Harding Hotel

Some hotels seem like they probably get used for a lot of bachelor parties. The two-star Harding Hotel is one of these. Its 52 rooms are especially big and feel just the slightest bit worse for wear—nothing decrepit, mind you, just an impression of thorough, good use.

Rooms are far larger than the Dublin average, with the color scheme that might be found in a high school boy’s bedroom. There’s lots of rust, in other words. The metallic wall lamps, which look like enormous costume jewelry pieces, present another odd stylistic touch. All rooms are equipped with a telephone, TV and private bathroom. They also feature refrigerators, an atypical perk in Dublin.

The Harding Hotel is located a five-minute walk from Temple Bar—close enough for easy access but far enough away to allow guests to feel just slightly more grown up than the Temple Bar hostel kids. Well over half of the rooms here offer stellar views of Christ Church Cathedral, just across the street.

The Harding’s Darkey Kelly Restaurant and Bar serves up hearty pub fare along with live music on most evenings. English, continental and vegetarian breakfasts are available, although not included in the room price.

Wi-Fi is free throughout.