Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
23 Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin, D01 C3W7, Ireland
Why We Like It
We like a hotel with a bit of heritage, and The Gresham has plenty of that. It's a shame it doesn't quite have the character of its founder (Thomas Gresham, abandoned on a doorstep as a baby, who became a butler and then managed to open a hotel thanks to funds of unknown provenance), but it's a decent bet in the city center at a reasonable price.
Fodor's Expert Review
Opened in 1817, it's been a while since this was the place to stay for visiting dignitaries and local celebs, but a recent renovation and expansion means the Gresham remains a solid city-center option at a good price. It's a beautiful old building, too, a landmark in the city, which adds a sense of glamor. Service is attentive as well, and the public areas have a nice buzzy vibe to them.
You Should Know There's some street noise, so if you are a light sleeper, this grand old dame of the Dublin hotel scene might not be for you.
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Room
Big beds are a plus in the unexciting room designs, which are fairly standard throughout although the shape and size changes depending on which part of the building you are in.
Tip You might want to pay a little extra for a room with an iconic O'Connell Street view - and particularly on St Patrick's Day, when there's a direct view of the parade from your window.
Bathroom
The marble-tiled bathrooms are a mix: some have showers, and some baths. The tones are vaguely brown, with some earthy orange (better than it sounds).
Lobby
The high-ceilinged lobby is a blend of the hotel's heritage and contemporary design features, including bright blown glass flower decorations hanging from the ceiling and a lamp shaped like a horse.
Gym
There's a small fitness suite, but hotel guests can also get access to a nearby fitness center for €10 a day.
Dining
Toddy's Bar and Brasserie does a decent business lunch and a reasonable turn in bonhomie, too, with a traditional design and a separate entrance to the hotel meaning it is not only frequented by hotel guests.
Drinking
Afternoon tea, with pastries, scones, and cake is available in the pleasant Writer's Lounge, and best shared in oversize windows overlooking O'Connell Street. There are other European-style bar snacks and sandwiches on offer too, and breakfast is served here as well.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel is very well-situated for sightseeing, although it's on the less attraction-packed north bank of the Liffey. But the river is less than ten minutes away down the iconic O'Connell street. The airport bus stops nearby too. The hotel has parking for an extra charge.
Restaurants
Cafe, bar, restaurant, nightclub - The Church (8-minute walk) is all things to all people, and a lovely setting - unsurprisingly, in a converted church - for a meal. Or try some top-end Irish cooking at Chapter One (8-minute walk), in the Dublin Writers Museum.
Bars
The pleasingly named Fibber Magees (3-minute walk), a live music pub with a rock focus, is a short walk away. Or head over to Temple Bar for great cocktails at the bar in Bono's hotel, The Liquor Rooms (13-minute walk).
Quick Facts
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