I got to the hotel slightly later than expected, we arrive shortly after 7pm in the evening. With the flight delay as well as the traffic from the airport to the hotel. There seems to be a game going on leading to jams here and there. Dublin airport is not far from the hotel actually, the taxi ride cost around 30 euros. Hilton Garden Inn Dublin Custom House is located on the other side of River Liffey. The location is not too bad. Probably a 10 to 15 mins stroll from Temple Bar or Mary St area. Hilton properties do not seem to be that great in Dublin, most of their location is not perfect. The Conrad is also located quite far from the city centre. For those who take the airport express bus, there is a bus stop right in front of the lobby here so that it easy enough. I guess being slightly out of the area also mean that it is rather quaint and quiet, definitely an alternative from staying in Temple Bar which might get a little rowdy late at night.
We got the twin room which funnily enough come with a single bed as well as a double bed, making it perfect for the three of us. I was hopping we will get an upgrade as well although sadly that didn’t happen. The rate for our stay was around 228.50 SGD per night and after the 4th night free benefit from Citi Prestige, that brought the rate down to 182.50SGD. I can’t state enough how much I appreciate Citi Prestige and how much I have save with it. Dublin is not cheap to stay in from my research and I think that 182 bucks was quite fair for the 3 of us, furthermore getting to earn points as well as free breakfast.
As mentioned there is no chance of upgrade since hotel is full. Two bottles of water is also provided per stay and self collected from the lobby store as well. Kind of stingy to only provide per stay. We were also informed the complimentary breakfast for premium members which is provided in Oly’s restaurant, just off the lobby. Lobby is subtle as per garden inn properties, there is also plenty of seatings as well. I will like to point out this super unique and secure lift feature that they have. Instead of usually having scanner inside the lift, there is a scanner instead of buttons. So you require a key card to get the lift which is nice and secure!
We were given a room on the 4th floor and it was quite a walk from the lift with some turning and twisting due to the layout of the building. The room size was alright, I won’t say that it is spacious. I love the decor in the room as well as in the common area. It is fresh and new, decked in grey and white as per the norm in Hilton Garden Inn. Seems like a rather new property. It does seems to be lacking a little space especially if you have huge baggage!
The toilet is right after the entrance on the right. It is alright. Nothing amazing. It does come with a bathtub cum shower set up. I hate that the shower head is a fix on the wall kind which is one that I really dislike. I do appreciate that it comes with a lockable door which hotels seems to be saving on locks these days. However water pressure and temperature control is lousy. Also the sink also tend to get chocked easily. Toiletries were by Crabtree and Evelyn as per the norm.
Along one side of the roon and opposite of the bed is a streamlined set up of the TV, minibar area which come with a fridge, in room safe and water boiler. The TV were high quality. Then at the end, near the window you can find a proper working desk as well as a chairs. Outlets can be found here as well. Even though I will not say that it is a direct view of the river. The view was kind of amazing as well. You can get a nice view of the bridge and River Liffey.
The bed and pillows were lush, one of the most comfy one that I had. I constantly have high praises for Hilton beds and this is one that I really like as well. It felt plush and the sheets were smooth. I also love that there are outlets near the bed which I really appreciate. The room comes with a single and a double bed.
Breakfast is complimentary for premium members and served in the Oly Restaurant just next to the lobby. I have to say that the spread was pretty awesome and one of the best in Europe! Certainly better than other Hilton Garden Inn or even Hilton in Europe. There were lots of items and generous. The restaurant manager is super polite as well. He kind of remembers me from the second day onwards. The only complain that I had was the timing which feels kind of early, breakfast end at 10am.
There were lots of items and they were generous. You can find a good selections of hot foods, eggs, sausages, bacon, hashbrown, mushrooms, tomatoes. There is also a cooked to order eggs station where the chefs will whip up all kind of egg dishes including poached eggs. I had some omelettes and they were awesome.
There is even a make your own waffle machine which is cute. There is also a good selections of carbs, from bagels, breads, rolls and fresh pastries. Everything was fresh and I love how rustic the display is. Restaurant service was excellent. However I do think that it is rather stingy that the coffee machine only have normal coffee available and not latte, cappuccino or any other things. For someone who do not like a long black. This sucks. The selections are also all the same everyday throughout my stay and I wish they could learn from others to at least alternate the offerings. Especially since HGI is more of a long stay property.
Overall it is a pretty good stay, solid rooms and breakfast offering. Property is also super new and fresh. Staff were polite. The price is definitely one of the more affordable ones in town. Highly recommended, especially if you need a room for huge groups. I love that the location is central enough to walk to anywhere in the city centre and yet quiet. It is located just across the river, perfect for a nice stroll. It is also easily accessible to the airport which takes about 15 mins without traffic since the freeway is just a block away!
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