HYATT CENTRIC THE LIBERTIES

I recently stayed here for close to a week for a business trip. There were eight in my party. Our room prices included the à la carte breakfast. I utilized the lobby bar as well. Can’t speak to the dinners or the other amenities.

This is a relatively new property in an area of Dublin that has undergone some ‘upgrades’ in recent years (see more below). It is close to most major downtown sites, either by car, taxi, or foot (depending on your stamina, schedule, the weather(!?!?), etc.). A ride from the airport is approx. 30 EUR depending on traffic.

The hotel has an overall ‘chic and modern and making sure you know it’ vibe. Lots of wood accents and accent lighting, with metal ornamentation and comfy lobby and bar seating. The dining room is designed to seat you, greet you, and get you on your way (not an issue for me). Elevators are quick. Overall design is intuitive, even if it might take one or two times to get used to some of the features (see more below). The lobby/hall/elevator music is sorta’ funny, esp. in the evenings. Late evening lights in the hotel are keyed to light up as you move about the halls, etc. Good energy-saving feature. Wifi is good throughout the hotel, if a bit spotty once you step foot outside. They highlight local brands that are close by, which is fine. They also highlight the area’s history, even if that can seem a touch cloying as you take in all the nods (and winks) to The Liberties.

Rooms are what I consider ‘standard Euro’ in that they are small if you are a grumpy American, but sufficient and nicely laid out in either the one- or two-bed configurations. Plenty of sockets. Windows open a touch to let in air if you wish. Nice amenities. Comfortable bed if you are okay with a harder mattress. Pillows are soft, but not too soft (meaning: they have a bit of give, but hold their shape). I am used to a standard buffet. But I found the included à la carte breakfast to be more than satisfying and wide-enough-ranging. Without that inclusion in my rate, I likely wouldn’t eat there. The bar was reasonably priced for being a hotel bar. Mr. Flair (I missed his name, but he was working the three nights I visited) was a funny fellow: courteous, with a bit of an edge. Sure to make an exacting pour a bit of an event, even if it wasn’t always that much of one. I guess you could call him ‘cheeky’ and in just the right way.

The thing that sells this place for me is the staff. From start to finish, 99% of them were exceptional, from the front desk to housekeeping. I saw more smiles than I was expecting. A question was answered promptly. Requests for taxis were quickly fulfilled. And on it goes. This hotel really, really has some great people working for it. They are lucky.

Are there some issues? There always are. One day, we had a server in the dining room for breakfast who had a case of the ‘sours’. The A/C? Hmm. It is the European model of suggesting that it is doing what it says it is doing.

If you scroll through the most recent and most helpful reviews, you will notice that this hotel gets high marks. As well it should. Lots of times where you need to swipe your (wooden . . . nice touch) card? You realize that is a positive security feature, not a burden, right? They won’t allow you to eat some take away from the nearest store in the lobby? Did you think people wanted to see you eating your fish and chips near the entrance like you were having a picnic at St. Stephen’s Green? High costs at a hotel bar or restaurant? It is a hotel (and this one doesn’t even come close to charging high prices, relative to the branding). Oh, and you left a negative (or even positive) review without a comment? Thanks. That helps. Appreciate it.

I will say this, though: take a look at the hotel’s images of the hotel itself. Notice that it squarely places the hotel in focus with not much suggesting what is near it. That is a choice. See Google Maps.

When I visit again I will likely stay here. The staff are exceptional. Whether you are walking in or walking out, you still feel like you are in the middle of Dublin.

What an excellent hotel. Beautiful interiors, with excellent amenities. The staff were friendly, helpful, and worked to ensure a positive costumer experience. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a stay in Dublin. Easy to get to most sites and attractions in the city.

Stayed for one night to get a plane the next day

Excellent in every way. Evan in the bar was charming and efficient. All the staff were good considering the size and complexity of our group. The location is also great—central and safe with everything walking distance. I would stay there again.

Thank you for being so accommodating!