The Arlington Hotel O’Connell Bridge was the host for my stay in Dublin between 8 – 12 October 2009. The three star hotel is in a very central location, between O’Connell Bridge and the pedestrian Ha’penny Bridge which takes you over the River Liffey and straight into the popular Temple Bar area.

Entrance to Arlington Hotel, O’Connell Bridge, Dublin

The public areas are decorated in a traditional Irish style with dark wood panelling.

Lobby at Arlington Hotel, O’Connell Bridge, Dublin

I stayed in room 406. It was a comfortable, well equipped room with a desk, a circular table, two chairs and a safe. The room was very clean. The wifi signal in the room was not good when I arrived but the next day the manager tinkered with the router and the wifi signal was excellent after his intervention.

However I did find that there was a lot of external noise late at night from the lane at the side of the hotel making it hard to sleep until after 3am. Now I know I probably wasn’t a typical guest as I was in Dublin mainly to see the sights during the day. There are rooms which face an inner courtyard, it’d probably be quieter there so if you won’t be out late enjoying the nightlife, you should request one of these rooms.

The breakfast was good except for the fruit juice, which tasted more like squash, and I’d have liked to see a wider selection of fresh fruit.

The Arlington O”Connell Bridge has exceptionally friendly staff. All the staff are really welcoming and attentive. There was a great free entertainment programme in the hotel with live music in the bar and Irish dancing. At the weekends there is the Boardwalk Nightclub which has free admission before 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday and any time on Sunday.

If you’re looking for a centrally located Dublin hotel with good deals, super friendly staff and great in-house entertainment you should check out the Arlington Hotel O’Connell Bridge. There are various special offers available at the hotel.

Update 9 November 2009; The hotel has informed me that they  have changed some elements of the breakfast selection and are now offering fresh fruits, cheeses, pates, cold meats and fresh fruit juices.

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