Hilton Dublin Charlemont hotel stay

Wanting parking in a hotel in Dublin did restrict our choices when I was looking to book a hotel. We’ve stayed in quite a few Hilton Hotels over the years. The Hilton Dublin Charlemont Place looked nice enough and had parking. It also looked within walking distance of the city centre as well as being right next to a tram stop.

Driving to the hotel from the port was a little painful, as traffic in most major cities seems to be. Plus we had fun because my Hyperjar card I wanted to use for the toll didn’t work (first time it needed to be used with a pin so failed on contactless), so had to get out my normal card.  If you’re used to the M6 toll in around Birmingham, Irish tolls are super cheap at under £2 equivalent.

Arriving at the Hilton Dublin

The car park at the Hilton Dublin could have been signed better, and it is tight and awkward in shape, not helped by the building works going on. I managed to reverse out of a blocked end, and turn round to then reverse into a space. But there weren’t many other available spaces to fit into. It was very easy to find our way to the hotel lift and to reception.

We arrived too early ahead of the check in time, so booked in the car, and headed off into the city rather than wait around. The guy on reception was really helpful getting me a map of the city, and explaining walking times. Of course these were under called by quite some time as hotels always seem to. He also mentioned the tram stop nearby although we couldn’t work out quite how we could get up to it!

Instead we walked along the canal and some residential streets into the city centre getting to see some of the interesting architecture on the walk.  It is quite a nice situation on the canal, although it seemed like it was a bit of a building site and a bit messy when we were there. On a sunny day it could be a nice place to sit and watch the world go by though.

Getting back after tea, we had no issues checking in and finding our room. It was nice to have lifts rather than having to climb stairs with our luggage which we’d had when staying in Anglesey.

Our room at Hilton Dublin

Our room was nice enough. Nothing special, with a lot of dark furniture. But we did like the comfy chair and footrest which was nice to watch tv on.

Our wifi connected with no problems, and plugs were plentiful in number and in helpful places. 

N was disappointed with the tea tray as there were no biscuits or hot chocolate. But it was nice to have complementary water and a mini fridge to put our water bottles in.

There were also the usual hair dryer, safe, ironing board and iron in the wardrobe. I always like a suitcase stand too, so immediately hogged that. Less bending down needed when unpacking and packing my case.

We did find it strange that there was only one ‘main’ room light – but over by the door. If you like muted lighting, putting all the bedside lights and lamp on will make it perfect. But it was a bit dark for us. This seemed to be the norm in all the Irish hotels we stayed at, so maybe it’s just a thing there.

We had a twin room – with easily moving beds, so N moved his as far away as possible from mine (I snore!) The beds were comfy, with nice full pillows.  N slept really well – he wasn’t woken by me at all. And I slept for longer before waking around 3am. I always struggle on first nights in different beds – not sure why we’re doing a roadtrip again. I really should remember that multiple hotels is not good for my sleep because I never get used to them before we move on.

Our room was one of the first few in the corridor, so I did hear lots of people talking loudly while going back to their rooms when I was still awake. But N slept through them.

The bathroom was lovely, and the shower particularly good. Nice and hot, and powerful. I really liked the complimentary toiletries. Usually I would just use what I’d taken with me, but my hair wasn’t liking the shampoo I’d brought from home, so I needed a change.

Breakfast at Hilton Dublin Charlemont

We love a breakfast buffet, and there was lots of choice as expected at breakfast at the Hilton Dublin. We even spotted donuts, and the cutest little jars of ketchup and mayo.

I didn’t fancy a cooked breakfast. I had cereal, some small pasties (soggy croissant but nice pain au chocolat ), and fruit which was perfectly ripe.

N, as usual, chose a full Irish (English?) – all was tasty although he didn’t eat all the bacon rasher as he said was a bit chewy. 

We asked for help with the toaster because it was burning the toast and we couldn’t work out what to change the dial to. So the waitress tested a slice for him, stood waiting for it, and chatting to him about being back at school soon and about school holidays in Ireland. She was so friendly, and got the toaster sorted for him which was great.

The restaurant was nice and relaxed, but felt like it would be a nice place for dinner as well as breakfast. We’d got there about 7.30am and it was quite busy. The hotel provides guidance in the lifts about the busy and quieter times for breakfast on weekdays and weekends. So it’s great to know when to go for your breakfast if you aren’t in a rush off somewhere.

We didn’t hang around after breakfast, as we had a long drive off to Cork. Check out was easy and fast. I paid for my parking out of the original deposit left when we checked in. The remainder of the refund was paid back fast.

Our stay verdict

All the staff at the Hilton Dublin we met were friendly and helpful in answering the numerous questions I had. The car park was ‘interesting’. Only 1 car was let out/in at a time around tight areas via a traffic light system, so there was a wait as there were several of us leaving and arriving at the same time.

Overall we had a reliable stay at the Hilton Dublin. I don’t think it was the nicest of their hotels we’ve stayed at. But you know what you’re getting, and it was fine for getting in and out of the city centre by tram. Or walking if you don’t mind a 25 min trek in.

Also, if you’re staying in a Hilton, you can sign up to Hilton Honours to pick up discounts. You can check in digitally beforehand, although we’ve never bothered because there’s often parking to sort out which I imagine can’t be done online. And I usually want to ask reception some questions about the city we’re in too, so we always check in at the desk. But it did say with the digital check in, that you could choose your room which I quite like the idea of.

For us the Hilton Dublin Charlemont did the job we needed for our first night in Ireland.