Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin

The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin is a sophisticated, contemporary hotel set in a seven-story white and gray concrete building constructed in 2007. In the lobby, high floor-to-ceiling windows pair with marbled floors, a glossy black reception area, and classy accents, like white and gold mosaic tiled columns. Red carpets mark out cozy gatherings of sofas under drum-shaped pendant lights, offering guests plenty of space to hangout. There's a bit of a business-y Radisson feel here, but it's all clean, tasteful, and high end. Plus, some of the meeting venues make use of luxe, regional materials like Irish Valentia Slate or Connemara Marble. As of our 2016 visit, there were no on-site wellness facilities, but the hotel noted plans to add a spa and additional guest rooms in the next few years. Guests vary from business travelers to tourists, includinfggg couples and families.

The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel is located on a mainly residential street on the south side of the River Liffey. The immediate block is fairly quiet, yet there are restaurants, pubs, local stores, and major sights all in easy walking distance. There are fewer public transportation options in this area than in other parts of the city, but proximity to many tourist attractions, nightlife in Temple Bar, and the shopping scene along Grafton Street make this part of town more convenient than some might expect. This area of Dublin is home to some must-see historic attractions, including Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Christ Church Cathedral, all of which can be easily reached on foot from the hotel.

• Five-minute walk to Christ Church Cathedral
• Five-minute walk to St. Patrick's Cathedral
• Eight-minute walk to Dublin Castle 
• Nine-minute walk to Temple Bar
• 10-minute walk to St. Stephen's Green
• 13-minute walk to Trinity College and Grafton Street
• 15-minute walk to George Bernard Shaw's birthplace
• 18-minute walk to Guinness Storehouse
• 23-minute drive to Dublin Airport 

The Radisson's contemporary rooms -- in a neutral color palette of coffee and beige accented by a few bright pops in pink or green -- are unsurprising and lack dramatic flourishes, but they're tasteful and elegant all the same. They're also spacious. Even entry-level rooms offer over 300 square feet of space, with some suites clocking in at over 1,000 square feet. Bathrooms are modern and lavish with brown tiled walls, walk-in rain showers, and separate soaking tubs. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, laptop safes, free Wi-Fi, This Works toiletries, coffee/tea facilities, and mini-fridges -- though they lack any minibar snacks. Upgraded rooms add extras like robes, slippers, and Nespresso coffeemakers, while some suites have balconies or Italian marble bathrooms with TVs.

The hotel covers the full checklist of dining and business amenities guests expect from the high-end Radisson brand. The classy V'NV restaurant is open for dinner daily, serving French and Irish dishes and featuring a nice wine menu. Sure Bar offers up quintessential pub food and drinks, including, of course, lots of Guinness. For booked or private events, there's O Bar and The Vintage Room, a sophisticated private tasting space for Irish whiskey and other beverages. The hotel serves an extensive and well-liked breakfast buffet and offers grab-and-go breakfasts, though these usually cost an extra fee. Room service is available 24 hours. The hotel has some nice business amenities, like 15 meeting and event rooms which can host up to 400 guests, including a big Sky Suite on the seventh floor. 

Where the Radisson falls short is its fitness and wellness facilities, which are lacking. However, guests are offered free access to the Iveagh Fitness Club, a six-minute walk from the hotel, which includes a pool, sauna, gym, and other amenities. The hotel offers concierge service, laundry service, currency exchange, and family-friendly amenities like cribs, kids' menus, and high chairs. Wi-Fi works well and is free throughout. Parking is available on-site, but costs an extra fee.