Plaza Hotel Tallaght Ireland

Plaza Hotel Tallaght: Ireland's Hidden Gem (Luxury Awaits!)

Plaza Hotel Tallaght: Ireland's Hidden Gem (Or Maybe Just Hiding…But Seriously, Luxury Awaits!) - A Thoroughly Unfiltered Review

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Plaza Hotel Tallaght. Officially, they're calling themselves "Ireland's Hidden Gem." Let's be honest, "Hidden" is probably accurate. Tallaght isn't exactly the Cliffs of Moher, is it? But hey, sometimes the best treasures are found off the beaten path, and I went in with an open mind, ready to be wowed (or at least, not completely horrified).

First Impressions (and Curbing My Expectations):

Right off the bat, let's talk about Accessibility. I'm happy to report they've considered folks with mobility issues. Wheelchair accessible is a big plus, and there's an elevator, a lifesaver for someone like me who avoids stairs like the plague. They've also got facilities for disabled guests, which is, you know, what you want to see. Score one for inclusivity! Getting Around is easy too. Car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge] are a godsend in a busy area. Airport transfer is a bonus, and you can get a taxi service readily enough, though I'm not sure how readily you'd want to use taxis, it's not the most exhilarating part of life.

(Disclaimer: My expectations were low. Dublin hotels are notoriously pricey, and Tallaght isn't exactly known for its glitz and glamour. I went in expecting a perfectly functional stay, not a five-star extravaganza.)

Rooms: Cozy, but…Not Quite "Luxury."

Let's get to the nitty-gritty, the rooms. The website blathers on about "luxury," but let's be real. It's comfortable, clean, and well, functional. The air conditioning (thank the heavens!), was a welcome relief. I appreciated the blackout curtains (essential for fighting jet lag!), the alarm clock, and the complimentary tea (because who can survive without a cuppa?).

My room had a window that opens, which is a huge plus in this day and age of sealed-up, air-conditioned prisons. The in-room safe box was a nice touch, but honestly, I mostly used it for hiding my stash of chocolate. (Don't judge.) I'm sure they're all really the same, that is to say, all the rooms are non-smoking, and there are smoke alarms, thankfully. The daily housekeeping kept things tidy.

Okay, I’m not going to lie, the bathrobes were a bit scratchy. And the slippers felt suspiciously like they'd been through a few dozen feet before mine. (Look, I'm being honest here!) The bathroom phone? Seriously, who uses that anymore? But the extra long bed was a godsend for my lanky frame. And the seating area was perfect for collapsing into after a long day of… well, sightseeing.

Internet Shenanigans (It Always Goes Wrong, Doesn't It?):

Okay, the Internet access - wireless was mostly reliable, BUT the Internet [LAN]? Not so much. I tried plugging my laptop in, hoping for a super-fast connection, but it was like trying to wrestle an octopus. Don't get me started. On a plus side, the free Wi-Fi in all rooms!.

Let’s talk Dining, Drinking and Snacking (Gotta Fuel the Fun!):

This is where things get interesting. Or, you know, where you find out if the "luxury" claims hold any water.

Restaurants: Yes, multiple! Restaurants are a good sign. I'm sorry, they are. I was pretty pleased to find some Western cuisine in restaurant, and as such some International cuisine in restaurant. I appreciated the A la carte in restaurant, the salad in restaurant, and even the soup in restaurant options.
Bar: The bar was a decent spot for a pre-dinner cocktail.
Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: There are Coffee/tea in restaurant, which is good, but I was happier that there was a coffee shop.
Room service [24-hour]: The Room service [24-hour] was decent. The first night I was STARVING and the burger arrived promptly.
Poolside bar: There is also a Poolside bar.

Okay, Anecdote Time! (Because Life Isn't Always Smooth):

I thought I'd be clever and order room service to eat by the pool. (Yes, there's a swimming pool [outdoor], and yes, there's a poolside bar - progress!). Picture this: I'm lounging on a sunbed, feeling smug, burger in hand. Suddenly, a rogue pigeon swoops down and attempts to steal my chips. I'm talking full-on Hitchcock here! I had to fight this feathered fiend off while simultaneously trying not to spill my pint. It was the perfect mix of the sublime and the ridiculous. And the burger? Pretty good, all things considered.

Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Spa Day!):

Now, this is where Plaza Hotel starts to try and impress. There's a fitness center (I skipped it, my idea of exercise is walking to the mini-bar) and a swimming pool (indoor and outdoor, yes!). They also have a spa.

Body scrub: I could certainly do with a body scrub!
Body wrap: What about a body wrap?
Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: I like the options for sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom.
Massage: A Massage is always welcome.

Overall, I’d rate the spa a solid "adequate." It wasn’t the Four Seasons, but it had everything you needed to relax.

Cleanliness & Safety (Important Stuff!):

Post-COVID, safety is paramount. I was happy to see they take it seriously. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere, and the staff seemed genuinely concerned about hygiene. They were using anti-viral cleaning products, the rooms sanitized between stays, and they had staff trained in safety protocol. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was observed.

The Quirks & Oddities (Because Life is Never Boring):

Shrine: There's a shrine in the lobby. Completely unexpected but adds a unique touch.
Gift/souvenir shop, Convenience store: Because the gift/souvenir shop and Convenience store are located in the lobby.
Doorman: There is a doorman, which is pleasant.

My Overall Verdict (The Honest Truth):

Okay, so the Plaza Hotel Tallaght isn't the hidden gem of my dreams. It’s not going to redefine your definition of luxury, and honestly, I can't even say that it competes with some of the fancier hotels in Dublin itself. However, it's a solid choice, especially if you’re looking for a convenient base outside the city center. It’s clean, comfortable, and has a decent range of amenities. Plus, it offers a good balance of affordability and convenience, and despite my occasional grumbles, I had a perfectly pleasant stay.

Would I go back? Yeah, probably. Especially if I were in Tallaght on business or needed a no-frills stay.

Final Thoughts (And a Plea for a Better Coffee Machine):

The Plaza Hotel Tallaght deserves a solid "B." It's not perfect, but it's reliable, and sometimes, that's all you need. Maybe they could invest in a decent coffee machine for the rooms next time, but all in all, I am satisfied at the end of my stay.

SEO-Optimized Offer (The Hook to Get You Booking!):

Craving a Dublin Escape Without the Dublin Price Tag? Uncover the Comfort of the Plaza Hotel Tallaght!

Tired of sky-high hotel costs in Dublin? Escape the city bustle and enjoy a relaxing stay at the Plaza Hotel Tallaght. While it might not be in the heart of the action, it's your perfect sanctuary, offering:

Unbeatable Value: Get more for your money with comfortable rooms, a great selection of amenities, and convenient location.
Comfort & Convenience: Enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site dining options, a spa, and so much more. (Yes, really - a spa!)
Easy Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly facilities and convenient transport options make your stay stress-free.
Safety First: Relax with our enhanced hygiene protocols and commitment to your well-being.

Book your stay at the Plaza Hotel Tallaght today and Experience Ireland's Hidden Comfort! Click here to book now and let the relaxation begin!

**(Remember to also include a link to the hotel's

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Alright, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is my battle plan for conquering… well, Tallaght. Specifically, the Plaza Hotel. And trust me, it's going to be a ride.

The Tallaght Tussle: A Whirlwind of Irish Charm (and Possibly Chaos)

Day 1: Arrival and The Awkward Tango with the Receptionist

14:00 - Arrival. Flight… hopefully. Let's be honest, there's a 50/50 chance my luggage is still circling Heathrow. Cross your fingers for me. Arrived at Plaza Hotel, Tallaght. The initial impression? Standard enough. A bit of a 90s vibe, you know? That beige carpet… it's practically inviting you to trip.
14:15 - Check-In Debacle. Oh boy. The check-in. This is where things started going gloriously sideways. The receptionist, bless her cotton socks, was probably having a bad day. Let's just say she was… brisk. "Name?" she barked. "Right, room 412. Key card… have a good one." No "Welcome to Tallaght!" No "Enjoy your stay!" Just a key card and a look that said, "Don't bother me unless you're actually on fire." I nearly tripped over the beige carpet in my haste to escape.
14:30 - Room Reconnaissance. Room 412. Okay, not a palace, but hey, it has a bed. And a TV. Essential. The view? Well, let's call it "urban landscaping." I can see another building. I’m not sure what this means just yet… But I'll work on it. Pro tip: Check the toilet paper situation immediately. You don't want to be caught short.
15:00 - Exploratory Wander. Time to explore. I peek out of the door and just start walking. The hotel feels… quiet. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. Is everyone hiding? Are we in the midst of some sort of unspoken war? Whatever. I managed to find the bar, which, thank God, is open.
15:30 - Pint of Courage. Needed one. Settled into the bar. Ah, the sweet, sweet taste of a Guinness. I'm suddenly feeling… less apprehensive. The bartender, a kindly soul named Seamus (everyone in Ireland is named Seamus, right?) actually smiled. We chatted about the weather (essential Irish small talk) and I even managed to blurt out a joke that almost made him snort his own pint. Victory! I think I'm starting to like this place. I think.
17:00 - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant. Food. A decent burger. The service was… peculiar. Our waiter seemed to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He forgot my chips, then came back to apologize profusely while sweating. I felt bad for him at one point, then I started laughing. It wasn't the greatest burger in the world, but it was an experience.
19:00 - Evening Wind Down. back in the room. I thought about going out, exploring, but I am exhausted. It really is a long day today. I’m going to bed

Day 2: The Tallaght Trials: Guinness and a Moment of Pure, Irish Joy

09:00 - Breakfast - The Scramble. Oh yes, the hotel breakfast buffet. It's what you expect. Eggs. Sausages. Cereal that's probably been there since the last millennium. The coffee? Let's just say it's a wake-up call. I managed to snag a decent croissant, though. Victories.
10:00 - The Luas (The Light Rail) Adventure. Time to venture out of our beige bubble. The first challenge? Figuring out the Luas. I bought a Leap card, which honestly felt like trying to understand quantum physics. I accidentally scanned it twice. Is that bad? Probably. But hey, at least I didn't get on the wrong tram, which, according to my internal monologue, was a distinct possibility.
11:00 - A Dublin Day Trip. Jumped on the Luas, got off in the city center. Dublin! I'm in Dublin! Now I'm here to do a bit of touristy stuff. I went to the Guinness Storehouse! This is it. This is what I came for. I went there for a tour, it was awesome. The view from Gravity Bar? Incredible. Pure, unadulterated Dublin bliss. I wanted to stay there forever. It was all so perfect.
16:00 - Back to the Plaza, Worn but Happy. Arrived. Exhausted. My feet hurt, but my heart… Well, my heart is full of Guinness, laughter, and that incredible view. What a day.
17:00 - Dinner and Deep Thoughts at the Plaza. I'm in the bar again. Thinking about dinner. I am going to try the restaurant, I have no choice really. The food is what it is, the staff seem to be trying at least. I love this place.
19:00 - The Irish Whisper. I was sitting in the bar. And it was at 8pm that I heard it. The most beautiful of all things. Live music. An Irish folk trio was playing. They were amazing. The music was perfect. The way it just filled the room and got everyone talking. All the stories. The people, the beer, the music. It was pure heaven.

Day 3: The Departures of Doom

09:00 - Breakfast and Existential Dread. Breakfast. It's the final frontier. I am tired. I hate eggs. This is the last day. All I can think about is the flight home and the inevitable jet lag. I think I'm going to cry. But hey, I got a good croissant.
10:00 - Last Minute Shopping. I needed some souvenirs. I went to a local shop and bought something for everyone. I saw some things I really wanted. I should buy it all. I won't. I'll just keep them on a mental list.
11:00 - Check Out & Farewell. Saying goodbye is hard. It's bittersweet.
12:00 - Departure. Leaving.

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So, is the Plaza Hotel Tallaght really a "hidden gem"? I'm skeptical.

Honestly? Depends on your definition of "hidden gem." It's definitely *not* hidden from Tallaght locals! You'll likely hear a few Dublin accents you're familiar with. And the “gem” part? Well, it's sparkling in its own way. Think... a well-polished, albeit slightly chipped, emerald. The location is fantastic for access to the city, particularly with the Luas right outside. Remember the time I dashed out to catch the train after a ridiculously late breakfast? Complete chaos, almost missed it! But the convenience? Unbeatable. That's a win right there. It’s not five-star luxury that’ll make you faint, but it’s comfortable, clean, and friendly. So, yes, in its own right, a gem. Just maybe not the Tiffany kind.

What's the best thing about the Plaza Hotel Tallaght? Besides the price... let's say, like, what REALLY makes it special?

Okay, so if the *price* isn't the lure, which it usually is, then I'd have to say the *staff*. Truly. They are genuinely *lovely*. Seriously. Like, the kind of lovely that makes you think they should be cloned and distributed to all hotels worldwide. One time, and I'm mortified to admit this, I locked myself out of my room at 2 AM. Jet lag, brain fog, absolute disaster. I had to ring them, feeling like the absolute worst, and the night porter, God bless him, was just so patient and kind, didn’t even make me feel like a complete idiot. He had a bit of the "aw, sure it's no problem, love" Dublin charm. THAT’S special. That’s worth more than any luxury amenity they could offer. Seriously made my awful night so much better.

Are the rooms... well, are they decent? Or am I looking at a dodgy, damp situation?

Alright, let's be brutally honest. I've stayed in some truly *dreadful* hotel rooms in my time. Think, peeling wallpaper and questionable stains. Thankfully, the Plaza isn't like that. It's clean, generally spacious, and the beds are comfy enough. But. And there's always a "but," isn't there? Don’t expect the Ritz. Expect functional. Expect maybe a slightly dated aesthetic. Look, I had a room once with a view of… a car park. Let me tell you, a car park in the rain isn’t exactly Instagrammable. But hey, the shower worked, the TV had enough channels to distract me, and the bed was comfy enough to collapse into after a long day of sightseeing. Plus, it’s hard to argue with the price. It's not a palace, but it's a solid, reliable base. Just pack some earplugs if you're a light sleeper! And try to get a room on a higher floor. Because those car parks can be LOUD.

What about the Wi-Fi? Because, you know, the internet is crucial.

The Wi-Fi... ah, the eternal struggle. Generally, it's *okay*. I've rarely had catastrophic issues. But don't expect lightning-fast speeds perfect for Zoom calls. Look, let's be real, I was there to *unplug*, not to be glued to my laptop. So if you're planning on streaming movies all night, might wanna download them beforehand. But for checking emails, browsing the internet, and keeping up with my Instagram feed, it was perfectly acceptable. You'll get by. Don't panic.

Is the food in the hotel restaurant any good? Or am I better off venturing out?

Right, the food. Here's where it gets a little… messy. Okay, the breakfast is… well, it's *there*. It's your standard buffet situation, think, a few scrambled eggs, some bacon, some cereal, the usual suspects. It's perfectly edible but don't expect to be wowed. But here's a confession: I once had the *most* delightful full Irish breakfast there. It was actually genuinely delicious. Crispy bacon, proper sausages, the works. But the next day? Slightly dry, slightly overcooked. It's inconsistent, let's put it that way. The dinner menu is a mixed bag, though the bar is actually pretty decent and the pub grub goes down the hatch well. My advice? Try the breakfast, but temper your expectations. If you're feeling adventurous, venture out for dinner. There are some great restaurants nearby, and Tallaght is full of options!

How easy is it to get into Dublin City Centre from the hotel? Because I don't want to spend my whole holiday on a bus.

This is where the Plaza shines! The Luas (tram) is literally *right outside* the door. Hop on, and you're in the city centre in about 20-30 minutes. It's incredibly convenient. Seriously, I've stayed in hotels in the city centre that were *harder* to get around. The Luas is fast, reliable, and avoids the Dublin traffic nightmare. This is honestly a *huge* selling point. You can go anywhere you want from there: go and see Trinity College and all those famous landmarks. Just make sure you get a Leap Card (a travel card) before you travel, it'll save you a lot of hassle and money!

Is there a gym or a pool? Because I like to feel guilty about eating all the food.

Sadly, no. There's no gym or pool. So, if you're a fitness fanatic, you might need to look elsewhere or take your workouts to the great outdoors. But hey, Tallaght is surrounded by parks and trails, so you could go for a jog or a hike. Look, it’s a trade-off. You save money, you get easy transport, but you miss the luxury of a hotel gym. Honestly, I have a confession to make: I've never actually *used* the gym when a hotel has one. Guilty as charged!

So, is the Plaza Hotel Tallaght worth the money? Give it to me straight!

Alright, the big question. And the answer is: **yes, absolutely! For the price, the location, and the overall experience, it's excellent value.** Look, it's not a five-star experience. You're not getting fluffy robes and turndown service. But. You're getting a cleanHotels With Balconys

Plaza Hotel Tallaght: Ireland's Hidden Gem (Luxury Awaits!)