Homely but it is quite far from the city centre (Dublin Skylon Hotel)

Member Name: curious_tan

Product:	Dublin Skylon Hotel
Date:	07/06/07 (171 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, clean and very accessible

Disadvantages: A little bit far from the tourist attractions but it is manageable

MY PREVIOUS VISITS TO DUBLIN were always a day-time engagement since it is only 4 hours car drive or 6 hours by bus (return) from Belfast. But during the fourth visit to the south of Ireland last Easter, my Irish friends and I decided to stay over night at Skylon Hotel. Frankly, the hotel is not new to us especially for my friends since they had the chance to book themselves few years ago, or they always park the car here during their day time visits.

One week prior to the holiday, my friends booked on-line for 99 euros for a triple bedroom night accommodation. A 20 euros deposit fee (for per night per room basis) was paid by credit card and the balance was paid upon arrival at the hotel front desk. After the on-line booking, an email was sent to confirm our accommodation. The email provides the details of the payment made, room rate and description, amount, cancellation and deposit policy, and a brief description of the direction to the hotel (if coming from the airport which takes only 10 minutes drive). I found out from the email that the deposit is non-transferable and no-refundable, thus cancellation should be done 2 days prior to the arrival resulting to no penalty. However, for unavoidable circumstances and can not meet the 2 day minimum allowance and non-arrival/no show-up, the remaining balance equivalent to the first night accommodation will be charged.

We left Belfast at 3pm on a fair weather and we arrived the hotel on time to explore the city before dark. The parking was not a problem even though it was fully occupied; we managed to get a space in just few minutes. The front desk personnel were efficient enough to finalise our accommodation, including the three card keys and the free-flowing tea/coffee making items. Carrying our personnel stuff (bags for our clothes, including extra food and drinks); we proceeded to the elevator and happily found our room at the fourth level. The hotel has only 5 floors, thus going up and down is not a problem which stairs are quite convenient to take as they are located at the middle of each floor. The stairs are not narrow, well-lighted and carpeted.

Opening doors using card keys sometimes is a tricky business. Since we were in a hurry to lie down and feel the clean bed sheets and pillows after a long travel, it took us a while to open the door. As expected, the room contains 3 separate single beds, chairs and tables, ironing board, drawers and hangers, coffee/tea making accessories, two TVs (the flat one on the wall was not working), towels and toiletries were properly arranged inside the toilet. Luckily, we have a big glass window facing the east which is very good to have a natural light coming in the room. Also, the hotel is quite aware of the noise problem in the building, and it seems that the remote control for the TV is fixed (permanently) in a minimum level just enough for people inside the room to hear without bothering the adjoining rooms. In general, the room is not really big for three people but it has a 'homely atmosphere' where everything we need is in place, except that the toilet does not have an exhaust fan. Anyway, we hurried up, had some sip of coffee, had quick showers and we proceeded to the city centre for a light meal with bottles of Guinness.

Well, it is not really a downside of the hotel for being 25 minutes walk away from the city centre. It is situated at the outskirt of Dublin but having a walk towards the centre is not a frustrating thing to do removing some extra calories! Having a taxi ride is an option at 12 euros from the city centre especially during late hours. Along the way, it is noticeable some distinct architectural designs as Dublin is much known for this colourful and bright doors. Like Belfast, it is easy to walk around the city with wide roads and friendly pedestrians. Banks are also accessible for quick euro withdrawals and having an Ulster Bank account; it is quite convenient to use it in the Republic despite the currency difference. We had a nice time walking around the city, visited some scenic attractions having the 'Sightseeing Tour' package of 15 euros per person.

During our stay, we took our meals outside the hotel since it is likely cheaper for us to have it outside for a wide range of choices. However, the hotel has restaurants and bars, including the lounges that provide wonderful areas to enjoy its food and drinks - burgers to pasta and beers to juices. In particular, the Cosmopolitan Bar has been renovated to provide meals everyday, while the Rendezvous Room Restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner, including a wide range of wines to choose from. The hotel is also a good venue for meetings, conferences and other business gatherings. It has also an internet connection, with one computer and printer set-up near the front desk area at 10 euros per hour. For people who have their own laptops/notebooks, the hotel is one of the 'hotspots' areas for wireless broadband access provided by Eircom. A brochure is available in the hotel for simple guide in accessing this wireless connection at affordable rates. In addition, there are drink dispensers or vending machines in every floor which quite convenient for emergency need. There are also take away stores, convenient shops and pubs, just few minutes walk from the hotel as alternatives, away from the busy atmosphere of the city centre.

FINALLY, the hotel is not really a grand place to stay but it offers a simple homely ambience for people who want to explore Dublin at a limited time. It is very accessible from both airport direction and coming from Belfast. Some attractions nearby include the popular 'Croke Park', 'Guinness' storehouse and the OConnell Street. Lastly, we had a good night sleep despite its location in a major road like Drumcondra Road, and I am looking forward for another short 'homely' experience at Skylon before the year ends.

Summary: A great place for weekend escapades in Dublin