I have been absolutely itching with excitement to share one very specific experience of my time in Dublin.
It wasn’t downing a pint at the Guiness Storehouse, or trying authentic Dublin-made Irish whisky at Teelings – though those were both fun (and buzz-inspiring) experiences that I’ll definitely be writing about.
It wasn’t even the beautifully crafted, animal-conscious exhibits at the Dublin Zoo… though I was super impressed by the witty warnings and focus on encouraging environmentally-conscious lifestyles.
Or wandering the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar looking for the next noteworthy vegetarian restaurant to try, of which there were thankfully many.
I loved my time in Dublin and am looking forward to going back and spending more time in the activity-packed, history-filled city, but one unique treat is especially nostalgia-inspiring.
Let’s get to it. What was this ridiculously awesome thing I’m so anxious to share?
I had a TV in my bathtub while staying at Dylan Hotel Dublin.
Maybe you’re laughing at me now, but seriously, I LOVE a good tub when I get one and I take full advantage, especially as I’ve been bathtub deprived at home for more than 5 years now (Thailand, Brazil, and Mexico are mostly shower stall-only).
But a bathtub equipped with a TV and stocked with luxuriously scented bath salts? That’s special.
You don’t get much more relaxing than that, especially after walking 10 to 15 km each day. And having a fluffy robe to put on after my soak, and slippers to slide into just enhanced the whole self-pampering experience.
To be honest, though, even aside from the awesome bath, the Dylan Hotel was the perfect choice for my stay in Dublin, here’s 9 reasons why:
1. The Dylan Hotel Dublin has THE perfect location
Map from Dylan Hotel Dublin website
The Dylan Hotel is on a quiet side street, providing blissfully silent sleep. Even with several street-facing windows, I slept like a baby. The room was entirely silent after dark, and I couldn’t hear any rustling or noises in the halls or nearby rooms, either.
At the same time, the hotel is located right off a major street (Upper Baggot), full of restaurants, bars, shops, and everything you could possibly want. It’s also a short, enjoyable stroll to most of Dublin’s most popular tourist offerings.
2. The Dylan Hotel is owner-managed
If you’ve never stayed in an owner-managed hotel, you might be confused as to why this is a benefit.
I’ll explain.
Owner-managed hotels tend to be much more personal, detail-oriented, and unique. The owner obviously cares a lot about his/her hotel to be involved in its day-to-day running rather than handing it off to a management company, and that will show in the personality of the hotel.
It’s like the difference between a big chain hotel focused on efficiency and profit (Motel 6?) versus your favorite small B&B where the owners are also your hosts (and new friends).
3. The Dylan Hotel has the friendliest staff
While I only stayed for three days (sadly!), the staff made a point to recognize me and greet me, usually by name.
The only minor issue I had during my stay (ridiculously minor: the batteries for my bathtub TV remote were dying) was solved incredibly promptly and without any hassle on my part.
The nightly turndown service with a treat and welcome brownie were delicious surprises, made even more pleasant as provided by very welcoming staff.
4. The Dylan Hotel has incredible breakfasts (even for veggies!)
I’ve become a bit of a breakfast snob in recent years. My visits to Israel (good lawd, Israeli breakfasts are a force to be reckoned with) have spoiled me, and I’ve experienced some of the most amazingly delicious breakfasts in hotels.
That being said, I was quite impressed with Dylan’s breakfast offerings. The hotel restaurant places an emphasis on using local ingredients, and the high quality, perfectly curated buffet was evidence. Rather than a million random options like you see at many hotel breakfast buffets, a small selection of delicious pastries, breads, spreads, and fruit were on offer.
In addition to the buffet, the hotel breakfast (included in some room rates) includes your choice of made-to-order menu items, of which there were several vegetarian options.
5. The Dylan Hotel balances old school elegance and modern comfort
I love “old-fashioned” hotels that let me pretend to be a princess for a night or two, but I also adore modern conveniences.
Dylan Hotel provided both, stylistically as well as in amenities.
The huge, Victorian-feeling (and crazy comfortable) bed indulged my princess fantasies, while the Nespresso machine on the desk fulfilled my very-modern coffee cravings.
The hotel is decorated with ornate fixtures and classic furnishings, made modern and whimsical with pops of bright color and surprising details.
6. The Dylan Hotel nails thoughtful details
I already mentioned a few of these, but the fluffy robes, soft slippers, and high class toiletries were spot-on for relaxation. While body wash, shampoo, and conditioner are standard in most high end hotels, the addition of lotion and bath salts were much appreciated (and utilized).
I made use of the in-room Nespresso machine, big screen TV, iPod and docking station, magazines for flipping through, and local products for snacking in the minibar. You couldn’t ask for more, even when arriving to your room jet-lagged and travel worn, or after a very long day of sightseeing and Guiness-drinking.
I appreciated the multiple seating areas within each room, freeing the bed from serving as a sleeping center/sitting area/workstation/dining table like in other hotels. My room had a duo of chairs and a table next to the bay windows (perfect for room service snacking), a beautiful settee bench, and a desk with a comfortable chair for working).
7. The Dylan Hotel has an awesome on-site restaurant
While Dublin has a vast assortment of delicious restaurants, you don’t even have to venture off the property to find one of the best. Tavern restaurant is elegant and fancy (a great date night choice with romantic plush purple furnishings) without feeling weird for a solo traveler (which I was).
Of course, one of my first concerns are vegetarian options, of which the restaurant has MANY.
If you’re feeling to exhausted to even venture out of your room, the hotel also offers 24 hour room service, so you can enjoy the deliciousness of the Tavern
8. The Dylan Hotel’s rooms are totally unique
Each of the hotel’s spacious rooms are unique and individually styled. The luxurious gem tone fabrics, stately chairs, and intricate lamps provide a feeling of luxuriousness without heaviness.
As the Dylan used to serve as a nurse’s home for the Royal City of Dublin Hospital, the architecture of each room is unique as well. My room had beautiful bay windows, and an interesting ceiling punctuated by a gorgeously detailed mirror.
9. The Dylan Hotel has BATHROOM TVs!
Last but certainly not least, you already know my favorite aspect of my stay at the Dylan: the bathtub with a TV.
Not every room possesses this amenity, so if it’ll thrill you as much as it did me, make sure to make the request when booking your room.
Pin it For Later: Stay at the Dylan Hotel Dublin
Have you ever stayed in a hotel with a bathtub TV?
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
