Talbot Hotel Stillorgan

The Talbot Hotel Stillorgan is an upper-middle-range property that's not terribly exciting, though it does deliver a dependable stay. Guests enter to a simple lobby with a wood reception desk, a peat-burning fireplace, sofas, and armchairs. The topiary-filled courtyard is an inviting place to sit on warmer days, while the grill bar offers a festive atmosphere during rugby and soccer matches. The stylish restaurant features bold yellow, orange, blue, and red hues throughout, with frescoes and mosaic tile, stained glass windows, and hardwood floors. The hotel attracts a range of guests, including wedding groups (who appreciate its bridal suites and wedding services), business guests that come for the meeting rooms and location near business and industrial parks, and tourist crowds who are attracted by affordable rates, free parking, and a location near shopping and the highways leading out of Dublin. 

The Talbot Hotel Stillorgan is in the Dublin suburb of Stillorgan on Stillorgan Road/N11, just south of the N31 road and a 10-minute drive east of the M50. Blackrock, Blackrock Park, Blackrock Station, and Dublin Bay are all about a five-minute drive east and University College Dublin is a five-minute drive north of the hotel. The Royal Dublin Society venues are a seven-minute drive northwest. One of the largest indoor shopping centers in Ireland, Dundrum Town Centre, is a 10-minute drive west. Dun Laoghaire Marina and the Dun Laoghaire Ferry to Holyhead, Wales are a 12-minute drive east and the Aviva Stadium is a 12-minute drive north of the hotel. The city center of Dublin -- featuring attractions such as Dublin Castle, Temple Bar nightlife, Grafton Street shopping, and St. Stephen's Green -- is about a 20-minute drive northwest. On weekdays the hotel has a free shuttle to and from St. Stephen's Green and around the local area. Dublin Airport is a 30-minute drive north. The Aircoach bus to the airport stops directly outside the hotel, and the trip takes about an hour (with stops to pick up other passengers along the way). 

Spread throughout three floors, the 150 clean and spacious rooms at the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan come in a wide variety of configurations. The vast majority of rooms are non-smoking, with a handful of smoking rooms. There is a disparity in room quality, though, and while most of the rooms we visited are fresh looking and contemporary, others in the hotel have yet to benefit from updates. The rooms we visited have a muted gray, beige, white, and brown color palette that are generally bright and cheerful. Walls are done in soft, contemporary shades, with bolder accent walls, mid-tone wood furniture, and carpets. They have nice touches including comfortable beds with thick mattresses, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms all come with air-conditioning, irons, hair dryers, desks, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Some rooms and suites have separate seating areas, and the Bridal Suite and Park Suites have four-poster beds. Despite the hotel's location on the busy N11 road, rooms are quiet. Some rooms have lovely views of Dublin Bay. Bathrooms can be a bit snug, but all are clean and well lit with shower/tub combos and decent counter space.

The Talbot Hotel Stillorgan offers guests a small fitness center and full-service spa (treatments for a fee) with massages, facials, waxes, and body treatments. The grill bar offers a wide selection of beers, wines, liquors, and cocktails, with a menu focusing on steaks, burgers, and curries. The atmosphere is especially festive on rugby and soccer match days. The restaurant serves an ample breakfast buffet with hot and cold items, though it's not included in room rates. The lunch and dinner menu showcases Irish and international fare, though reviews aren't spectacular. Guests can also enjoy an afternoon tea and 24-hour room service. The hotel also provides wedding services, meeting rooms, a business center, and free outdoor parking. The free shuttle into Dublin runs during the week at scheduled times. Wi-Fi is free throughout.