I recently had a chance to tour castles and manor houses throughout Ireland. I found a wonderfully affordable flight from San Francisco to Dublin, Ireland. As this was my first time to travel to Ireland, it made perfect sense to start my luxury vacation in Dublin’s fair city. There are so many things to see and do in Dublin. The people of Dublin, and all of Ireland, are so very friendly. One of my best tips for a luxury value vacation is booking a reservation at The Alex Hotel, formerly known as Alexander Hotel. Located on the corner of Merrion Square, near Trinity College, Alexander Hotel has recently undergone a property refresh, renovation and name change to The Alex Hotel. The rooms are bright, clean, smartly decorated and the prices I found were a smashing value.
My husband and I were traveling off season in early March. Our rate for a classic king room for two nights, including breakfast was $221. Your rates may vary. As always, check the hotel website for current pricing and special packages. The Alexander Hotel, now called The Alex Hotel, is privately owned by O’Callaghan Hotels. You’ll have plenty of lodging options from this company in Dublin, the UK, or even Annapolis in the United States, if this hotel location doesn’t appeal to you, or you are traveling to other destinations. I loved the central Dublin location as it was super easy to go from Dublin International Airport direct to The Alex Hotel (Merrion Circle stop) using Airlink Dublin Express Bus. During my visit, the bus was € 6 Euro one way. I recommend you purchase a round trip ticket at the airport if you plan to fly out of Dublin during your Ireland holiday; it’s cheaper and you don’t have to bother with the ticket machine again.
The hotel rooms have a lovely gray/green color scheme and featured soft wool blankets at the foot of the bed from Foxford Woolen Mills. I had a chance to visit Foxford Woolen Mills during my time in Ireland and it is worth a stop if you are in the area.
The hotel features 98 guest rooms and 4 suites. There is a restaurant on property and a small workout center. The hotel offers meeting space if that interests you. This was my first time staying at a property of O’Callaghan Hotels and I plan to return to their other properties when I go back to Dublin – and I will go back to Ireland, for sure! The hotel guarantees best rates through their website.
Breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m., lunch is available in lobby bar from 12:00 p.m. and the dinner menu is available after 5:00 p.m.
Need to know:
Rates range from €149-€349. We took the bus direct from the Dublin Airport. If you arrive via car, the car park for the Davenport, The Alex and Mont Clare Hotels is located on Fenian Street and is called Alexander Court. The cost is €12.00 per 24 hours and €2.00 per hour thereafter. You will need a code to access this car park which can be obtained by telephone or by checking with the receptionist on check in. Free wifi is included with your hotel stay.
Check in: 2:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m.
Insider tip:
O’Callaghan Hotels owns The Alex Hotel and several other properties. The nearby Davenport Hotel offers afternoon tea service and it was excellent, in fact, one of my best afternoon tea experiences throughout Ireland. If you are arriving from the United States, in our case we flew from San Francisco, you’ll probably arrive to Dublin in the early morning. In order to keep ahead of jet lag, I recommend that you do not take a nap. Instead, drop your bags at the hotel and wander around the city. When you feel yourself getting tired, stop for tea at The Davenport Hotel; they have mastered the art of afternoon tea and travel.
For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter or Instagram @Nancydbrown and O’Callaghan Hotels on Twitter and Instagram.
If You Go:
The Alex +353 1 607 3700 O Callaghan Hotels
41-47 Fenian Street
Dublin 2, Ireland
info@ocallaghanhotels.com
The Alex hotel review, YouTube video and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I paid my own way at Alexander Hotel while visiting Dublin. All opinions are my own.