any time to enjoy tea, coffee and other refreshments.
In the morning they serve fresh juices, or a selection of pastries and fruit. I reckon it would be ideal for escaping the mayhem that must take over on game days.
One of the highlights of the stay was dining at the restaurant in the hotel, The Hawthorn.
And our waiter, Alex, offered superb service throughout the meal.
For starters, I opted for the scallops, which, though small, were packed with flavour.
My partner chose a more adventurous dish – compressed watermelon with avocado purée, radish, and feta cheese.
For our mains, we both went with steak. My 8oz striploin arrived perfectly medium rare, accompanied by pepper sauce and chunky chips.
By the time dessert rolled around, we were nearly too full, but couldn’t resist.
I went for the lemon posset, a balanced and refreshing finale to the meal, while my partner opted for the indulgent Croke Park Sundae, complete with peanut butter and vanilla gelato, brownie pieces, and a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce.
After a night out on the town, it was lovely to have a huge breakfast buffet with just about every breakfast you can think of.
There was nothing better than some delicious poached eggs, followed by fluffy pancakes to start the day on the right note.
A great stay for GAA fans or those who just want a good night in the city.
The Croke Park Hotel, in Dublin 3, has rooms starting at €119 per night for two people sharing when you book direct.
CHRIS’ STAY AT THE TRAVELODGE PLUS HOTEL
As Kirstie and Phil have been reminding us now for 24 years, it’s all about Location, Location, Location.
It’s what sprung to mind when I recently stayed at the new Travelodge Plus hotel in Dublin 2 for an overnight stay.
After arriving on the Dublin Express from Belfast, I was dropped off at Custom House Quay and only had a three-minute walk across the river to the 393-bedroom hotel.
It is on Townsend Street, which means the Bord Gáis Theatre, Trinity College and Grafton Street are just a stroll away.
If you are staying over for Christmas shopping, you could get it all done locally and then head to some of the nearby bars, with O’Neill’s and Moss Lane just around the corner.
There’s plenty of friendly staff working to make sure you get checked in quickly and efficiently.
I stayed on the top floor in one of the 150 SuperRooms. All mod cons are provided – from the in-room Lazazza coffee machine and blackout curtains to a 32in Freeview TV and choice of pillows.
With a little time on my hands, I enjoyed a coffee on the outdoor terrace, which is covered and heated, before making my way inside to the modern and chic Mossco Restaurant.
Even though it was only 12.30pm, the restaurant was busy with several tourists and business people enjoying lunch.
There’s everything on the menu from fish, burgers and pizzas to salads and steaks.
I chose the chicken and chorizo tagliatelle and was not disappointed – the food is of a really high standard.
Unfortunately I had to go to work then, otherwise I could have enjoyed a drink in the Mossco Bar.
The hotel’s bar is also working exclusively with Hope Beer – brewed and kegged at Howth Junction on Dublin’s Northside – to provide award-winning craft beers to residents and customers.
The gorgeous artwork and the slick look of the bar made me really want to have more time to stay and try it all out, maybe for the next night out.
‘I’D HIGHLY RECOMMEND CHECKING IT OUT’
The Travelodge Plus Hotel is perfect for business or pleasure.
Key locations such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle, 3Arena and Grafton Street are all within walking distance.
It’s in a perfect location without the sky-high prices.
Next time you’re stopping by in Dublin, I’d highly recommend checking it out.
Prices start from €129 Bed & Breakfast per room per night based on two people sharing in November and December.
I’ll be back for the next party I need to attend in Dublin.
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