turista

My college daughter and best friend are going to Dublin for the weekend while studying in Europe. Reservations have been made at Best Western Academy Plaza but the price is very steep. Have checked into Trinity College for them as well as Holiday Inn City Center for half the price. Am I selling out safety and location by trying to go cheaper? Anyone ever stay at that Holiday Inn? The location looks to be very good. I've also read good comments about Trinity on this site, including it's great location to everything the girls would want to do. They just had a year of dorm life so Trinity's lack of amenities would be OK! Trip is in less than 3 weeks so your quick help would be really appreciated.

Ceidleh

I've stayed at Trinity. You are not selling out safety at all by booking a room for your daughter at Trinity.

It's probably one of the safest places to stay. After hours, there is no access to the campus by anyone except registered guests.

And the location is central to everything and surrounding streets are quite safe - even late at night.

Lack of amenities? I know the rooms don't have plasma TVs with DVD, Frette linens, or Aveda products in the bathrooms, but I never had daily maid service when I went to college (Trinity has that for their guest rooms). Spend extra money if you want to get them a room with a private bathroom or upgrade them to a hot breakfast, but I don't think they'd find the standard rooms with shared bath to be horrible by any stretch - and the free continental offers plenty of food to get them through the first part of the day.

Padraig

Dublin is a generally safe city for the streetwise, and fairly safe for those with less sensitive antennae.

You give safety and location as criteria. On those criteria, Trinity should be first choice, the Holiday Inn second (one block too far up Pearse Street), and the Academy Plaza third (its location does not justify premium prices).

For charm, Trinity knocks the others into the proverbial cocked hat. Young people generally don't care whether the bathroom tiles are plain white ceramic or honey-toned marble.

turista

Thank you so much to both of you for your comments and a feeling of added security. I knew I could count on the folks on these boards to give straight up answers and information.

meath1

I have stayed at the Holiday Inn City Center. It is very nice and safe and within walking distance of Trinity College. However, there is not much else "touristy" close to it. If they are coming back late in the evening, I wouldn't do it by myself - only because it would be dark, little lonely and I wouldn't be familiar with the area. Stick with Trinity College

SiobhanP

Definately trinity the best western I do not like in that area late at night. Trinuty is the most central place and there are always people around. Once inside its a quiet haven and there is 24 hour security.