Looking for a special place to stay in The Fair City? Find out how Urban Travel Blog fared during a wild weekend at the boutique Kellys Hotel, a perfect place for party-orientated travellers.
In A Nutshell
This stylish 16-room lodging is operated by the same team that run The Bar With No Name, L’Gueuleton Restaurant and Hogan’s Pub, all on the same block, and with its shabby chic decor and party vibe Kellys does in fact look and feel more like a hip bar than a hotel. Favoured by a young and hedonistic crowd if your life motto is “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” you may have just found your ideal Dublin digs.
What Makes It Special?
There are plenty of design hotels around the world, but whereas most of them are pitched at monied oldies, Kellys feels quite unique in its brash and youthful appeal. Being directly above one of Dublin’s hippest nightspots (The Bar With No Name is awesome!), boasting it’s own resident bar – The Candle Bar – and being located right in the centre of town means you could hardly find a more party-orientated place to stay. Huge potted plants in the corridor, stained glass features, and white minimalist rooms are all classy elements of a well-worked aesthetic.
Our Stay
We stayed two nights in early April in a standard double room overlooking South Great George Street street. The room was not much bigger than the incredibly comfy double bed, with shower ensuite and small wardrobe and desk.
We Loved…
Pretending to be younger and cooler than we really are, stopping off for a last cheeky drink at action-packed The Bar With No Name before bed, and getting an amazing night’s sleep… once the music stopped. Which brings us to…
We’re Not So Sure About…
…the fact that this hotel really is very noisy indeed, right up until 2:30am which is when The Bar With No Name stops pounding out Fleetwood Mac and The Eurhythmics and it’s finally beddie-byes time. The bass comes up through the floor and no earplugs will help, so basically if you want to relax or sleep before 02:30 at weekends look for another hotel. (I should note the hotel does warn you about this before you book!).
A second more minor irritation is that check in is not until 3pm, but that doesn’t stop reception calling you at 12pm sharp for check out!
In The Neighbourhood
As far as orientation is concerned you’re sorted. You’re on the same street as the beautiful Victorian-era George Street Arcade (as recommended in our Dublin weekend guide), the castle is less than 5 minutes away and Temple Bar and the river not much further than that. You’re also within walking distance of The Guinness Storehouse.
The Guests
Our fellow guests seemed mostly trendy couples in their late 20s, giving the place a social hostel vibe.
It’s Perfect For
Young couples looking for an action-packed weekend away. And when I say action, I mean drinking.
More Details
If you’re on your way to sunny (ahem) Ireland be sure to check out our other Dublin-related travel advice.