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Just spent one night at the IC Dublin and it would be fair to say I was underwhelmed. I originally paid well north of 80,000 for the night but in a lucky moment some weeks back I found it was available for 67,000 and snapped it up. Sunday night was 440 Euro for cash.
Checking in yesterday was interesting. They had upgraded me 1 category which was unexpected as the IHG rules say Ambo benefits dont apply to points stays. I have Diamond status and a lounge pass but there is no lounger here.
I was then asked if I wanted a drink or points as my benefit and advised that the breakfast benefit does not apply to points bookings. I pushed back on this and reluctantly they provided a voucher. I really hate this as it marrs the arrival and you either just accept it or you have to engage in a difficult conversation about what are the now well embedded terms and conditions of the IHG programme. It’s embarrassing and I hate it.
The hotel is a 40 minute walk from town or a 20 Euro cab. I imagine in its prime it was fabulous with chandeliers and rich gold and beige velvets. Sadly it is rather worn and not even the dim lighting helps in places.
The room was huge but the bathroom facilities had seen better days.
I pitched up for breakfast this morning clutching my voucher…this is 2025 why do I need paper vouchers? Anyway breakfast was ok but the black pudding was inedible as it was bone dry. Before I had even finished eating I was asked if I wanted the bill!! I mentioned I had a voucher and was told everyone needs to sign. So, a few minutes later a bill for 0 Euro was left for me to sign my name, room number and conveniently – there was a space for the ” Gratuity” They might as well asked for a tip or simply put their hand out.
Not a place I will hurry back to.
I left nothing.
IIRC it hasn’t been refurbed fully to an IC style so retains the look of the Tiger era Four Seasons. Very sorry to hear about the poor pudding.
@Paul – yes, I’m afraid it’s terrible in terms of standards and location. Actually, for us the breakfast was the only redeeming offer apart from the fact it was pretty cheap as we couldn’t get into the Merrion. IC took over a bottom of the barrel Four Seasons and then debased it further. Awful.
They had upgraded me 1 category which was unexpected as the IHG rules say Ambo benefits dont apply to points stays.
This isn’t quite right. It’s not the benefit that is disapplied but rather the guarantee:
On IHG One Rewards Reward Nights and Free Nights, the guaranteed upgrade benefit is not applicable and is subject to availability
Just to clarify JDB’s astonishing swipe at Dublin 4, the location is not good for seeing the sights of the city centre. Setting that aside, it is set in Dublin’s leafiest inner suburb and if it was a Monopoly board the street would be dark blue
It’s a good location for the Royal Dublin (Horse) Show, but otherwise it’s pretty rubbish. If I was going “posh”, I’d look for something around St. Stephen’s Green. I stayed at the Fitzwilliam once many years ago and that was great, but there are a few around there that should be decent. If it needs to be IHG, I would save money/points and go for either of the Crowne Plazas.
Indeed, I can’t speak highly enough of the CP DUB. On a 2-night stay (one night cash under £100, the other points) we were upgraded to an executive room – the lounge is lovely – so selected drinks vouchers as our amenity. Though technically an airport hotel, it overlooks a park and is a short walk from a bus stop. Free shuttle as well, which no UK airport seems to offer any more!
Just to clarify JDB’s astonishing swipe at Dublin 4, the location is not good for seeing the sights of the city centre. Setting that aside, it is set in Dublin’s leafiest inner suburb and if it was a Monopoly board the street would be dark blue
I’m not sure my comment was a “swipe” let alone an “astonishing” one, but anyway I am fully aware of Ballsbridge/D4 property values as I and my family have been owners there and other parts of Dublin for around 250 years, I have lived in D4 for a year and been visiting for as long as I can remember, back to the 1970s. It’s a relatively nice place to live but the IC is in a totally rubbish location for a tourist as well as being a very substandard hotel.
Just to clarify JDB’s astonishing swipe at Dublin 4, the location is not good for seeing the sights of the city centre. Setting that aside, it is set in Dublin’s leafiest inner suburb and if it was a Monopoly board the street would be dark blue
I’m not sure my comment was a “swipe” let alone an “astonishing” one, but anyway I am fully aware of Ballsbridge/D4 property values as I and my family have been owners there and other parts of Dublin for around 250 years, I have lived in D4 for a year and been visiting for as long as I can remember, back to the 1970s. It’s a relatively nice place to live but the IC is in a totally rubbish location for a tourist as well as being a very substandard hotel.
Any criticism of D4 is an astonishing swipe! 😆 They play differently there. You’ll be aware of their uncanny ability to avoid migrant accommodation in the postcode.
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