Hotel review: A stylish stay on the doorstep of Dublin’s biggest sporting moments

Whether you’re up for a match or one of the summer’s biggest gigs, The Croke Park Hotel offers a slick and hassle-free experience

The Garden Terrace at The Croke Park Hotel

Our rating: 8/10

The Croke Park Hotel, Jones’s Road, Drumcondra, Dublin.

Location

If you’re staying for a match or one of Croker’s summer concerts, it simply doesn’t get better than this. With the stadium quite literally opposite the hotel’s front door, the atmosphere here on match or show days is electric. Drumcondra station is a 10-minute walk, and there are numerous bus stops nearby, making the city centre easily accessible, too.

• 10/10

Style and design

The Blue Room at The Croke Park Hotel

From the outside, the hotel’s cream and terracotta facade is smart but not especially memorable. Once indoors, however, it’s clear a concerted effort has been made to dial up the design credentials. Oversized wrought-iron, candle-style chandeliers illuminate the lobby, with ample leather seating and an eclectic mix of patterns — think botanical motifs and bold zebra print — creating a warm environment to lounge. It feels reminiscent of a clubroom, a fitting nod to its sporting neighbour. The Hawthorn and its adjoining garden terrace, adorned with works by Adam Ellis, are lovely spaces, but it’s the Blue Room — where breakfast is served — with its vibrant teal-panelled walls, velvet banquettes, globe lighting, and gold accents that proves to be our favourite space.

• 8/10

Service

Check-in is swift but thorough, with staff covering everything from breakfast times to The Doyle Collection’s loyalty offering (with a polite, not pushy, delivery). A call to reception requesting fresh milk sees it arrive at the room within 10 minutes.

• 8/10

Guest rooms

Our fourth-floor room looks directly onto Croker, which we imagine only adds to the excitement if you’re here for an event in the stadium.

The deluxe double and single room is sizeable for Dublin and comes with a decent Smart TV and dedicated workspace. We appreciate that there are also plenty of sockets and modern USB ports, making charging numerous devices a breeze. Crucially, given the proximity to Croke Park, soundproofing is key here. We stayed on a Tuesday in February, so there is no big event next door to give that the full test, but the hotel is still quite busy with the suites on our floor occupied, and we can happily report we didn’t hear anything while finishing a workday remotely in our room and enjoyed a peaceful, quiet sleep.

• 8/10

In-room perks

Guest room at The Croke Park Hotel

Still and sparkling water are provided in glass bottles, along with some handy cardboard bottles for on-the-go. A Nespresso machine (Deluxe rooms only) and kettle are also provided, with Barry’s Tea and a selection of herbal teas. Toiletries come via The White Company, and plush bathrobes and slippers are provided in the wardrobe to enhance the luxury feel.

• 6.5/10

On the menu

On the evening of our stay, we enjoyed a group dinner at The Hawthorn, the hotel’s private dining area, which can be booked for events and celebrations. Our pre-theatre selection was beef croquettes and a well-cooked John Stone steak with a good char.

We’ve previously enjoyed the adjoining garden terrace for pre-gig dining and can recommend the buffet for a lively, convivial spot to start your summer evening.

Breakfast the next morning is buffet-style, featuring your typical hot selection alongside pastries, fruit and cereals. Additional cooked-to-order dishes, including poached eggs and pancakes, are available. We assemble our own version of a full Irish from the buffet with fresh orange juice and a cup of Barry’s Tea.

• 8/10

Activities and amenities

While there is no swimming pool or spa here, there is a sufficient 24-hour gym, and the hotel also points guests towards local running routes. There are also three board rooms, making it a strong choice for corporate stays.

• 7/10

The bill

The Croke Park offers a one-night B&B GAA Family Package for two adults and two children, a family pass to the GAA Museum and stadium tour, and a three-course dinner from €389.

The Dublin Zoo Family Package offers overnight B&B, dinner in the hotel and a family pass to Dublin Zoo (15 minutes away) from €389.

Travel Notes

• Room to improve? A switch to an Irish brand for toiletries would feel fitting
• Accessibility? Common areas are fully accessible. Six rooms are suitable for wheelchair users and seven semi-accessible rooms for guests with other special requirements.
• Family-Friendly? Yes
• Dog-Friendly? Guide dogs only.
• EV Chargers? One complimentary eCar charger

• The Hotel Examiner was a guest of The Croke Park Hotel.