pilgrim

I've searched on this property and tripadvisor.com says it's pretty good.
One writer on fodors says "No way."
There is an $85 internet rate which is
much less than other places. I do not want to be in a dangerous part of town. I will be there in August.
Thanks for any recent evaluations.

Padraig

I don't know the hotel, but I do know the area, so I confine my comments to that.

It's north inner city which has the advantage of convenience, but the disadvantage of being close to marginal communities where some people have problems with drugs. You need to be streetwise, but if you are, and get guidance from the hotel staff on where to go and where not to go, the risk of a bad experience can be kept low. Personally, I would not be concerned by staying in that area, but I know my way around Dublin.

If accommodation is cheap, there is usually a reason. It's good to know the reason, and then you can make a judgement for yourself.

pilgrim

Thanks Padraig. Another option for $100 is getting a dorm room at Trinity College. Opinions on that?

Padraig

Great location. Rooms vary a lot in almost every respect -- size, quality of furnishing, general condition. Kitchens and bathrooms shared. Unless you are very fastidious, I'd say go for it, and if you get one of the tattier rooms (worn, not dirty) shrug your shoulders and think of the character of the place and what great people might have occupied the room before you -- Samuel Becket, maybe.

pilgrim

Thanks. Last question---I promise!!
Someone mention Mont Claire for about $130. Any comments? The last trip to
Dublin I was working and the client
paid for lodging. This time I'm there
for a little research on my own dime.

xxxx

I'm not sure if this is over your budget or not, but we recently stayed at Trinity Lodge for 160E per night for a double room. The location was great and the area was safe. The rooms were decent and the breakfast good.

pilgrim

Thanks for your ideas, xxxx. I will be gone for 2 weeks and my goal for Dublin is primarily library time and
I'm trying to economize. Still 160 euros is less than some of the properties I've seen. I had no idea Dublin was so much more expensive than Waterford.

Padraig

The Mont Clare: good location, seems like a reasonably good place. I have never stayed there, but the public rooms are nice, and suggest to me that the rest of the package would be fairly good.

If assured quality appeals to you more than the charcter of Trinity and the extra $30 a night, it's probably a better deal.

You mention library time. What libraries? Both Trinity and the Mont Clare are only a stroll from the National Library.

pilgrim

Thank you again. Knowing the location and reputation is steering me toward the Mont Clare. Your information on proximity to the library is most helpful. I think I'll feel safer there
by far than on Parnell Street!

Thanks for your time and advice.

cailin

Yes, I would concur with Padraig - go with the Mont Clare - it's in an excellent location - very safe and within walking distance of a lot of the tourist attractions.

pilgrim

Thanks Cailin. This board is so helpful.

lucielou

As a Dubliner, I agree with Padraig and Cailin, Mont Clare is in a very nice area, I personally would not however stay in Parnell Street,I'm sure in respect to the Hotel, its lovely, but I wouldnt feel very safe in Parnell Street at night.

pilgrim

Thanks Lucielou. The Mont Clare it is.