Kingfisher Townhouse

Kingfisher Townhouse is a small, family-run guesthouse smack in the center of Dublin. It's popular with tourists due to its central location and proximity to sights and night spots, though it's also far enough away from the ruckus in Temple Bar to be relatively calm. The property is made up of a row of several brightly painted store fronts with stained-glass detailing, arched windows, and brass lamps. Apart from the on-site restaurant and cafe, the only common area is the tiny, but welcoming, reception area with hardwood floors and a reception counter in solid oak. The same management has a cafe next door, and a restaurant on the other side that gets lots of local regulars. Note that the building does not have an elevator, but staff are on hand to help with luggage.

The hotel is located north of the Liffey RIver, just a few minutes away on foot or via public transit from many of the city's most popular attractions. The Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, which is home to some major works of Irish art, is a five-minute walk around the corner, and the shops along O'Connell Street are at the end of the block. Scenic Ha'penny Bridge -- over the Liffey -- is 10 minutes away on foot. It's a 15-minute walk to Trinity College (home of the Book of Kells), as well as the restaurants, bars, and cafes of Temple Bar. Major shopping along Grafton Street is also around 15 minutes away on foot. Christchurch Cathedral and Dublin Castle are both 15 to 20 minutes away on foot, or 10 minutes by car. It will take about 30 minutes to reach either the entrance to sprawling Phoenix Park or the Guinness Storehouse by a combination of Luas trams and walking. Expect a 35-minute trip to Dublin Airport by bus or cab.

The guest rooms here are pleasant and reasonably spacious, with a plain style that still looks a bit dated despite a 2016 overhaul. Floors are covered in red or brown carpeting, and the olive green bed runners match the headboards and striped curtains. A few pieces of landscape art or still lives decorate the walls, but don't complement the decor, and the rooms' clashing of pattern and colors are a bit problematic overall. There are few in-room amenities apart from flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Past guests have reported that the connection can be slow and the signal can be weak on the top floor. It's also worth noting that there's no air-conditioning, which generally isn't a problem in Dublin, though can make them a bit stuffy. Bathrooms here tend to be on the small side and are fitted with cramped stall showers and anti-fog mirrors. Free toiletries are provided. Guests looking for a quiet stay should request one of the rooms located at the back of the guesthouse, and the free earplugs provided by the beds may come in handy for guests in noisier street-facing rooms. 

The Kingfisher offers few features. Breakfast is served for a fee in the adjacent Kingfisher restaurant, and traditional Irish breakfasts are available. The on-site In Cahoots Cafe serves coffee, herbal tea, and light meals like sandwiches, salads, panini, and wraps. Guests receive a welcome pack on arrival that includes a map, a Dublin guidebook, and a 10-percent discount voucher that can be used in the restaurant, cafe, or at a local hair salon. Baggage storage is free, and staff can assist with booking tours and tickets. There are three parking spots available on-site in the hotel's private underground parking lot, though these aren't free. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but past guests have complained of slow speeds and shoddy connections.