Unbelievable Dublin Getaway: Temple Bar Hotel's Secret Revealed!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of the Temple Bar Hotel's "Secret"—or, you know, what they want us to think is a secret. Prepare for a brutally honest, maybe slightly chaotic, but hopefully helpful assessment. Let's get messy, shall we?
Unbelievable Dublin Getaway: Temple Bar Hotel's Secret Revealed?! (And My Sanity)
First off, let's be real. "Unbelievable"? That's a bold claim, Temple Bar Hotel. Let's see if you live up to it. I booked this place primarily for its location, smack-dab in the middle of Temple Bar. (Spoiler alert: that's both a blessing and a curse, depending on your tolerance for drunken sing-alongs at 3 AM. More on that later…)
Accessibility & Making My Way Around (or, the Great Elevator Predicament)
Okay, so, accessibility. This is where things get a little… patchy. They do say they have "Facilities for disabled guests," which is a good start! But, I'd suggest calling ahead if you have specific needs. I didn’t, and while the elevator exists (hallelujah!), getting around the lobby felt a bit like navigating a crowded pub during the Six Nations. Not ideal if you’re relying on, say, a wheelchair. The exterior’s not bad, but once inside… well, it's a bit of a maze.
My Wi-Fi Saga: From Free to… Frustrated
Okay, Wi-Fi. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they boast. Awesome. Except… it was more like "Free Wi-Fi… sometimes." I spent a good chunk of my first day wrestling with the signal. It'd connect, then drop out, then mock me with a loading circle of doom. Eventually, I just gave up and embraced the analog life for a while. Thankfully, the lobby Wi-Fi was a bit more reliable, but still… c’mon guys, it’s 2024! Sort your internet! (And yes, there was Internet Access - LAN but who actually uses that anymore? My grandpa?)
Cleanliness & Safety: My Germ-Hating Heart Was Happy, Mostly
COVID has made me a bit of a clean freak (thanks, pandemic!), so I was very interested in the hygiene situation. They seem to have Daily disinfection in common areas which is great. Their mention of Anti-viral cleaning products and Rooms sanitized between stays definitely eased my anxieties too (I got the room sanitization opt-out available option, just for peace of mine). Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, so extra points on that. There was also a Doctor/nurse on call listed. All in all, I felt my germaphobe tendencies were, thankfully, kept at bay. I saw evidence of Professional-grade sanitizing services being used and was able to breathe a huge sigh of relieved.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: So. Much. Choice. (And the Mystery of Vegetarian Options)
The restaurants… where do I begin? Temple Bar Hotel has a lot of places to eat and drink. The Poolside bar seemed rather enticing, along with the offering of snacks, coffee and tea, happy hour, and various desserts. They did have a Breakfast Buffet (which I indulged in, even though I'm usually a "grab-a-pastry-and-run" kind of person). The Asian breakfast wasn't my cup of tea however, I wouldn't go to Dublin to have that. The Asian cuisine in restaurant option was also a bit confusing, and I'm not sure when that would be available as I didn't ask. The Western breakfast wasn't bad, but nothing to write home about. The vegetarian options were… um… let's just say, more effort needed here, folks. I'd suggest asking ahead, or getting ready to get creative with your plate. The Room service [24-hour] was my saviour on more than one occasion, especially after a long night of… research.
The Rooms Themselves & That All-Important Sleep Quality
My room (a non-smoking one, thank goodness!) was… well, it was a room. Comfortable enough, with a decent air conditioning system. The extra long bed was a welcome touch. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver, helping me sleep off the aforementioned "research." I had a private bathroom and separate shower/bathtub - which was a plus! The additional toilet was useful too (in case of… well, you know). The desk was a decent size for working, the refrigerator to store my essentials, and all the usual stuff like a hair dryer, ironing facilities, and the free bottled water were included… though I wouldn’t say it was remarkable. But I did have a window that opens which I appreciated.
However, the soundproofing… it was a soundproofing, but not a good one. You're in Temple Bar, remember? Prepare to hear the revelry. Every. Single. Night. I went to bed expecting nothing of a pleasant experience, and didn't have one. And no soundproofing can save you. I'd recommend earplugs, the strongest ones you can find. Or maybe a vow of celibacy until you leave. The noise alone could give anyone a headache.
Things To Do (and Ways to Relax) & My Personal Spa Mishap
Okay, let's face it, this hotel isn't exactly a spa retreat. But, they had a Fitness center. and a Sauna. It's a Spa/sauna combo! Swimming pool [outdoor] Pool with view. Gym/fitness as well. I do love a good massage . I booked the spa. I was so excited for a Body wrap and maybe a Body scrub. The steam room. The foot bath. I was so ready to be relaxed! I even booked a Couple's room as a little treat.
And then… total letdown. The ambiance wasn't quite what I'd hoped for. The massage was… adequate. Not the “ooh, aah, my shoulders have ascended to heaven” kind, but okay. The spa room, well, it was the size of my shoebox and seemed to have trouble keeping the water hot. Overall. Not an amazing experience.
Services & Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the "Sure, Why Not?"
They offer a Concierge and Daily housekeeping (which was fantastic, I’m a messy person). I even used the Laundry service (desperately needed). The Elevator was a blessing (see above). The Car park [on-site] was…well, it was there, but parking in Dublin is a nightmare, and this place wasn't exactly a parking paradise. They have a Convenience store as well which is a win! However, the Cash withdrawal made me feel slightly panicked. But hey, Facilities for disabled guests are listed which is good. The Invoice provided was a professional touch!
For the Kids:
They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities, but not much beyond that, so Family/child friendly is a stretch, but if you are a parent looking to bring the family, it's a good choice too.
Getting Around:
They also offered Airport transfer, but honestly, with the location, you're better off just grabbing a taxi. They had Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], and Car power charging station (which are all good options)!
Overall Verdict: A Dublin Dilemma
So, is the Temple Bar Hotel's "Secret" truly unbelievable? Well… no. It's a solid hotel in a fantastic location. The noise is the major drawback, but if you can handle that, or are a heavy sleeper, it's a good base for exploring Dublin. The spa let-down was also a blow, but the staff were friendly, the rooms were clean, and the breakfast, while not mind-blowing, did its job. You can find plenty of things to do. The CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour] made me feel safe.
I’d give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. Great for the location, but bring earplugs!
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Tired of Ordinary Dublin Hotels? Discover the Temple Bar Hotel – Where Dublin Comes Alive (…and You Can Still Get Some Sleep!)
Are you looking for a hotel in the heart of the action in Dublin? Do you want to be steps away from the legendary Temple Bar, surrounded by the best pubs, restaurants, and attractions? Then look no further than the Temple Bar Hotel!
Here's why you should book your Dublin getaway with us:
- Unbeatable Location: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Temple Bar. Everything you want to experience
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandmother's itinerary. This is a Dublin adventure fueled by questionable sleep, questionable decisions, and the undeniable pull of a good pint. We're talking Temple Bar Hotel, baby! And trust me, it’s going to be… an experience.
The Temple Bar Tango: A Dublin Diary (and the bits they probably don’t tell you)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Dublin Scramble
- 12:00 PM: Landed in Dublin. The good news? Made it. The bad news? My luggage apparently developed a sudden aversion to the Emerald Isle and is currently vacationing in… who knows where. Classic. Immigration officer gave me a look that said "Another one, eh?" Feeling slightly shell-shocked, I took a deep breath and tried to remember what the hell I'd packed, convinced everything I need is in that phantom suitcase.
- 1:00 PM: After a mad dash through the airport, I'd reached the Temple Bar Hotel. The outside looked promising…historic right? (or maybe just old)? And then, the lobby! Okay, it's not a palace, but there's a certain vibe. Buzzing with a chaotic energy, people milling everywhere, the faint smell of stale Guinness and hope.
- 1:30 PM: Checked in. The lovely (though clearly overworked) receptionist, bless her heart, gave me the key to my room. "Third floor, the one with the wonky door handle. Don't slam it, love!" she shouted after me. Wonky door handle? Oh, this is going to be FUN.
- 2:00 PM: Found the room! (after surviving a near-death experience with a rogue elevator.) And… well, it’s… a room. It has a bed, a tiny TV, and a surprisingly functional shower. The wonky door handle? Yep, checks out. There was also a note scrawled on hotel stationary, "Welcome, Enjoy Dublin, The Unlimited Collection Ireland." I guess I'm supposed to like the hotel? Hmm….
- 2:30 PM: Attempted to unpack (from my ever-shrinking carry-on). My suitcase is still missing. I now own only one pair of clean socks. This is going to be an issue.
- 3:00 PM: Fueling up with a late lunch at a nearby pub. I chose the Irish stew. It was… hearty. Let's just say it had an intensity to it. And the bartender's accent? Pure poetry. I could listen to him read the phone book and be happy.
- 4:00 PM: Dublin walkabout. Getting lost is practically a national sport here, and boy, am I good at it. Cobblestone streets, colorful doors, and the constant hum of conversation. The buildings look like they've seen a thousand stories, and if walls could talk, the stories here would be wild. Stumbled on Trinity College and spent a solid hour trying to absorb all the history and beauty. The Book of Kells… mind-blowing. Felt so insignificant, yet like a tiny thread in this gorgeous tapestry we call life.
- 6:00 PM: Temple Bar! The notorious epicenter of Dublin nightlife. It's… a lot. Loud music, overflowing pubs, and a sea of happy (and possibly slightly tipsy) faces. I ventured inside a few, and had my first pint of Guinness. OMG. Pure perfection. I, too, quickly changed to a happy face.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at The Brazen Head, Dublin's oldest pub. Supposedly the real deal. The food was surprisingly good and the atmosphere was electric -- as if everyone here knew a secret. I eavesdropped on the table next to me, and it quickly reminded me of being in a movie.
- 9:30 PM: Karaoke! Yes, I did it. After a few pints of Guinness, I was practically begging to sing. My voice? A glorious disaster. But the laughter? Pure gold.
- 11:00 PM: Back to the hotel, feeling slightly squiffy and completely exhilarated. Sleep? Maybe. Probably not.
Day 2: History, Hangover, and More Guinness (Because, Dublin)
- 9:00 AM (ish): Wake up. The room is spinning. Head pounding. Curse the karaoke. My bladder calls for me.
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast. The hotel's "continental" breakfast is less "continental" and more "slightly sad pastries and lukewarm coffee." Powered through it anyway. Desperate times call for desperate measures and the buffet of breakfast was like a bad hangover, but on a plate
- 10:30 AM: The Guinness Storehouse! Touristy? Absolutely. Worth it? HELL YES. The interactive exhibits are great, you learn about the process of brewing, and the views from the Gravity Bar? Unforgettable. It's one of those experiences that actually lives up to the hype. I spent a while in the gift shop, and bought a t-shirt. I really wish I knew where my damn luggage was!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a cute little cafe near St. Patrick's Cathedral. Ordered a sandwich. It was okay. But it did give me a chance to rest.
- 2:00 PM: St. Patrick's Cathedral. It's awe-inspiring. The sheer scale, the stained glass, the incredible history… it's a place you could get completely lost for for hours. Really impressive.
- 3:30 PM: Wandered through Dublin Castle. More history. More grandeur. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the historical facts; made me want to go read a book, and then immediately go take a nap.
- 5:00 PM: Another pint of Guinness. This time, at a pub with live music. The musicians were phenomenal, and the crowd knew all the words to every song. I felt like I was part of something.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant I can't even remember the name of. The food was fine. The company (myself) was excellent.
- 8:30 PM: Attempted to see a play. Failed. Fell asleep in my chair. The play sounded like an ancient Irish poem.
- 10:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Still no luggage. Still haven't gotten around to unpacking. The door handle is still wonky. The room is still… a room.
- 11:00 PM: Decided that sleep is not a priority.
Day 3: The Grand Finale (and the Great Escape)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Woke up with the worst hangover of my life. I'd need to find some kind of miracle. Found a coffee.
- 9:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. There's a certain magic in all the bits and bobs of the city.
- 10:30 AM: Checked out. The receptionist wished me a safe flight, and mentioned that they'd gotten a call about my luggage! Finally!
- 11:00 AM: Heading to the airport. Dublin, you've been a whirlwind. A boisterous, slightly disheveled, utterly captivating whirlwind. This trip wasn't perfect. In fact, it was pretty messy. Missed luggage, a wonky door handle, impromptu karaoke… But that's what made it amazing.
- 1:00 PM: Flight home, which was so uneventful, it felt like an enormous disappointment.
Final Thoughts:
Dublin is a city that gets under your skin. It's imperfect, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable. The Temple Bar Hotel? Well, it’s part of the experience. It's a crash pad, a starting point, a place to stumble back to after a night of Guinness and impromptu shenanigans. And honestly, that's all you really need. Now I'm ready to go home, get my suitcase, and plan my return. Dublin, you've got me! And, The Unlimited Collection, you did pretty good.
Escape to Paradise: SAPAN GOOD VIEW 6's Private Oasis in Thailand
Okay, so you want to know about [Topic]? Sigh. Where even to begin…
Depends on if the earth is round. Or if you like kittens! Sometimes… it's relevant.
Oh, the BEST way? Look, I've tried a few approaches – some went better than others.
Okay, so you want to know about learning to cook? Sigh. Where even to begin… It's not a *secret society* but it sometimes feels like one, especially when you're staring at a pot of boiling water and wondering if you just committed some culinary faux pas. It's a journey, that's for sure. A messy, often burnt-smelling, occasionally delicious journey. The *deal* is this: it's about survival, initially. Then, hopefully, about not poisoning yourself *immediately*. After that, it starts to get... fun. Maybe.
Dude, I hear you. Recipes. Ugh. They're like tiny dictators, bossing you around. "Chop finely!" they demand. "Add a pinch!" they bark. Look, following a recipe is a *good* starting point. It’s what you *have* to do if you want to avoid botulism. But the truth? I've totally messed up following recipes. Once, I *thought* I was using a tablespoon of salt. Turns out, it was a *teaspoon*. My soup tasted like the Dead Sea. Another time? I misread "bake for 30 minutes" as "bake for *3* minutes." Charcoal chicken, anyone? (Don't. Terrible idea.) The *key* is practice and flexibility. And maybe double-checking the measurements. And maybe having someone nearby to call for help when it *inevitably* goes wrong. It *will* go wrong.
Oh god, knives. The little silver slivers of doom. I get it. I really, *really* get it. Let me tell you a story. The *first* time I tried to chop an onion, I swear I was more scared of the onion than of World War III. I was basically holding the knife like a fragile Faberge egg. I ended up with uneven chunks that looked like something a beaver had gnawed on. Now... do *NOT* skip the tutorials. Watch videos. Seriously. YouTube is your friend. And the *claw* grip – the one where you curl your fingers inside – is your *savior*. Trust me. It looks ridiculous at first, but it keeps your precious fingers safe. Also, and this is crucial: **start with dull knives.** I know, it sounds counterintuitive, but a *sharp* knife is more prone to slip on you because you're trying to make it do the work. Get some practice in! And no, you're not going to be a master chef overnight. You *will* stab yourself, at least once. It's a rite of passage. Just try not to need stitches.
Ah, the siren song of kitchen gadgets. I know this feeling! I've fallen for it HARD. A spiralizer? Check. A garlic press that probably breaks every month? Check. A fancy egg separator I used *once*? Double check. Look, the truth is this: you don't need a lot of *stuff* to start. Focus on the basics: a good chef’s knife (see above!), a cutting board, a couple of pots and pans, a spatula, a wooden spoon. A whisk, maybe. Things that are multi-purpose. Fancy gadgets? Fun, sure! But not essential. The Instant Pot? Okay, that *might* be worth it. But save your money. The more *stuff* you have, the more things you have to clean. And let's be honest, cleaning is the *worst* part of cooking. So, resist the urge. Your bank account (and your sanity) will thank you.
Burning things. Yep. We've all been there. Me? I have a PhD in burnt food. I've set off smoke alarms multiple times. The *smell* of burnt garlic? The bane of my existence. The key is: pay attention! I know, earth-shattering advice, right? But really. Watch your food. Constantly. Don't wander off to look at TikTok videos when your food is cooking. Set a timer. And for the love of all that is holy, *watch* the temperature. If something is browning *too* quickly, turn down the heat. If you burn something, don't panic! Scrape off the burnt bits (if possible – sometimes it's a lost cause). Sometimes you can salvage the rest. Other times? Order takeout. It's okay. Even professional chefs burn things. It'Nomadic Stays
