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Party on at Hard Rock Hotel Dublin

Áine Toner returned to a Dublin street she once called home for a music-inspired hotel stay that hit all the right notes

Hard Rock Hotel Dublin on Exchange Street Upper, Temple Bar

Hotel lobby decorated with music memorabilia and art

Hard Rock Hotel Dublin on Exchange Street Upper, Temple Bar

Hard Rock Hotel Dublin luxury king room

Guitar detail on pillows

Hotel room bathroom with rain shower

Hotel lobby decorated with music memorabilia and art

Hard Rock Hotel Dublin on Exchange Street Upper, Temple Bar

Aine Toner Twitter Email

June 18 2022 08:00 AM

Dublin is having a hotel boom. Arguably, it was always having a boom of sorts, but in recent months, as the world attempts to get back to the norm of pre-March 2020 (and being grateful for that normal life), many have ventured to the city for short breaks and to take advantage of the numerous cultural and tourist attractions.

Hotels offering something a wee bit different are there to be enjoyed, and no better is this seen than in the city centre Hard Rock Hotel.

Now, hands up, I used to live on the street where the hotel now sits — though it wasn’t there when I was a resident. There was a certain loveliness in returning to the street where a friend and I had lived for three years in Temple Bar.

Yes, before you ask: it was noisy many nights a week, but it was a lot of fun and I wouldn’t have changed it. Being so central gave us maximum opportunity to have hobbies in the evening, go to classes and, yes, sample many eateries and bars in close proximity of our flat.

If music is your thing, Hard Rock Hotel Dublin is for you. Offering views of the city centre (from my window I could see City Hall and the goings-on of Dame Street), the rooms are warmly decorated with clear attention to detail.

Hotel lobby decorated with music memorabilia and art

Checking in is easy and you’re whisked through the lobby, tastefully decorated with musical memorabilia, to the lifts, which are designed to show off albums of some of the island’s most successful performers. Anyone heard of a band called U2?

There’s also art to admire, featuring unique work from some of Ireland’s most talented hands, including Jim Fitzpatrick, Duda, Helen O’Higgins and Neil Powell.

Your key will open doors with a gentle click and you’re welcomed into a room that has designer functionality at its heart.

All-day-long room service comes as standard, as does a big, comfortable bed with ample pillows. A host of wall panels will help you select the lighting (this was new for me, but I enjoyed working out the optimum light and shade).

These are beautifully designed rooms that allow a guest to make the most of what’s there. The tiled bathroom comes with Gilchrist & Soames bathing products, while the rain shower is ideal whether you want to feel invigorated first thing or unwind pre-bedtime.

Hotel room bathroom with rain shower

Flatscreen TVs offer a host of local and international channels, but it is the gentle melodies that you first notice on arrival. Music, as you anticipate, is all around. Entering a room with a musical welcome gives the space a more homely, relaxed atmosphere. It does feel more personal, like you’re at a party and everyone is waiting for you.

And we have to mention the embroidered guitars on each pillow, a further nod to how important the medium is to guests and the hotel team.

Guitar detail on pillows

Speaking of guitars, The Sound Of Your Stay programme allows you to get up close and personal with a Fender or to choose records to enjoy while you unwind in your room. This addition will surely impress the music fans among us.

My room was perfect, but if you fancy something a little more rocky, opt for the Rock Star Suite, which comes with a super king bed. Dubbed a party pad, it also has a terrace balcony and barbecue plus lounge and living area. Rock on.

As I’ve mentioned, I am all too aware of the noise levels of the area, but even with a room that faced so much of the busyness of that side of Dublin city, the volume did not extend to my room. It was enjoyable to watch the traffic and the day’s light dim to night, but minus any unnecessary noise.

Hard Rock Hotel Dublin luxury king room

Plus, the hotel is located less than five minutes from the heart of Temple Bar and ten minutes from Grafton Street, both Luas lines and the beginning of many attractions.

Hungry? Try Zampas and sample the Peruvian delights of executive chef Stuart Heeney. It is a spacious, comfy restaurant that, of course, has a matching soundtrack.

If souvenir shopping is always a must-do when holidaying, the hotel has a Rock Shop, full of items to help commemorate your experience.

Rock & Stroll

The Rock & Stroll package offering guests a trip down musical memory lane begins with lunch in Zampas bar and restaurant, followed by a tour of the Hard Rock Hotel Dublin, where you can view memorabilia from David Bowie, Phil Lynott, The Rolling Stones and more.

Take to the streets with a digital guide accessible on your mobile phone to discover which rock star sneaked into Whelan’s Bar aged 11 and to walk where Glen Hansard’s Once was filmed.

Amplify your stay by performing on a Fender and amp or choose some tunes on a Crosley record player, before sleeping peacefully and tucking into breakfast the next morning.

The Rock & Stroll package starts at €309 (£265) per night. For more information, call +353 (0) 482 5000 or visit www.hardrockhotels.com/dublin

Party on at Hard Rock Hotel Dublin

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