Amy Adejokun
Section editor
If you're thinking of the famous Harcourt photography studio in Paris, you'd be mistaken. The Harcourt we're talking about is the 3-star hotel in Dublin. The hotel opened nearly fifteen years ago in an old protected building. It has more than one hundred guest rooms, two bars, a restaurant, a large terrace and a night club! More than enough to make up for the lack of any relaxation facilities...
Harcourt Hotel - © Alexis Bidegain/Easypresse
Harcourt Hotel - © Alexis Bidegain/Easypresse
It's a bit of a walk (around twenty minutes) to the city centre as the Harcourt Hotel is located in the south of the city, a stone's throw from Iveagh Gardens and Saint Stephen's Green. The area is mostly residential and therefore quiet, and generally pleasant. Not ideal for those looking for a party holiday.
Among the 103 guest rooms at the Harcourt, guests can choose from doubles, twins, triples, family rooms or suites. Although no two rooms are identical, they all follow the general style of the hotel: classic and slightly outdated but charming, even with the colourful bedspreads! The amenities are nothing to get excited about, with no minibar, safe (available on request at reception), or air-conditioning. Above all, it's the lack of a Wi-Fi connection in the guest rooms that is the most regrettable. Indeed, it is only available in the communal areas. Don't count on room service either to quench your thirst or hunger, as it is only available for breakfast. However, you can enjoy the plasma-screen television, the tea and coffee-making facilities, and the ironing essentials. There's not much to say about the rather basic, tiled marble bathrooms, other than to mention the complimentary toiletries and bidet!
The Harcourt Hotel resides in a large red brick building, like you find in the thousands in the UK. Inside, the imposing counter and panelling serve as a reminder that the building is not all that young. While the building dates from the Georgian era, though, the hotel itself only opened about fifteen years ago. In this time, the management team has been able to install a fair number of facilities inside the walls of the protected building! In addition to a restaurant and a main bar, the Harcourt has a private bar, a night club (with three bars of its own), and a large terrace that is great for lounging around on sunny days (which do exist in Dublin!). Unfortunately, the entertainment choices end there, as there is no well-being centre or gym in the hotel.
You certainly won't have a lack of choice at the Harcourt Hotel! In addition to the main Italian restaurant (where of course you'll find pizza, pasta, and other dishes prepared before you), the hotel also has several bars, some of which serve snacks, such as the huge Irish pub. As well as breakfast, the pub serves an 'Early Bird' menu, salads (from ?7.95/£6.80), burgers (?12.95/£11), paninis (?8.95/£7.60) and omelettes (?10.95/£9.50). A new restaurant that will serve lighter meals is in the works.
Unlike many hotels in Dublin, the Harcourt does not offer half-board or bed and breakfast packages, although they are available for groups.
Note that the Harcourt does not have a private car park. Guests arriving by car have to use the neighbouring public car park which costs ?5 (£4) per night.
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