Radisson Blu Royal

Just a short stroll from St Stephen's Green, the Radisson Blu Royal hotel feels like no other Dublin city centre hotel. The ten-year-old building sits behind the narrow, medieval streets surrounding Dublin Castle, and a couple of blocks down from St Patrick's Cathedral. It is also near to the once glorious, but now architecturally-overlooked, 16th century mansioned Aungier Street. Aungier Street’s landmark buildings may be in disrepair but, like all the streets in this part of Dublin 8, this mix of ceremonial, ecclesiastical, residential, corporation, and student living is a place where anyone can feel connected. This zone feels like a District. It doesn't empty out after 5pm, and whilst the clash of architectural styles can feel edgy, it does feel real. The building itself is well designed and fit for its purpose: the hotel corridors are wide, the roof vaults and the windows are large, filling the rooms with natural light. The earth colours in the rooms and foyer are calm. And, to top it all, the staff are helpful, and the location means you're just up the road from restaurants like The Fumbally and Assassination Custard, as well as the Teeling Distillery and the Green Door Market. If you're planning a trip to Dublin, the Radisson is recommended.