We are leaving soon for a two week tour of Ireland. 2 questions--#1. Do the hotels Rick Steves' tour book allow you to do laundry in the bathroom sink or tub? #2. Our flight arrives at 8:30 in the morning. Will the Harding Hotel let us check in early? I e-mailed the hotel sometime back and they didn't respond. I suppose I could call them, but I'm checking with you all first.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
1. How could they stop you?
2. Probably not -- most check-in times are later, so they have time to clean the room from the last visitor.
Posted by
wichita, kansas
484 posts
I have stayed at the Harding twice. The first time I was able to get in at 11:30 and the other time was about 1:30. It just depends on whether there are any rooms available. There is a left luggage area so you can leave your luggage. The Queen of Tarts is a short walk down Dame Street where you can get some super pastries,scones,etc. and would be a good way to kill some time. The Chester Beatty Library,which is also a museum,is located behind Dublin Castle,is free and takes an hour or so. Christ Church Cathedral is directly across the street and the Liffey is just down Fishamble Street. There is plenty to do in the area and nothing is more than a 10 minute walk at the most.This would give you something to do if you have to wait on your room. As a guess the earliest you could make it to your hotel would be at least 10:00.
Posted by
OP
Mount Ayr, IA, USA
4 posts
The hotels couldn't really stop you from doing laundry in the sink, but we've stayed in places where they post messages asking you not to do it.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2335 posts
I took the RS tour last month. All hotels we stayed in are Rick Steves hotels and they're used to people doing laundry in the sink. I had no problems, other than finding a spot to string up my clothesline. Be mindful of putting things where the cleaning staff will need access and you should be fine.
Re: Harding hotel, depending on how long it takes you to get through passport control (my experience: not quickly), get the bus (#748 Airlink, ask driver to stop at Wood Quay, they don't usually stop unless asked), you might not get there until 11-ish. If your room is ready, they will let you check in. The hotel has a locking luggage storage closet and will gladly let you store bags there (note: it's locked, but others that have stored bags there also have access to it, so make sure to put a lock on your bag and take your most valuable things with you). The staff was very helpful and will have many suggestions to occupy your time until you can check in.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32201 posts
Valle, I took the RS Ireland tour last fall - I'm sure you'll have a great time!!!
Regarding your questions:
Laundry in the sink - nothing was ever mentioned about any "restrictions" on that, either by the Hotels or by the RS tour. I sometimes washed a few items in the sink and never had any problems. However, be a bit careful on where you dry the laundry. If water from the laundered items drips onto the carpet or whatever, I'm sure the Hotel will NOT be pleased. Some showers are equipped with retractable clothes lines, however you might want to buy the portable rubber clothes line from Rick's travel store.
Harding Hotel check-in - it's odd that they didn't reply. Did you use the E-mail address listed in the tour documents? In any case, as the others have indicated there should be no problem storing your luggage at the Hotel if the room isn't ready. As you're arriving directly in Dublin after a long international flight, you might consider getting a Taxi to the Hotel as it's by far the easiest method (be prepared for a "talkative" driver though!). Be sure you have some Euro cash to get to the Hotel (there are ATM's close to the Harding - ask the front desk staff). While you're waiting for your room, take a short walk to the Temple Bar area to do a bit of exploring or perhaps have a pint!
Hope you have a wonderful time in Ireland!!!