We are trying to decide between Drury Court or Buswells for our Dublin lodging. We won't be there long before heading on and it's just 2 travelers. We prefer middle of the road prices, clean is a must, easy walking and friendly staff. Happy to take other suggestions if there are equivalent contenders.
Posted by
1174 posts
Buswell's matches your criteria. Though it's been six years since we were there. Great location; helpful staff; clean. Our room was small but comfortable.
Posted by
Freedonia
16920 posts
I'm one of the few here that had a horrible stay at Buswells. One of the filthiest rooms I had ever stayed in, Even the manager admitted he couldn't believe the state of the room.
I can recommend the Davenport.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2530 posts
Buswells Hotel— a historic hotel for 140 years across from Ireland’s Parliament. National Library and National Archaeological Museum—is where I stayed last month and had a fantastic stay. Great, central location, clean, cozy rooms, a great restaurant & pub,—-great service—all on a block surrounded by 1700’s Georgian architecture.
As of three months ago, Buswell’s has a new owner (since November, 2024) and a New General Manager as well. So, the experience of the post above predates the ownership change and is well in the past.
Cheers!
Posted by
Chicago
3441 posts
I have the Buswells booked for my upcoming trip. The location and price were perfect for what I was looking for.
While Frank’s experience many years ago was unfortunate, I like to look at more recent reviews, which continue to be pretty favorable from other forum members. Also, the hotel currently has an 8.5 rating on Booking.com. Of course, one can always have a bad experience anywhere.
The Dury Court’s rating on Booking.com is 9.1 and is just 10 minutes away from Buswells. So, I think either hotel would be fine.
Posted by
Chicago
3441 posts
I just wanted to add that I just emailed Buswells to confirm my upcoming reservation as kenko had my worried with the change in ownership and they were super quick to respond to confirm my reservation. So, great communication.
Posted by
Westland, MI
833 posts
My partner and I stayed at Buswells in May 2024 as part of our RS Best of Ireland tour. We added an additional week at the start for excursions into the Wicklow mountains, Newgrange, Monasterboice etc. We have very mixed feelings about it - loved the central location with the museum across the street, the appearance and atmosphere in general, and the reception personnel were very kind and friendly.
We just didn't find the room very comfortable - it was a warm sunny 70 degree week and there was no way to cool the room down. We left a fan run constantly by an open window but it simply didn't work. The worst problem was the bathroom was super hot - there was a steam heat radiator that was somehow still hot even though the heat was supposedly turned off. They sent maintenance up to the 3rd floor room and they couldn't figure out why it was radiating heat. It was just an oppressive claustrophobic experience because there was no relief from the warmth and humidity. We heard similar sentiments from the other tour members so it appeared to be a common experience.
I wanted to like it more. I'm not sure new ownership would have improved that situation very much.