The Sweeney

Uhhh- it’s not a hotel anymore but they book it as one when Dublin sells out. It’s actually a shelter. Complete scam. This has been my only critical review of anything thru Expedia. I understand sometimes things aren’t exactly as described- but this was outrageous. Mold, torn wallpaper, zero amenities other than a bed and a shower/toilet. Only book if you don’t want to sleep in the alley... or a shelter.

I had booked a triple room in the hotel through booking.com on October 2017 for our stay on June 23rd as we were attending the Billy Joel concert. I received confirmation and everything looked good. I received an email on 25th April stating that The Sweeney could no longer accommodate us and was cancelling our reservation. I had emailed The hotel but as of yet have not received a response as to why our booking was cancelled. We found alternative accommodation for the night of the concert, but because of the short notice paid more. We were so looking forward to our night away in Dublin, but the good was taken out of it. All I want is an explanation as to why our booking was cancelled. Very poor service.

Amazing location, right in the heart of Temple Bar. We had to ask for housekeeping services which only included making the bed and new towels. We also ran out of hot water within the first minute of every shower.

Please take caution when booking a room in this hotel whilst any concerts/gigs etc. are on in Dublin. In August 2017, my boyfriend booked a room at The Sweeney for 3 nights in May 2018 as we had tickets to see Ed Sheeran at Phoenix Park. A few weeks before we were due to stay at the hotel, we received an email from The Sweeney saying they were unable to accommodate us as the whole hotel had to be closed for the next month due to emergency renovations were being undertaken. A few days later, the hotel had rooms available for the 3 nights we originally booked on their website at the highly inflated price of £2,500 - which was over £2,000 what we paid. We managed to find a room in another hotel, but ended up having to pay more due to the late booking. Whilst over in Dublin, we walked past The Sweeney - it was open and had guests entering the premises. I really would not recommend booking a room in this hotel.

We were shifted from another hotel to the Sweeney, which we did not like.
And they did not tell us, that we could have just taken the bus from the airport, we had arrived with a few stations further, since the bus stop is right in front of the hotel.
It was difficult to find; very small entrance.
But what a great location!
Rooms are very clean and comfortable.

The good news and bad news. They called me while I was in Ireland to tell me that my two rooms were not available because there was a change in management. Very inconvenient. I was mad but I guess that I should give then credit for calling me. I did not have a problem finding another location.

We arrived early (10am) and our room wasn’t going to be ready until after 2pm - which we anticipated- so the reception worker held our bags for us and called me when our room was ready. We spent a few hours exploring the temple bar area, grabbed breakfast at the Merchants Arch and then walked to the Wax Museum. Once our room was ready we received a call and walked back to the Sweeney to check in and the receptionist had already taken our bags to our room for us.
Our room itself was quaint but plenty of room for myself and my wife. There was a full size bed as well as a double bed that we basically used for luggage. The entire room was very clean and it seems the rooms have been updated. We had a room overlooking Dame Street but had no issues with noise at night or in the busy afternoon.
We quickly found that it is within walking distance to most attractions and have already decided we will stay here again in the future!
Things to know:
The door to the Sweeney is to the right of the shop doors on Dame Street.
The buzzer to get into the building is the intercom button with the speaker NOT the doorbell button that is next to it.
There is a bus stop directly in front of the entrance so there always seems to be people huddled near the door while they wait.

Great hotel and good location. All rooms tastefully decorated and recently renovated. Hotel manager went out of his way to look after us, so helpful with taxis to the airport, sorting out cases and looking after a friend who wasn't feeling very well. We will definitely go back to this hotel on our next visit to Dublin.

Stayed here in February, the location was really good right in the city centre near many bars and restaurants. Not a hotel but team and coffee in the room and more available on room service free of charge. Would advise to bring your own towels as the ones there are small, big shower and bathroom.
Everywhere was clean and staff was pleasant so would stay here again as it is very close to all local attractions and a great price.

Fantastic little budget hotel in the heart of Dublin. Can't really fault it,great price,great location,great staff and nice basic rooms. Not the easiest place to find tho! Was a tad noisy due its proximity to temple bar and the pub below and opposite the hotel also there was building works across the road too but that wasn't really an issue for me as I'm a heavy sleeper.

We stayed at the Sweeney hotel on 25th jan to 27 jan 2018 Room was lovely views right on to the busy temple bar quarter road streets opposite take you straight to temple bar only a 5 min Walk ships all around for food and spar and Tesco within a few mins walk out air con played up but staff gave us a heater which solved that bet helpful also gave me a hairdryer and said irons are available if you ask at reception shower was beautiful very powerful and hot fresh towels every day

Great location and clean but no facilities other than the room - ie no breakfast or bar - and room not serviced at all during our two day stay, plus dirty towel still in bathroom from previous occupants. Could hear everything going on in room above -footsteps/taps/loo etc. Was also difficult to find as small entrance off street. Could have done with better instructions.

The Sweeney is a 4 story hotel sat atop of a busy bar and restaurant. The reception is a tiny (Broom cupboard) desk on the second floor. Be prepared to climb lots of stairs or take the tiny lift. We had a wheelchair and the lift barely fit the chair, user, and driver, but fit we did. The staff offered us a choice of rooms the Disabled accessible with European style shower room, wide doors and turning spaces but with twin beds or the normal double bedroom. We went for the accessible for ease of access. Both were on the 5th floor, on a Monday night, we never heard a thing but one could imagine the 2 and 3rd-floor rooms would be umping on a Friday and Sat. night. the room was clean, warm, well stocked with tea, coffee and a real kettle, towels and complimentary toiletries. The biggest challenge was finding the door, it is a tiny door, set back and directly opposite a very busy bus stop, every time we had to ask people to move so we could get in. You have to 'buzz up' to get the door unlocked. The Sweeny is 2 minutes walk to Trinity College, one minute to Temple bar so it is very very convenient. We took the 747 express shuttle from the airport and it dropped us off one minute away. For the price (60 Euro) we were impressed and would stay there again.

We were pleasantly surprised by the spacious bedroom and bathroom. Located on Dame Street, this hotel is a perfect base. Hairdryer is available at reception. They also offer discounted parking for €12.50 a night with Drury Street Car Park. I will definitely consider a return visit.

The staff at this hotel were beyond helpful and we couldn't have asked for more from them, the location is also ideal as it is situated in the city centre very close to the Temple Bar area and public transport links (bus stop outside door and ten minutes to the train station). Although it is very conveniently situated, the price we paid for two nights certainly did not reflect the quality of sleep we managed to get in our room as we were next to the construction work currently going off in the city, and thus were woke up by it early both mornings. Admittedly, had we visited at a time when the work was not taking place we would be happier about the price paid. I advise that until the work in Dublin is complete/the price remains so high that visitors should look to stay a little out of the centre, for example around the St. Stephens Green area.

The hotel is on a great location, room is simple, but fine. Breakfast is English and good. Everything is in a walking distance. Next time in Dublin I would stay here again, because of the perfect location and the good breakfast. The busstop to the airport is in a 5 minute walking distance.

We had booked this just before christmas last year and went January 2012 for two nights. We had been a little worried about some of the reviews but we soon realised it was nothing. From outside it looks a bit daunting and yes you think oh dear what have we done ! but it was a little hidden Gem and i think this adds to the charm of the hotel. We checked in and were given keys to our room i think you have to remember this is more like bed and breakfast in a local bar but you will be pleasantly surprised. The room was spotless clean and very large and modern we didnt have much of a view but only used the room for sleeping as we wanted to explore as much of dublin as we could. The bathroom is very large with a walk in shower/ wet room and a very nice shower too. We went down for our included breakfast and thought we were only getting a continental so did not expect much but we were greeted with a lovely young girl who offered us a choice of continental or cooked breakfast which we had bacon, eggs, toast, tomatoes and a very large coffee. We enjoyed the Hop on hop off tour bus and ate each evening in o'neils where the food was fantastic with home roasts and different beers and whiskeys to sample. We have not got round to re booking yet but do intend to return to this hotel as we had a very enjoyable stay. Please do not be put off by any negative reviews because we nearly did not go and would have missed out on so many happy memories. Yes the carpet was tired but has constant traffic up and down the stairs because it is part of the bar/ restaurant too but when you are in the comfort of your own room who cares all you need is a large clean and comfy room with a good breakfast to see you off for the day and that is what we had. We did't eat in the hotel as we got the impression it was a younger persons place at night but we did't hear any noise and slept well. We did look in one night but as parents of a 19 and 22 year old thought they would not want equivalent to their parents in there but i might have been wrong. We cannot wait to return and the irish people are all very friendly. Also we had a very early flight next morning so was unable to have breakfast in restaurant we explained this and they bought fresh coffee and warm pastries to our room ! what can i say fantastic service.

In my opinion, this is not a boutique hotel. I stayed here recently on a business trip. The price was very good and the location is excellent but the hotel itself is cramped and all over the place.

I would expect a bit of luxury from a boutique hotel and this did not have any of it. First impression are bad when you go up a musty hall to find a reception area on the tiny landing in what looks like it may once have been a toilet. There is nowhere to wait while your room is being readied or if you wish to meet someone. The room was basic albeit functional but I expected more.

Overall, a disappointment based on how the hotel is advertised. That said, they charge budget prices so should market themselves accordingly.

The gorgeous jazz and cocktail bar downstairs filled us with such promise - only to be let down by the tiny box they called a room. The doors didn't open fully because it was so small - the bed was in the way!!! Old and unloved - it felt like a budget hostel - without the benefits!!! Terrible

Small hotel on Dame Street...2 minutes walk from Templebar, Grafton Street and 4 minutes from O'Connell Street.

Clean, free wifi and Bed and breakfast for €40 couldn't beat it