InterContinental Dublin

The InterContinental Dublin, a Michelin Key Selected property, is widely regarded as a stately five-star luxury hotel offering a sophisticated and comfortable experience in the affluent Ballsbridge neighborhood. It was originally built in 2001 and was formerly a Four Seasons hotel before being rebranded as an InterContinental property in 2015.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with many describing their stay as excellent, fantastic, and a touch of elegance. The hotel consistently receives high praise for its luxury amenities, welcoming staff, and spacious, well-appointed rooms. While some minor issues are occasionally noted, the overall sentiment is that of a highly recommended and satisfying luxury experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests frequently laud the InterContinental Dublin for several standout features:

• Service & Staff: The staff consistently receives exceptional praise for being friendly, helpful, welcoming, and outstanding.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel boasts sophisticated and grand décor, particularly in its opulent lobby, with polished floors, plush rugs, and chandeliers. It maintains a slightly old-fashioned yet grand luxury feel.
• Amenities: The impressive spa, featuring a large, sunny indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and a remarkably well-equipped gym, is a significant draw, often highlighted as a lovely treat. The tranquil garden and pleasant outdoor seating areas are also appreciated.
• Room Quality: Rooms are consistently noted for their exceptional spaciousness, cleanliness, and comfort.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at InterContinental Dublin are described as very spacious, spotless, and elegantly decorated, often with an opulent theme of cream and taupe with pops of muted teal. They are equipped with modern conveniences such as Nespresso machines, kettles, mineral water, robes, slippers, air-conditioning, and 24-hour room service. Many rooms also feature Juliet balconies.

Bathrooms are a highlight, often large and luxurious, decked out in glossy Italian marble, and typically include both a deep soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower. High-quality L'Occitane or Byredo toiletries are provided. While beds generally receive praise for comfort and luxury linens, some guests have occasionally found them to be uncomfortable or too hard. Rooms are generally quiet, though minor noise from neighboring rooms has been reported. The hotel also offers a "pillow butler" service to tailor bedding preferences.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a variety of dining options:

• Breakfast: Served in Seasons Restaurant, breakfast consistently receives high praise for being excellent, superb, and delicious, with a wide variety of buffet and à la carte choices. Guests particularly enjoy fresh quality options and Irish specialties like scones and soda bread, with some appreciating unique additions such as honeycomb. Cooked-to-order egg dishes are available.
• Afternoon Tea: Served in The Lobby Lounge or Reading Room, the afternoon tea is highly recommended, featuring delicious finger sandwiches, freshly baked fluffy scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves, and decadent pastries.
• Other Dining: The Lobby Lounge is available for snacks, lunch, cocktails, and dinner, while 'Evenings in The Reading Room' offers a fine-dining experience with a seasonal menu using fresh local ingredients. The Whiskey Bar offers over 100 fine whiskey blends.
• Room Service: While praised for serving good quality comfort food like club sandwiches and Caesar salads, some guests have noted the room service menu can be expensive with limited vegetarian/vegan options.

5. Service & Staff

The service at InterContinental Dublin is a consistent highlight. Guests frequently commend the staff for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming, contributing significantly to a positive stay. Many reviews emphasize the attentive and personal touch provided by the hotel's team.

6. Location & Accessibility

The InterContinental Dublin is situated in the quiet, prestigious Ballsbridge neighborhood, known for its embassies and Georgian properties. This provides a secluded and private luxury stay, away from the immediate hustle and bustle of the city center.

• Proximity to City Center: The city center is approximately a 10-15 minute taxi ride away, depending on traffic.
• Public Transport: The hotel offers convenient access to public transport, with a bus stop and DART station nearby (2-5 minutes walk), allowing for a 10-15 minute journey into downtown Dublin. An Aircoach stop is also conveniently located nearby.
• Neighborhood Amenities: While the immediate area is residential, some local pubs, restaurants, and shops can be found within walking distance. Phoenix Park is also a recommended, albeit slightly further, attraction.

7. Value & Pricing

As a five-star luxury hotel and a Michelin Key Selected property, the InterContinental Dublin is generally considered to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum. Some guests have noted that accommodation in Dublin's city center can be "bafflingly expensive," making a good deal at the InterContinental particularly attractive. While some room service items might be seen as costly, the overall experience of luxury, service, and amenities often justifies the price for many guests. Rates can vary but have been observed from around €9 to €360 for two nights, depending on the booking and any loyalty program benefits.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Bed Comfort: A few guests have reported beds being uncomfortable, too hard, or having noticeable springs, contrasting with others who found them very comfortable.
• Restaurant Service: Some guests have experienced "hit and miss" service at the restaurant during breakfast.
• Dining Variety/Cost: Room service and dining options, particularly for late-night vegetarian/vegan choices, have been described as limited and expensive by some. The buffet breakfast is also noted as being not cheap.
• Location (for some): For guests prioritizing being directly in the city center, the Ballsbridge location, while quiet and prestigious, is a slight distance requiring a short taxi or bus ride.
• Wi-Fi Fee: One older review mentioned a "pesky daily fee for Wi-Fi," though current information might differ.

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