The hype
Travelers appreciate the spotless rooms and helpful staff, but often groan about the tight square footage and pricey breakfast.
Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre
$130-200/ night
Book this if You need a reliable, no-nonsense base in the Docklands for business or a convention, with easy access to the EPIC museum.
Why People Love It
- Prime location right on the River Liffey near the Convention Centre
- Reliable Hilton standards—clean, functional, and familiar
- Urban Brewing and CHQ Building are just steps away for food and drinks
Quick Take: A polished corporate workhorse that trades character for consistency and killer river views.
Reviewed by @TravelwithMichael: I stayed here for a quick trip and it was exactly what I needed. The room was spotless, the desk was huge for getting work done, and that king bed was incredibly comfortable. It’s the perfect no-fuss home base for exploring Dublin.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'River View' is beautiful but comes with the soundtrack of Dublin's morning commute; light sleepers should request the courtyard side.
- You are attending an event at the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD)
- You prefer a modern, predictable hotel over quirky B&Bs
- You want to be near the 3Arena or EPIC Museum
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some guests report missed dust in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are typically sparkling, with clean grout and fresh towels.
- Maintenance: Modern building (2016), so wear and tear is minimal compared to older Dublin hotels.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white Hilton-standard linens; towels are plentiful and clean.
- Odors & scents: Neutral scent; no lingering smoke or mustiness reported.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic on Custom House Quay (River View rooms)
- Thin walls between connecting rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The airport bus (Dublin Express) stops practically outside the door.
- Breakfast is a buffet but costs ~€18.50; you can get a coffee and pastry cheaper at the on-site Costa or nearby.
- Luggage storage is available at the front desk if you arrive before check-in.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for river-facing rooms)
- Universal travel adapter (though some rooms have USB ports)
- Rain jacket (it's Dublin, and the walk to Temple Bar is open to the elements)
Room Genie
Best picks
- High-floor River View King for the best visuals (if you have earplugs)
- Courtyard-facing rooms for a quieter, albeit duller, night
Rooms to avoid
- Low-floor rooms facing the street (maximum noise)
- Connecting rooms if you aren't using them (sound bleed)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor (Level 5+). If possible, I prioritize quiet over a view, so a courtyard-facing room would be ideal. Please avoid rooms near the elevator.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is parking included?
No. Guests park at the adjacent Q-Park Custom House Quay. The hotel offers a discount ticket (approx. €20/24h vs. the standard €45 rate).
How far is Temple Bar?
It's about a 15-20 minute walk along the river, or a quick taxi/bus ride.
Is there a pool?
No, there is no swimming pool or spa on-site.
Does the hotel serve breakfast?
Yes, a full buffet breakfast is served at Olys Restaurant, usually for an extra fee unless included in your rate.
Is it close to the 3Arena?
Yes, it is a very convenient 10-minute walk to the 3Arena.
Are the rooms air-conditioned?
Yes, all rooms have AC, which is a nice perk in Dublin's increasingly warm summers.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Pavilion Pantry' in the lobby sells snacks and drinks 24/7 at a markup—walk 2 mins to the Spar or Marks & Spencer in the IFSC for better prices.
- ✨
Use the Luas (tram) stop 'George's Dock' right behind the hotel to zip into the city center if it's raining.
- ✨
The lobby bar is decent, but Urban Brewing in the CHQ building next door has far better atmosphere and craft beers.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators can be painfully slow during the morning rush hour.
💡You can watch the Jeanie Johnston famine ship directly from the river-view rooms.
💡The 'gym' is functional but tiny—go during off-peak hours or run along the Liffey instead.
💡Housekeeping sometimes misses dusting the top of the wardrobe or behind the nightstand.
💡The hotel is in the financial district, meaning the immediate area is buzzing weekdays but can feel a bit dead on Sunday nights.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre is located and what's nearby.