Eliza Lodge

The spic-and-span Eliza Lodge is housed in a sleek modern building on the edge of Wellington Quay and overlooking the Millennium Bridge. Its 18 rooms are comfortable, well appointed and very clean, though nothing out of the ordinary. Essentially, guests pay for the truly central locale and the splendid views of the Liffey, which can be seen from all but the single rooms.

The décor is reminiscent of a four-star chain hotel. Rooms come with all the fixings, including air-conditioning, a writing desk, safe and hair dryer. The carpet is spotless, and the standard bathrooms are clean if a little, well, little.

The executive rooms are quite a bit larger and come equipped with white Jacuzzi bathtubs. It was all we could do to not run to reception, throw down our plastic, and go for a swim in one of those magnificent tubs. But caution: The upgrade will move you way out of bounds for a budget to mid-range rate, and we walked away without so much as a toe soak.

The Eliza Blues restaurant, located downstairs, serves breakfast (not included), lunch and dinner. Along with the usual international fare, the menu includes an extensive wine selection.