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Features

What to Look for in Dublin Hotels

Tuesday, 30 November 2010

Living in County Tyrone is beautiful and there is so much to see; however, nothing compares to getting away from it all and travelling to the city for a brief break. There are so many Dublin hotels to choose from, and whereas some would perceive this as a disadvantage, there are some great deals to be had with plenty of different companies vying for your attention in this buyer's market. In this article, we are going to give you a whistle-stop tour of enchanting Dublin, while advising you on what to look for in the hotels you consider.

City breaks are known for placing tourists in the thick of the action, with bars and clubs open until the sunrise and commuters travelling at speed between destinations. When selecting your hotel, you want to research the attractions that you would be interested in visiting first, and this is because you will then be able to choose accommodation that's close to the points of interest you wish to see. With plenty of online mapping services available, it's easy to get your bearings for a city like Dublin without visiting beforehand.

So what are some of the attractions you can find out more about? If you want your break to be jam-packed full of activities, trying your hand at authentic Gaelic sports can be a fun way to see Ireland in a whole new way. Experience Gaelic Games is an attraction that's open to travellers of both genders and all ages, with a hands-on approach to the traditional Irish sports of football and hurling. In the eyes of this attraction, the best way to experience the real Ireland is not through bus tours or museums, but to have a laugh and make friends in a memorable and exciting environment.

There are tournaments for children and credit cards are accepted, meaning that there's no excuse to get on some flat shoes and some scruffy clothes before immersing yourself in some great exercise. The reviews on the Internet are glowing, allowing you to brush up on some top tips from previous visitors to polish your game. With a typical session lasting three hours, it's perfect for filling up a morning or an afternoon in the heart of Dublin's city centre.

However, to encapsulate the essence of Ireland's capital, you don't have to break the bank. As well as cheap flights and budget hotels, there are plenty of free things to do across Dublin. For example, you might wish to take some scenic walks to observe the architecture of some of the most extravagant Irish buildings. Alternatively, you could pay a visit to the fine art housed in Dublin's museums. A particularly good attraction to visit on a budget is the National Botanical Gardens, where you can enjoy a guided tour of the rare horticultural exhibits the park has to offer for just a couple of Euros. Afterwards, you'll be able to take a romantic stroll through the numerous glasshouses on the site, which stretches over several hectares.

When determining the best hotels for your stay, you need to look at as many reviews and photos as possible. Whereas reading the description on a website is great idea, seeing accommodation for yourself and reading first-hand reactions from fellow tourists is by far the best way to make your decision. Some websites even have a rating system which allows customers to mark their stay out of five stars, and filtering your results by arranging the top-ranking hotels highest will enable you to get great value for money.

While browsing through the different hotels, you need to think about what you need from your stay. The search function on travel websites allows you to whittle down the available rooms to the ones which meet your criteria, and certain requirements may include bed and breakfast; a self-catering lodge; a family room; free parking and free wireless Internet. Some rooms will even have special promotional offers that include savings when you stay a certain number of nights, with up to 25 per cent off for booking three nights or more.

It's a buyer's market and you're in control. It's great to be a tourist in Dublin as there are so many exquisite attractions in close reach, from fine dining to fine art, and child-friendly attractions to child-friendly restaurants. In addition to luxurious shopping precincts with an impressive range of designer goods, why would you choose to go somewhere else?