Hotel review: Who is Aloft Dublin for?

A stand-out meal and friendly service endear us, but who is Aloft Dublin for?

With an exterior not too dissimilar to one of UCD’s main campus accommodation buildings, it’s giving student accommodation from the off

Location

Situated in Dublin’s Liberties, Marriott Bonvoy-operated Aloft resides in an area of Dublin that may not be the first port of call for many travellers.

That’s a shame, because there is plenty to explore here; a number of distilleries (their neighbours, Teeling, are well worth a visit), Dublin’s oldest library, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and speciality coffee shops around every corner – there’s even a vegan bakery on the hotel’s doorstep. You’re about a 20 minute walk from many of Dublin’s other selling points, from Temple Bar to Grafton Street.

8/10

Style and design

With an exterior not too dissimilar to one of UCD’s main campus accommodation buildings, it’s giving student accommodation from the off – and that does prove to be the case throughout the majority of our stay. The WXYZ rooftop bar is a clash of bright pinks and reds, with the oft-repeated neon signage, ‘THIS MUST BE THE PLACE’.

WXYZ rooftop bar is a clash of bright pinks and reds

A ticker tape displaying Reuters news alerts and American football fixtures is in full view, complete with a pool table and board games like Cards Against Humanity. When we see ‘You need to report to reception to get a cue for said pool table’, we’re honestly getting deja vu.

Later, however, we explore the hotel’s new events space and bar and the difference is jarring. Here it’s all low lighting, slick marble and wood paneling, with seating that is designed for privacy. It feels like an entirely different hotel, and leaves us a bit confused about who the hotel is trying to target.

6/10

Service

The receptionist takes a call mid-check-in without acknowledging us. Other than this one blip, service is swift and friendly throughout our stay.

7/10

Guest rooms

Student accommodation vibes continue. Bright orange chairs, a blue carpet and a blind with a pixelated design. A cityscape of the capital by Dublin-based Sketchy above the bed is nice, with a comfortable working desk and a large smart TV also part of the room’s make-up. Unfortunately, none of the  channels work and we can’t connect to our Netflix account.

The bathroom, all white and grey, is basic and doesn’t provide any of the small touches we’ve come to expect from a four-star (vanity kits, brand-name toiletries). But there’s one major gripe that stands above the rest. The bathroom has a sliding door which doesn’t click in place to shut. That means, every time you try to close it, it slowly slides back open. You wouldn’t want to be staying with someone you aren’t very, very comfortable with...

6/10

In-room perks

Student accommodation vibes continue in the guest room

A mini fridge is fully stocked with fizzy drinks, beers (and plenty of non-alcoholic varieties), with some Teeling whiskies too. All the basics, from ironing facilities to a kettle and Nespresso machine are provided. The two takeaway cups next to a generous selection of coffees and teas are a nice touch – we immediately wonder why more hotels don’t do the same.

7/10

On the menu

The hotel’s restaurant, Tenters Gastropub, is unquestionably the highlight of our stay. On a Thursday night, the place is hopping. With F.X Buckley meat on the menu, warm service and an unobtrusive musician playing a mix of pub classics and rebel songs, it has everything we suspect both tourists and locals want from a gastropub. We sample the burger, Tomahawk steak and one of Tenters classic pies on the night, and would easily order all again.

Breakfast the next morning, we wouldn’t do again. A help-yourself buffet, there’s nothing pleasant about lukewarm scrambled eggs and bacon. However, the server checking our room number did say we could request items from the kitchen, so perhaps those with more gumption than ourselves might be cheeky enough to request a plate directly from the chef.

7/10

Activities and amenities

A small gym provides the basics. The panoramic views of Dublin from the rooftop bar is the standout amenity here.

6/10

The bill

Starting from €189 B&B based on two sharing.

Our rating: 7/10

Room to improve? Aside from gripes in the bedroom (bathroom door, smart TV etc), our main feeling was the hotel needs to decide what it wants to be. A low-cost, budget hotel aimed at younger travellers makes sense, but if the new function room and bar suggests a move to attract the corporate market, the rooms will fall short.

Accessibility? Accessible rooms available with all public areas wheelchair accessible.

EV Chargers? No

Family-Friendly? The hotel offers a Family Camps option where you can avail of an extra air mattress and a tepee along with treats and board games to enjoy.

Dog-Friendly? Aloft operates an ARF (Animals Are Fun) programme. Beds, cages, bowls, food – all can be arranged once you let the hotel know in advance you have a furry friend coming along.

• Aloft Dublin City 1 Mill St, The Liberties.
• marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dubal-aloft-dublin-city

The Hotel Examiner was a guest of Aloft Dublin