Dublin’s 3Arena, or O2 as it was known in the past, is one of the biggest venues in Ireland for live music. A diverse array of huge bands, from Guns n’ Roses to U2, have graced the stage here. However the 3Arena is closer to the port than it is to Dublin city centre, which is about 2.5 km away. As such many people prefer to stay closer to the venue, so that they can stumble straight into a bed with fresh sheets after dancing all night.
There are some great hotels within a short walk of the 3Arena in Dublin, and here at TravelMag we have filtered them from the dross to bring you the top five. Of the many considerations we took into account, besides the craic value of course, are the price, amenities and reviews from previous guests.
THE GIBSON HOTEL
Privates from €224/ night
Dublin’s 3Arena and the Gibson Hotel are next door neighbours. You couldn’t stay closer to the venue without sleeping in it, but that might not make for the most peaceful of sleeps. The Gibson Hotel has plenty to ensure you get a great night’s sleep though, including plush linen and comfy beds, a flatscreen TV, free wifi and air conditioning. There’s a great onsite restaurant and the bar upstairs has a terrace with views out over the city. Some of the rooms also have their own balconies.
CLAYTON HOTEL CARDIFF LANE
Privates from €234/ night
Clayton Hotel has bright, spacious rooms, but it’s the fitness centre and indoor pool that give it an edge over the competition for many guests. The hotel’s a la carte restaurant and the Vertigo bar mean that getting a meal before that gig is simple. The hotel is just across the River Liffey from 3Arena and is next to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. Rooms have interactive TVs and kettles and it’s possible to get interconnected rooms if you’re travelling in a group.
THE FERRYMAN TOWNHOUSE
Privates from €139/ night
A more intimate option than some of the bigger hotels, The Ferryman is in a restored Georgian townhouse. The two buildings of which it is comprised are listed and the interior oozes that elegant charm. There’s something undeniably Irish about the hotel too, with its traditional Dublin pub, where you might get to hear some live music if you’re lucky. Rooms are all ensuite and have kettles, hairdryers and TVs. As a bonus, breakfast is included in the price.
THE SPENCER HOTEL
Privates from €309/ night
Located just five minutes from the Dublin 3Arena and two minutes from the Convention Centre, The Spencer Hotel has an excellent all-round location. The hotel’s spa and fitness facilities are unparalleled too, with a large indoor swimming pool for you to get a couple of laps in. Rooms are ensuite and include free toiletries from The White Company, satellite TV, coffee machine, kettle and a safety deposit box. The hotel also has a good restaurant and bar.
GRAND CANAL HOTEL
Privates from €169/ night
Although roughly a 20 minute walk from 3Arena, Grand Canal Hotel is well worth a look as it is equidistant too from the city centre, making it great for anybody who wishes to attend a concert and explore Dublin on the same trip. An added bonus is that the hotel is also about 15 minutes from Dublin’s small but pleasant Sandymount Beach. Rooms have free wifi, coffee makers, cable TV and hairdryers, and are spacious and elegantly decorated.