Introducing the Travelodge Plus in Dublin, a 393-room hotel that aims to elevate the typical Travelodge experience. As soon as you step inside, you’ll notice a significant difference. Unlike most Travelodge lobbies, this one is designed to create a sophisticated atmosphere where people can meet, socialize, and relax. Walnut dividers and strategic changes in lighting and tone separate the bar, restaurant, and a cozy working space by the windows. The bar area is adorned with vibrant mosaic pillars, and delectable pastries are on display. Mossco restaurant offers stunning views of Dublin’s Moss and Townsend streets, with a terrace featuring an impressive mural by Shane Sutton, depicting a Docklands diver.
Surprisingly, you might find yourself indulging in a cocktail (starting at €11.95), something you wouldn’t expect at a Travelodge. Or should I say, a Travelodge Plus. Tifco CEO Enda O’Meara refers to it as the largest budget hotel in the country, offering 393 rooms. While it is classified as a three-star hotel, room rates start at €129 (autumn) and €159 (summer), catering to both business and leisure travelers. And in my opinion, it definitely succeeds.
Arrival & Location:
Located on Moss Street, the Travelodge Plus Dublin provides an unbeatable central location. Within a short walk, you can reach Trinity College, Temple Bar, and O’Connell Street. However, it should be noted that the area is currently undergoing transformation. The hotel is surrounded by new developments like the Premier Inn and Staycity, as well as local businesses such as Moss Lane, Bread 41, and the Second Captains podcast. Unfortunately, there are also derelict buildings nearby, which is a bit of an eyesore. As I entered the hotel through the revolving door, I was greeted by a row of angled reception desks and the friendly head porter, Ken, who has received praise in TripAdvisor reviews for his exceptional service.
Service & Style:
The concept behind the Travelodge Plus is to enhance the brand’s core offerings of affordability and convenience with a stylish twist. With approximately 590 properties across the UK and Ireland, this hotel is considered a flagship. It is owned and operated under franchise by Tifco Hotel Group, and the ground floor interiors designed by Clarke & Whiteman, known for their work at the Hard Rock Hotel and Arthaus, reflect the brand’s desire for an inviting and modern ambiance. Walnut screens separate the bar area from the lobby, creating a sense of privacy while still allowing guests to catch a glimpse of the lively atmosphere. While the neon sign with the quote “Be yourself, everyone else is taken” may seem outdated for 2023, I appreciate the connection to Dublin’s Docklands portrayed in Sutton’s mural. Other notable details include the rivets on the zinc-topped high tables in the restaurant. The spaces within the hotel accommodate a diverse range of guests, from families and groups to individual travelers like myself. However, during peak times, it can feel a bit crowded, especially with luggage stored openly.
The Rooms:
The majority of rooms at Travelodge Plus Dublin are standard rooms, measuring 15sq m in size. These rooms provide a cozy and basic accommodation option with king-size beds, work desks, and amenities such as bedside charging points, a 27in TV, iron, hairdryer, and blackout curtains. The showers are spacious, the WiFi is reliable, and there is a small kettle for tea and coffee. For a step up in comfort, the hotel offers “SuperRooms,” with additional space and features such as Lavazza coffee machines, 32in TVs, cartons of Tipperary Water, and a choice of hypoallergenic pillows. The bed is large and comfortable, and the lighting is thoughtfully designed for a better sleep experience. However, some aspects, such as the veneered plywood finishes on the desk and wardrobe, and the public restroom-style soap dispensers, remind me that this is still a budget-friendly hotel. The key to maintaining the appeal of these rooms will be their upkeep. If well-maintained, they provide excellent value for the price. However, wear and tear could negatively impact the overall experience.
Food & Drink:
One of the pleasant surprises during my stay was the quality of the food and drinks at Mossco. I ordered a burger and chips (€17.95) and was impressed by the delicious flavors and attention to detail. The juicy patty, topped with Gubbeen bacon and melty Dubliner cheddar, had perfectly charred and crispy edges. The soft sourdough bap added an extra element of enjoyment to the meal. The menu at Mossco primarily consists of comforting dishes, including fresh pastas (starting at €18.95) and pizzas (starting at €15.50). They also incorporate Irish flavors and ingredients, such as Roaring Water Bay rope mussels and Kilmore Quay haddock (€18.95). The drink options include suggested pairings with Irish craft beers, enhancing the overall dining experience. However, when it comes to breakfast, while it is reasonably priced (€14.95) and offers a hot buffet with decent coffee, it feels more functional than exceptional. Given the number of guests the hotel accommodates, it’s understandable that the breakfast spreads are generic and lack a sense of Irishness.
The Bottom Line:
“This is bespoke to Dublin,” says Travelodge’s national sales manager, Cathal McGlinchey. The team behind Travelodge Plus Dublin has successfully created a solid hotel experience, with attentive and confident staff members being a positive indication of their commitment to guest satisfaction. Although it would be nice to see the hotel embrace Dublin’s unique culture even more, this three-star hotel manages to outshine some higher-rated establishments. It’s a difficult balance to strike, maintaining Travelodge’s no-frills ethos while infusing it with the vibrant atmosphere of a “Plus” hotel.
Insider Tips:
– To secure the best rates, try booking directly with the hotel during off-peak times and well in advance.
– Keep in mind that there is no on-site parking available. A nearby parking option is Park Rite IFSC, where 24-hour parking costs €20.
Rates:
Rooms at Travelodge Plus Dublin start from €159 in summer and from €129 in autumn. Breakfast is not included in the room rate and is an additional cost of €14.95. Please note that this review is based on the stay of a guest invited by the hotel itself.
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