Amy Adejokun
Section editor
"Make yourself at home" could be the slogan of the Aberdeen Lodge, a small Edwardian haven of peace where guests and owners rub shoulders. A comfortable and pretty dwelling, together with a friendly atmosphere and on-demand dining, are the successful ingredients for a simple yet charming stay.
Aberdeen Lodge Hotel - © Carlos Rodrigues / EASYVOYAGE
Aberdeen Lodge Hotel - © Carlos Rodrigues / EASYVOYAGE
The Aberdeen Lodge is located on the very peaceful 'Park Avenue', in a very upmarket residential area (Ballsbridge) where each house is as beautiful as the last. It is close to Sydney Parade (DART) station, numerous embassies (French, Chinese, etc.) and the residence of the former Irish Prime Minister.
The 16 rather spacious rooms consist of 8 modest "Classic" rooms, 6 "Deluxe" rooms and 2 suites which are all decorated in soft colours. All rooms have a pleasant view and are laid out differently, with a high double or king-size bed, a small desk, storage, a television (some of them flat-screen) and a telephone. Four of the "Deluxe" rooms have four-poster beds and the hotel is carpeted throughout. The suites consist of a large bedroom and a lounge area. The tiled bathrooms are modest and clean and are equipped with a bathtub, washbasin, hair-dryer and basic hospitality products. Tea or coffee can be ordered free of charge, should you so wish. Room service is available until midnight.
Just like the residences surrounding it, the Aberdeen Lodge is housed in a beautiful three-storey building consisting of two adjoining houses built at the end of the 19th century. The nice little car-park just in front of the hotel is ideal. Guests will really feel at home when they enter the guesthouse. A large part of the ground floor is set aside as the owners' living quarters, so the tiny reception is open until 1:00am, after which guests must use a card to enter the premises. The walls of the corridor are adorned with various awards that the guesthouse has won. A door opens into a cosy, charming lounge with Edwardian furniture (checked sofas and armchairs), low-lighting, a marble fireplace, a small library area and a computer. Every painting is worth studying, as are the various Edwardian pieces. The property is enclosed by low walls and the tall trees surrounding it guarantee guests' privacy. The small garden, from where you can see the large open kitchen, is carpeted with a beautiful lawn; and the small, pretty terrace area adorned with potted flowers is decked with four round tables. All the while, the household cat strolls peacefully around the ground floor of the property.
In the kitchen, guests will find the lady of the house, who will lovingly prepare traditional Irish dishes for you, depending on the time of day. Depending on the weather, guests can relax in the small, modest, pale-coloured sitting room or on the small garden terrace. A delicious continental or even (traditional) Irish breakfast is served. A small buffet also serves fruits and cereals, and guests are invited to choose anything else from the menu (poached eggs, fish, etc.). The menu features very basic snacks such as sandwiches, a small selection of cheeses, etc. The wine menu offers a large selection.
Guests who discover the Aberdeen Lodge come back in their droves, and the owner also has another small establishment, Merrion Hall, 2,789ft away.
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