The Gibson Hotel

Located in an industrial area of Dublin, The Gibson Hotel’s steel and glass exterior befits the neighborhood. Interiors here are smart and contemporary with an artistic emphasis, featuring paintings and modern sculptures from the hotel's artist-in-residence program. The minimalist lobby creates a good overall impression of the decor throughout, with brown tiles, clear front desks with pink trim, and white benches with pink padding. Hallways feature farm animal sculptures, colorful large artwork, a Bono graffiti display, futuristic chairs, and plenty of floor-to-ceiling windows filling the spaces with natural light. Interior courtyards have Asian-influenced landscaping, some of which can be viewed from the walls of windows comprising the hotel’s stylish restaurant and bar, a pleasant space cloaked in a neutral color scheme with pops of pink and yellow. With the 3Arena across the street, most guests choose to stay here for an event -- however, the hotel also sees a large clientele of business travelers due to its business facilities and proximity to the convention center. 

The biggest drawback of The Gibson Hotel may be its location, as it's far from the city center in East Dublin, an industrial area devoid of much to do, see, or eat. It's a great choice for those attending an event at the 3Arena, however, as the venue is located just across the street. The Convention Center Dublin is also close at a 10-minute walk from the property. There’s a tram stop just outside the hotel that can take guests to the city center in 10 minutes, and the Temple Bar area can be reached in 20 minutes by car or public transport. It’s a 15-minute drive to Dublin Airport, or 18 minutes via public transportation. 

Rooms are spacious and modern, with a minimalist style that features subtle splashes of color against a neutral backdrop, trendy hanging art pieces, and a calming ambiance. Floating shelves, streamlined furniture, and strip lighting under the beds add to the sleek, stripped down look. Suites generally add a few more embellishments like trendy red statement walls with paintings of guitars. They're also softened with homey details like books on shelves and plants. The amenities are well-rounded and include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, kettles, and safes. Superior Rooms and Suites have balconies or terraces. Higher-level rooms also come with living room spaces with couches. Views aren’t generally attractive in this barebones industrial area, however, those with balconies or terraces might have large planters with overflowing greenery that add a calming aspect. Beige and white bathrooms are clean and outfitted with vessel sinks and walk-in glass showers or separate showers and tubs. Hairdryers and organic toiletries are provided. 

The Gibson has a decent number of amenities, all reflecting the property's modern aesthetic. There’s a spacious 24-hour gym with plenty of cardio machines and free weights. It also has a lovely relaxation area with a sauna, steam room, and jetted tubs on a pretty terrace. However, beauty treatments or spa services like massages are, unfortunately, not provided. Coda, the hotel’s restaurant, has a bustling atmosphere and is often a destination for those attending concerts or events at the 3Arena across the street. It serves Asian-influenced meals and has a large Wine Wall. Some past guests have complained about poor service -- especially when the restaurant is busy -- as well as room service, plus some report that the food is poor quality. The Hemi Bar offers drinks and a special menu in a chic area that has outdoor dining on patios that open to the interior courtyard. In the mornings, a breakfast buffet is offered for a fee and includes hot Irish breakfast items, as well as cereals, yogurts, pastries, and fruit. There's also a street food van that serves pastries and tea and coffee.The hotel’s meeting facilities cover two floors and include nine fully equipped meeting rooms that hold up to 300 people. Other services include bachelorette party packages and wedding services, as well as special package combos of cinema tickets and dinner at the restaurant. Wi-Fi is free, and parking in a garage costs a fee.