Number 31

Number 31 in Dublin City, Ireland, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its unique blend of historic charm, modern design, and exceptional hospitality. Guests frequently describe it as a tranquil retreat offering a distinctive experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Number 31 enjoys an overwhelmingly positive consensus from guests, with ratings consistently in the "superb" and "excellent" categories. Booking.com gives it a superb 9.3 rating based on 783 reviews, highlighting its strong performance across all aspects. Agoda similarly shows an impressive overall score of 9.0, with Expedia reviews indicating 228 out of 297 guests rating it "Excellent". Michelin Guide guests rate it highly at 17.3 out of 20. Many guests have expressed that they "loved everything" and had an "incredible experience". It is often described as a "hidden gem" and a "quirky alternative to a standard hotel experience".

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Number 31:

• Service & Staff: The personalized and warm service from the "efficient and helpful" staff, including the owners, is a recurring highlight. They are noted for being welcoming while allowing guests to feel at home.
• Dining Experience: The "award-winning" and "decadent" cooked-to-order breakfast is frequently cited as "the best in Dublin" and a truly memorable part of the stay.
• Location: Its central yet quiet residential location, close to St. Stephen's Green and Grafton Street, is highly appreciated for its accessibility to major attractions and shopping without the bustle.
• Design & Ambiance: The unique architectural blend of a Georgian townhouse and a modernist mews, once owned by architect Sam Stephenson, along with features like a sunken lounge with a peat fire and a "delightful secret garden," creates a stylish and relaxing atmosphere.

3. Room Quality

Number 31 features 21 uniquely decorated en-suite rooms spread across its two distinct buildings, offering either classically ornate Georgian details or crisp, clean-lined modernist aesthetics. Rooms often boast original architectural features like lofty ceilings and cornices. While some furnishings are classic and comfortable, a few reviews suggest some areas could use "a little sprucing up".

Each room is well-equipped with modern conveniences, including luxurious beds with high-quality linens, flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee making facilities, electric kettles, complimentary WiFi, private bathrooms with showers, hair dryers, and VOYA Irish organic toiletries. Dyson cooling fans are also available upon request. Guest feedback describes the rooms as "luxurious, clean and cosy," with one review specifically mentioning "rich golden tones, luxurious fabrics and finishes" in a 'Fabulous Double Room'. However, it is noted that some ground-floor rooms may receive less natural light.

4. Dining Experience

The breakfast at Number 31 is undoubtedly one of its most celebrated features, often described as "magnificent" and "top-notch". It has been recognized as Georgina Campbell's Best Guesthouse Breakfast in Ireland. Guests rave about the extensive cooked-to-order options, which include a Full Irish breakfast, smoked salmon, mushroom frittatas, Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, and even smoked herring kippers. The use of organic ingredients and homemade items like breads, jams, and marmalades further elevates the experience. A wide variety of seasonal fruits, including poached pears in vanilla syrup and fresh berries, are also offered. Breakfast is served in a bright glass conservatory or on an outdoor terrace, sometimes at communal tables.

It's important to note that Number 31 does not have an on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner, focusing solely on its acclaimed breakfast. However, numerous dining options are available within walking distance.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Number 31 consistently receives stellar reviews. Guests frequently highlight the staff as "excellent," "friendly," "accommodating," "efficient," and "helpful". The owners, Noel and Deirdre Comer, are praised for being "warm and welcoming" while allowing guests the space to feel at home. The personalized touches, such as arranging continental breakfast for early departures, contribute to the high level of hospitality. Many reviews echo the sentiment that the staff are "perfect hosts".

6. Location & Accessibility

Located at 31 Leeson Close, in Dublin's historic Georgian quarter, Number 31 offers a prime central location on a "quiet, residential street". It's exceptionally well-placed for exploring Dublin on foot.

Key attractions within easy walking distance include:

• St. Stephen's Green (5-10 minutes)
• Grafton Street (5-10 minutes)
• Iveagh Gardens (600m)
• National Museum of Ireland and National Library (under 15 minutes)
• National Concert Hall (8 minutes)
• Trinity College (17 minutes)

Public transport options are also convenient, with Pearse Station and Charlemont/Harcourt train stations less than a 10-minute walk away. Dublin Airport is approximately 8 to 12 miles away.

A significant accessibility note is that, due to the historical nature of the building, there is no elevator, and rooms are spread over four floors. This means the property may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Limited on-site parking is available for a fee on a first-come, first-served basis, with a larger public car park (Q-Park St. Stephen's Green) a 10-minute walk away.

7. Value & Pricing

Number 31 is often praised for offering "astonishing value for money" and an "exceptional value for money" rating of 9.2 on Agoda. While prices can fluctuate, typical rates hover around the Dublin average for quality accommodation. For instance, recent searches show prices ranging from approximately £117 to £242 for a night, with Saturday usually being the most expensive day. Given its unique character, award-winning breakfast, and prime location, guests generally feel it is well worth the cost.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring issues are occasionally mentioned:

• No Elevator: The lack of a lift is the most common point of concern, particularly for guests with mobility challenges or those carrying heavy luggage, as rooms are spread across four floors.
• No On-site Dining beyond Breakfast: The absence of a restaurant for lunch or dinner means guests need to venture out for other meals.
• Room Size/Condition: A few reviews suggest some rooms might be "small and a little tired" or could benefit from "sprucing up". Ground-floor rooms may also have less natural light.
• Communal Breakfast: While most love the breakfast, some guests do not prefer the communal-style dining arrangement.
• Children Policy: The property generally does not permit children 18 years and younger, and while there is one family room, the stairs make it generally unsuitable for accommodating children.

Sources

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