Having never been to Dublin before, we carefully considered where to stay. We couldn’t have made a better choice than the Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin. Location, location, location! The Gresham sits on bustling O'Connell Street, just a hundred yards from the Spire of Dublin and the lively shopping area of Henry Street. Even better, the Aircoach bus from Dublin Airport stops right in front of the hotel, making it convenient (10 euros per person from the airport). Restaurants and pubs are plentiful in the area. From our hotel, we enjoyed a pleasant 20-minute walk across the River Liffey to the National Gallery and the Wilde House, with plenty of shops to browse along the way.
The Gresham is a fully restored neoclassical hotel with an elegant interior that feels brand new. At reception, we were warmly greeted by Sophie, whose friendliness and helpfulness made a memorable impression. Our room, a deluxe superior twin, was exceptionally spacious with a large, beautifully tiled shower. I’d rate it an A-plus! We opted for the breakfast package, and it was worth it—the buffet, served in one of the two main-level restaurants, rivaled a five-star experience. I’m surprised the Gresham isn’t rated five stars! For those interested, there’s also a fully equipped fitness room on the lower level.