More about Louis Fitzgerald Hotel
Stay here with confidence - and with a car!
by TripAdvisor Member redhand
Funky, vibrant, sexy, modern, all this and more could be used to describe the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Dublin. We choose this hotel due to it's location but would not recommend it to anyone without a car. Public areas are spacious and bright and staff are helpful and, remarkably, Irish! Dominique the receptionist asked to swipe my credit card and then presented me with a chit to sign for E149. No explanation, just sign it. Before signing we ascertained that E99 was for the room rate and the additional E49 was credit in case we spent anything additional. Unusual way of doing business.
Bedroom was compact but clean and fresh. The double bed consisted to two single mattresses linked together, Spanish style. The result was an uncomfortable seam running down the middle of the bed. Someone in management has compromised on the quality of the mattresses. It was not a good call. The digital clock on the TV was defective and there was road noise from the adjacent N7 traffic. Light sleepers might do well to ask for a room at the back of the hotel.
Breakfast was satisfactory with excellent fresh fruit salad but my better half was displeased that there was neither cranberry juice or green tea available.
Check out was a torrid affair, long queue, only Dominique on duty and having the additional responsibility of answering the phone. A bottle of free wine was appreciated but it would take more than this to encourage us to rush back to this hotel.
Great hotel, not so good location.
by TripAdvisor Member Harri8138
I booked at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel for a long weekend in February for my birthday. The rooms weren't overly big but were decorated nicely. The room contained a large en suite and amenities such as kettle, flat screen tv and internet access points. There was a bar downstairs which we drank in one night before going out into Dublin which was expensive but so is everywhere in Dublin, and there was a restraunt next door which we didnt use and petrol station which we bought a few essentials from.
Prior to booking at the Louis Fitzgeralds we had read reviews on here so knew what to expect as it is a way out of town. On arriving at the airport i was aware that we could get the Airbus into the city and then the Luas (tram) to near to the hotel but we weren't too confident about which stop to get off at (its Red Cow) so opted for a taxi, which ended up costing 37 Euros due to her working off the time it took to get there not the distance and the traffic was terrible.
The Luas stop was a 10 minute walk down the road which we didn't mind as we expected it, and the tram takes around 20 - 25 minutes to get to the city centre.
If i were to visit Dublin again i would probably book in a hotel closer to the city centre. Even though it would comprimise the quality of the Louis Fitzgerald it would be nice to wake up and walk straight into town and get some breakfast etc, and would also mean that we could pop back moer frequently throughout the day rather than maybe once. Also its worse noting that the last tram back at night is 12.30.
Dublin is expensive if you are wanting to eat/drink out. Its worth having a wander round for a relatively cheap restraunt as there are plenty to choose from. And it costs around 11 euro's for 2 pints of Bulmers. Having pointed out its faults i would definately go back there as it was a brilliant weekend.
Terrible Location!!
by TripAdvisor Member kiki1999
This Hotel is in a terrible location, we followed the website's directions and took a bus, but the closest the bus goes is a good 10 min walk away - along back streets. The Hotel is in what can only be described as an industrial area, it's off a confusing main roundabout and one way system and taxis are very reluctant to come out that way. Bus fare is cheap (about 1.60 euros per trip) but they take approx 40mins and with being a new hotel most drivers don't know where to stop (another passenger advised us). The Laus is another option this takes 30min to get into Dublin, is approx 4 euros for a return journey and is a 10 min walk from the hotel (along a busy road through the grotty industrial area) although there is a shuttle bus to the Laus from the hotel - at a cost of 2 euros per person! (it is probably easier to walk than get this bus - it doesn't run after 6.30pm either so check with the hotel if arriving late) A taxi to the airport is approx 45 Euros. Although we had a good deal with laterooms.com, the added cost and time spent travelling back from the city to the hotel completely ruined our break away.
The hotel is new and modern, although it does border on the pretensious and the artwork in the lobby is just hideous and creates a very uncomfortable and unwelcoming atmosphere. Some staff were very helpful, we had lots of little problems - tv remote not working, not enough towels (room set out for 2 instead of 3) but these were all dealt with very quickly and efficiently. The beds are exceptionally comfortable and the shower is fantastic!
All in all this would be a great place to stay if you're travelling on buisness and all expenses (such as taxi fares) were being paid for by someone else! We travelled as a family and the location was a nightmare, especially with a small child. I would definately find somewhere closer to Dublin city centre (or even out of the centre but closer to the airport) instead of here. The interior may be nice but we were so worn out from the travelling and stress of trying to find the place that we couldn't enjoy it, Dublin is such a beautiful city but seeing the run-down urban and industrial outskirts leaves one rather disenchanted - and facing a huge taxi fare to get home!!
highly recommended
by TripAdvisor Member fionnuala_7
3 of us stayed overnight. brilliant value for money. Room ultra modern. Best breakfasts we have had in any hotel of the highest ratings. Fresh orange juice ( a rarity nowadays.) Fresh toast . Excellent selection of fruit. Lovely seating area. It is a distance from city centre but there is a shuttle service to Luas (tram) and bus service is just a short distance away. Will definitely stay again and would not hesitate to recommend to all.
Top Class Hotel
by TripAdvisor Member ma33rk
We travelled from Scotland for 2 nights on a romantic break
Service was excellent big shout to Michael the porter he was brilliant banter.
The hotel is about an hours drive away from the airport,but this is only due to roadworks on the motorway.
Would recommend hiring a car for a few days it is alot cheaper than getting taxis.
There is a shuttle service from the hotel down to the tram,which takes you into the city center in 10 mins
Overall i would come back to this hotel and you cant beat the breakfast in the morning it is excellent.
Nightmare
by TripAdvisor Member GuestIreland
My partner and I stayed at this hotel on a Supervalue Getaway Break over Valentines weekend. We travelled by Luas to the hotel and on arriving at the nearest Luas stop we discovered the hotel was a 30min walk across the N7, a very busy motorway currently undergoing roadworks. According to the hotel webpage the Luas is on its doorstep! While a shuttle bus is advertised to transport guests to the Luas, this service only operates until 6pm and is charged at 2 euro per head. A taxi is the only option after 6pm and the rates vary depending on the driver.
On arriving at reception after a stressful journey, their was a mix-up with our booking. A staff member was overtly rude and claimed to have no record of our booking. On pushing the issue and after producing confirmation documentation of our reservation he tried to book us into a Twin Room even though we had requested a Double. Service in general throughout the hotel was poor with the exception of the Accomodation Staff who did an excellent job servicing the rooms. We booked dinner at the hotel restaurant when checking-in and this information was not relayed to the restaurant staff.
On check-out we had further problems with the hotel trying to charge us for a dinner which was covered by our Supervalu deal and they also tried to add other charges to our bill. Although the hotel is modern and decor is generally trendy, we would not recommend this hotel due to its location and due to the poor service.
Stuck In The Middle of Nowhere!
by TripAdvisor Member mazzap
Stayed 2 nights late Feb 08. The good introductory price caught our eye. Much cheaper than the city centre 4 star hotels. Very new hotel with modern art and trendy furniture throughout. Nice dining area, good (but pricey) family friendly restaurant called Joel’s is attached, another restaurant (but even pricier!!) is just inside the hotel foyer. Rooms are smallish but very clean, bathrooms same. We had a very quiet room which was overlooking the main entrance side of the hotel. Nice toiletries. Iron with board, hairdryer, flat screen TV, tea/coffee facilities. No fridge or mini-bar though.
The downsides (and sadly there are a few).........don't believe anyone or anything that says the hotel is just a 10 minute walk from the LUAS (tram) station. It is most definitely more!! On the evening we arrived we spent around 10 minutes deciding which way to head (we had called the hotel earlier from England for directions but these turned out to be nothing more than useless!!) We then battled our way in the dark and wind up and across the filthy, dismal looking, temporary bridge spanning a busy motorway undergoing major roadworks, and eventually arrived feeling absolutely worn out and like we'd run a marathon! The second evening we timed it - 17 blustery minutes at a very fast walking pace - at least we knew the way by then!! We also didn't feel that safe as a couple of seedy characters were closely following us over the dark bridge.
On arrival we had to wait more than 15 minutes to check in as there was only one receptionist on duty and several people needing attention. No warm friendly Irish welcome awaited us :-( just a basic functional check in procedure. Nobody seems to know anything about the local tram or buses regards prices or times! As one other reviewer mentioned previously to me, we had our card swiped but no mention of this was made when checking out and we only remembered when we were half way home (note to self, check credit card statement carefully!) The hotel had no brochures to take home, they were 'at the printers'.
In the room; the television automatically came on blaring loudly as soon as we inserted the card key to activate the electrics. We spent the next few minutes trying to turn it off but eventually realised the remote control batteries were dead! A bit more fumbling and we located the manual controls on the TV right at the top at the back (short people don't attempt this, you won't reach ;-)
The safe is free which you might think is great.....but it is also not attached to anything so whatever you choose to store 'safely' within it could be simply carried away by anyone managing to break in and they would not even have to look far for your valuables!
The trendy looking bathroom....water poured out from the corner of the glass screen. On day 2 we remembered to put a towel down to save us the mopping up job! Shame to use fluffy white towels for that purpose but better than letting water leak through to the room below! There is a frosted glass pane in the wall to the side of the bath which looks cool to begin with...until you realise that it floods the bedroom with light if the bathroom light is switched on during the night! The retractable washing line is so high up that you have to be a proficient acrobat to reach it - again, short people, don't attempt this feat! Take a very tall friend with you!
The hotel will happily call a shuttle for you to get to the LUAS tram station (believe me, you will NOT choose to walk it!) They will tell you it costs 2 Euro per person. The taxi driver will then try and charge you more. He did this twice with us. The second time I was braver and queried the cost with him, he mumbled something about there only being 2 of us. He didn't get the extra from us that time!! The same guy also charged 7 people (who were in reception all wanting taxis at the same time) 5 Euro each to take us into the city centre in a people carrier - 35 Euro (plus any tips he got) for a 6 mile journey is downright greedy!!
Breakfast.....oh dear....we were really expecting something great here. Sadly it was not forthcoming. At best, we got fresh orange juice on day 1 (but carton the next!) I won't go into detail, but will say I have eaten numerous hotel breakfasts for over 40 years......but for several reasons, this was a very poor offering of dull all-bran, cheap sausages, dry tasteless black pudding, pickled carrot, gherkin and cauliflower??!! etc. Quantity was no problem as it was a buffet, but quality and imagination was non-existent. Service in the breakfast room was also incredibly slow, everything like toast & coffee was cold by the time it arrived! Nothing was replaced straight away, consequently you go without that item or hang around hoping!
All in all, this is a lovely looking hotel on the inside (though nothing to look at from the outside) but needs more of a friendly touch with more staff on duty. The breakfast needs completely rethinking and room maintenace problems should be sorted out before the place gets the reputation of being just another cheap (at the moment!) out of town functional motel for passing trade (if there is any right along there!)
location
by TripAdvisor Member mollymarie
Lovely Hotel but so far out 20m min walk to the luas {trams} across really busy roads just not worth it unless you are on business and have a car staff excellent hotel really nice cant think of anything to complain about other than location.
Very High Class
by TripAdvisor Member Nathan26
Just returned back after a 4 day break in Dublin and had a great time. Landed in Dublin Airport after a very short night flight then in a taxi which took us straight to the hotel, the taxi cost 30 euros which i thought was a bit steep. However, there is road works on the motorway, which didn't help! Checked in the hotel very swiftly. The room was big, everything smelt new even the towels and bed sheets. The complimentry toiletries in the bathroom was a nice touch i even loved the power shower. The hotel has been open since October 07 so everything is brand new. Breakfast is only 10euros each and you can pay this when you check out. The breakfast was gorgeous, there was a huge selection of juices, fruit, pastry's, full irish breakfast. The Hotel was about 20 minutes from the city centre so we got the Luas (tram) which cost 3euros return, a bargain! The hotel will also arrange a taxi to take you to the Luas which cost 5 euros. I found Dublin a little expensive, but i guess it can be the same every where you go. There were two restaurants in the hotel - LJ'S and Jules. We ate in Jules most nights and the food is excellent, an average meal cost between 15-25euros - we didn't eat in LJ's so can't comment on this. The hotel will organise a taxi to take you to the airport, but due to the major road works we didn't want to chance this, so we got on the luas to the city centre and took the airport bus which only took 15 minutes and costs 6 euros each, the bus number is the 747 and stops directly outside the terminal building. You really need to stay at the Lous Fitzgerald - you wont be disapointed. I'm even planing on my next visit.
Great hotel
by TripAdvisor Member AussieinEssex
I stayed at this hotel last week while on business and it was fantastic! It was a great price (Although I understand this is an introductory rate), and well worth the money. The rooms were great, and very clean. I got a free bottle of wine brought to my room after checking in. Definately 4 star.
There is a secure underground car park which is great, but I would suggest if you don't have a car then don't stay here. I believe it's a bit of a trek to the nearest Luas stop. With a vehicle, it's the ideal choice.
The included breakfast was just perfect - buffet style, freshly squeezed orange juice, and as much as you could eat. Not too busy or crowded either.
A very welcoming and friendly hotel - highly recommended.
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