Copper Alley Fishamble Street, Christchurch, Dublin, Ireland | (888) 635-3814
Great location for exploring the city on foot or by tour bus
Many of Dublin's most famous areas and attractions within a 10-minute walk
Darkey Kelly's, one of the city's most popular bars, is on-site and features live music
Guest rooms are larger than most at similarly-priced hotels in the same area
On-site bistro serves traditional Irish dishes, plus Mediterranean-fusion food
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Noise from both the street and bar travels to the rooms
Rooms have bland decor and tiny tube TVs
Few on-site amenities; no gym or business center
The Harding Hotel is a family-run three-pearl hotel, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Found in the old medieval quarter of Dublin, this hotel has surprisingly spacious rooms considering its location and reasonable rates. However, they're dated with bland decor and old tube TVs. Therefore, it's a popular choice for budget-minded tourists who want to easily reach many of Dublin's top attractions by foot. There's free Wi-Fi but the hotel lacks many other features, instead covering just the basics. Its most popular amenity is an on-location bar with live music that serves 70 types of Irish whiskey.
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Scene
Old-world ambiance and warm atmosphere for budget-minded tourists
The Harding Hotel's warm atmosphere can be attributed, at least in part, to the traditional decor that's survived two renovations in the last 20 years. The property was an old tenement building that was renovated and converted into a hotel in 1996 and was refurbished again in 2007, and while it has an old-world feel, it still manages to be fresh and clean. The relaxed ambiance carries over to its two main venues -- Darkey Kelly's bar and Copper Alley Bistro -- which are popular not only with hotel guests but locals too.
Location
Located in a central and convenient part of historic Old Dublin with several attractions just a short walk away
The Harding Hotel is on Fishamble Street, one of the oldest streets in Dublin. History runs through the hotel -- literally: The infamous Cooper Alley actually goes through the reception area and guests can stand at the doorway and see right through the lobby to the old alleyway beyond. Within a two- to three-minute walk is Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral, and the vibrant Temple Bar; within a 10-minute walk is Trinity College with the Book Of Kells. Also close by is Grafton Street's shopping area, and in the opposite direction, the Jervis street shopping center. It's an easy base from which to explore the city on foot or by hop on/off bus service. The Airlink Bus service stops outside the hotel and it's a 40-minute drive to Dublin airport. Tip: There's a free walking tour nearby called Sandemans; ask the hotel staff for directions.
Rooms
The 52 rooms are large considering the location and price point.
Harding Hotel offers 52 comfortable rooms that are much larger then expected given the hotel's central city location. Single, double, twin and triple rooms are all available and each has TV (albeit a tiny tube one), free Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, and coffee/tea making facilities. Some rooms have views of Christchurch Cathedral across the way. There is at times noise from the street and, on more lively nights, from the bar downstairs. Guests may also smell the salty aroma of the nearby river Liffey or the malty aroma of the Guinness Factory. Room decor isn't at all inspired; the predominant color is an orange-brown reminiscent of a school cafeteria, and white linens.
Features
A popular bar is the hotel's standout feature.
The Harding Hotel offers the typical amenities associated with a city three-pearl hotel: free Wi-Fi, tourist booking services, and luggage storage. It also has an on-site bistro serving traditional Irish dishes plus Mediterranean-fusion style food. But its standout feature is the popular bar Darkey Kelly's, with its traditional Irish bar feel, live music, and 70 types of Irish whiskey (Wednesdays are whiskey tasting night). There's no gym or business center.
