Review: The Dublin hotel stay perfect for an insider’s track to the city

Last month, I had the chance to combine culture with comfort during a stay at The Croke Park Hotel. The highlight of my trip was seeing the Gate Theatre‘s incredible production of Dancing at Lughnasa. From the moment the young boy Michael began narrating the story, I was completely captivated. The play, though set in the 1800s, touched on universal themes of love, family, and girlhood, reminding me of the strong female bonds in my own life. There were moments of laughter and tears, and before I knew it, the duration of the play had slipped away, leaving me reflecting deeply on its poignant messages.

Afterwards, I headed back to the hotel for a night of unparalleled comfort. Let me just say, those pillows? Perfect. They struck that delicate balance between softness and firmness, and I was tempted to sneak one home. As soon as I hit the bed, I drifted into a deep, restful sleep.

Dining

Dinner was undeniably one of the standout highlights of the trip, especially given my dietary restrictions as a vegetarian with a peanut allergy (help). Navigating restaurant menus can sometimes be tricky, but The Hawthorn, the hotel’s dining venue, far exceeded my expectations. I started with a refreshing feta cheese and watermelon salad. It was a delightful way to begin the meal—light, fresh, and perfectly complemented by a semi Dulce wine that I made a note to hunt down for future indulgences.

For the main course, I opted for cheesy gnocchi, which was bursting with flavour in every bite. It came with a side of cheesy garlic crusty bread, and I couldn’t resist spreading a bit of fresh Irish salted butter on top. The combination was heavenly, and I savoured every last bite.

The next morning, I indulged my laziness with breakfast in bed. It’s not often that hotel breakfasts exceed expectations, but this one did. The portion sizes were generous, the food was served at the perfect temperature, and the service was top-notch. I even made a special request for oat milk, and it was happily accommodated. The attention to detail made me feel like royalty, and I loved every moment.

Local activities

One of the highlights of my stay was the cocktail experience at the hotel’s bar after the play. I usually opt for an espresso martini, but this time I tried something new—a pear sour. It was light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, leaving my palate refreshed. The bar itself had a cosy, intimate feel with its 1920s art deco vibe—small rounded tables, warm lighting, and a romantic atmosphere perfect for a date or a solo nightcap.

The best part about staying at The Croke Park Hotel is how conveniently located everything is. With the city centre just a 10-minute walk away, I had easy access to some of my favourite spots. I visited Two Boys’ Brew, one of my go-to cafes, and spent time wandering through Phibsboro, popping into charity shops and my favourite vintage pop-up market Zeitgeist. There’s also a new bakery nearby Russell Street Bakery, which serves up delicious iced coffees, croissants, and pastries. The smell alone was enough to lure me in, and I found myself happily indulging in a freshly baked treat.

Why visit?

The Croke Park Hotel is perfectly situated for a mix of city exploration and relaxation. Whether you’re catching a show, wandering the city, or simply soaking in the comfort of the hotel itself, the experience feels both luxurious and accessible. The attentive service, central location, and incredible dining make it a great choice for anyone looking for a memorable stay in Dublin.