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The first CitizenM property to open in Ireland, this hotel is in a perfect spot, just over the road from St Patrick’s Cathedral and smack bang in the middle of the Liberties, the neighbourhood loved by all the cool Dubliners. Like all of their hotels, it’s designed for those who want to spend their time out exploring, rather than loafing around in their rooms (which are on the compact side). Luckily, there’s loads to discover right on the doorstep, from the best brunch spots in Dublin to landmarks like Marsh’s Library, if you’re feeling scholarly.
Why stay at citizenM Dublin?
There’s always something snazzy about a custom build – everything works exactly as it should and the rooms still have that box-fresh, brand new feel. There’s also something to be said for a brand that has a tried and trusted formula, and knows exactly what they’re doing with each launch.
But that aside, this is the place to be if you’re looking to have a good time in the city and come back to your room for a snooze, before doing it all again the next day.
What are the rooms like at citizenM Dublin?
Small, but perfectly formed. All 245 rooms are exact the same size, with a big king bed built into the wall and picture window – while the bed itself is large, this does mean that the person sleeping on the window side will have to clamber over their bed-mate to go for a pee in the night. There’s space for luggage under the bed, a small open wardrobe with six hangers, and a futuristic-looking bathroom with a frosted window and a privacy curtain – so don’t worry, no one will see you on the loo. The sink and vanity is in the main room and has a cool design, thick and chunky with a hidden fridge, loads of shelf space and a decent hairdryer.
Bigger than the pod-room style that became all the rage a few years back, there’s a desk if you need to get any work done, zippy Wifi and a big smart TV at the end of the bed which, like the lights, aircon and blinds, is controlled by the in-room iPad. The premium rooms overlook St Patrick’s Cathedral, while the lower ones (like mine) look over the backyards of the people who live next door, with a bit of the city beyond. The huge windows are great, but the blackout blinds are fantastic – not a sliver of light got through come morning. I felt the absence of a coffee machine or kettle in the room, though.
What is the food like at citizenM Dublin?
There’s food available 24/7 in canteenM, a cool and colourful space with raised-edge sofas, high tables and long, communal ones too. The walls are all packed with art, colour coordinated books and quirky sculptures, like a boxing Greek god with golden gloves or a white bear dripping in paint.
The menu is small, and reminds me of the kind of bites you’d want after a long journey or at the end of a boozy night – think pepperoni or margherita pizza, curries or nachos. I tried the chicken bao buns and beef meatballs, which were tasty, well-seasoned and exactly the kind of fare I’d want late at night. There’s also a little snack station, with Keogh’s popcorn, cereal bars and free fruit, as well as a water station where you can fill your bottle (though the water in the rooms is drinkable, too). The terrace just off the main space is a great spot for a bit of sun and an al fresco beer – bear in mind it’s a non-smoking space, which will be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences. You’ll also find a display of some medieval artefacts they discovered during construction – in this part of the city, dig more than a few inches and you’ll find loads of Viking treasures (it’s a historian’s dream, and a builder’s nightmare).
Breakfast (€19pp) is very good– there are the usual fruit, pastries and hot food buffet, with ingredients for the Full Irish breakfast kept warm in Le Creuset dishes in CitizenM’s signature shade of red. But there are also little unexpected gems you rarely see at a buffet – smashed avocado so you can DIY your own toast, a big bowl of the Irish Ballymaloe relish and both cream cheese and smoked salmon for bagels. There’s also a massive selection of fancy Jing teas.
What is the service like at citizenM?
Staff are super friendly and they look cool, but not intimidatingly so. You check-in on iPads in the lobby area, but there are always a few people milling around to say hello and help out if you can’t figure out the tech (I misspelled my own name on the iPad, which is very much a me-problem, not a tech-problem). Their knowledge of the local area is decent, and they can store luggage if you need to.
What are the facilities like at citizenM Dublin?
The main focus here is on the big ground floor area that, while technically open plan, is divided into sections – on the right, there’s a quiet co-working space, with iMacs, desks and private nooks set into the bookcases, comfy seats and loads of cool lanterns overhead. The central zone has more of a living room feel, and it’s good to see it actually being used – when I stayed, guests were hanging out on the big sofas reading their books or just chilling.
While there’s no gym or fitness suite, there are workout videos loaded into the televisions in the rooms, but the only issue is you can’t fully angle the TV towards the empty floor space – I watched a Barre workout class while lying on the bed, which I think possibly doesn’t count as exercise.
What’s the area like around citizenM Dublin?
As a Liberties girlie, I’m biased – but this is a great neighbourhood to really explore the city. You’re just far enough away to avoid the noise and madness of town, but everything you could want is barely a 10 minute walk away – try Two Pups for brunch, Fallons for an excellent pint and Chimac for gorgeously filthy Korean fried chicken.
Why you should book a stay at citizenM Dublin
If you can snag one of their better rates – and in the low season they’re some of the cheapest in town – it’s well worth the price. And if you want to feel like you have the city on your doorstep without hearing all the noise that city makes, it’s an even better shout. This is a place where you can feel like you’re a part of the neighbourhood, and blend into one of the coolest parts of Dublin.
DETAILS
Address: 67-69 Bride Street, Dublin
Price per night: Rooms start from €109 per night
Closest transport: Dublin Airport is a 30-minute drive away
Book now: Click here
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