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There's just something about the Harding Hotel: despite the somewhat lackluster decor and dated furnishings, we find ourselves liking this 53-room hotel. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that well over half of its rooms offer stellar views of beautiful Christ Church Cathedral, which is just across the street.
The Harding's red brick exterior is pleasantly "Dublin," with detailed stone trim around the windows and arched entryway. A half dozen flags give a warm, international welcome, and the lobby and other shared areas are snug and homey.
Though none of neighboring Christ Church Cathedral's magnificent gothic ambience has managed to seep across into the Harding's interior design, rooms are comfortable and clean, with cheerful bedspreads and wood furniture reminiscent of your aunt's late '80s spare bedroom. Sure, some of the chairs are getting ragged around the edges, the clean carpet is looking a bit tired, and the bathrooms fixtures are on the uninspiring side. But run back to that window overlooking the churchyard, and you'll know exactly why you're staying here.
Both the hotel's cozy pub and its more refined "bistro" restaurant offer a hearty Irish and International meals. Cheapos should take advantage of the restaurant's €9.50 early bird dinner special and extensive selection of wine. Both English and continental breakfasts are available, though not included in the room price.
In addition, the Harding's staff is pleasant and friendly, and the main parts of the hotel are very wheelchair accessible, with an extensive ramp offering easy maneuverings around the lobby (also a plus for parents wheeling around stroller-age kids). All we could ask for is a soft renovation: some new furnishings and fabrics would give the place a little needed polish.
FYI: The Harding, praised to the skies by guidebooks for reliable comfort, recently changed ownership. During our visit, the receptionists seemed confident that no shocking changes were in order. We hope the hotel's reputation for hospitality remains solid. Let us know!
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