Handel's Hotel Temple Bar
16–18 Fishamble St., Dublin, Co. Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
Why We Like It
Location, location, location, as they say - Temple Bar's hotels can be a bit sketchy, but Handel's is among the best of the bunch, with friendly staff and decent prices for the area if you book far enough in advance.
Fodor's Expert Review
Right in the heart of Temple Bar, this basic but well-run hotel somehow manages to feel like a bit of an oasis from the hustle of this lively neighborhood, perhaps because of its location at the quieter end of the district. The entrance is small but funky, and staff are helpful.
Tip The hotel is so named because on this site in 1742, Handel's Messiah was performed for the first time in Dublin.
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Room
Rooms are designed around their limited space so you don't feel too cramped, and the option of interconnecting rooms is great for families who want to keep children close, but not too close. They feel cosy, with crushed velvet throws and furnishings, and beige tones.
You Should Know You can hear the bells from the nearby cathedral, and some other street and bar noise. Guests can request a quiet room, but very light sleepers might want to consider looking elsewhere.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are reasonably sized and functional, in plain white.
Lobby
The fairly standard, small lobby is brightened up by some turquoise sofas and the enthusiastic welcome.
Dining
The hotel's Oscars Cafe and Bar has quite a good atmosphere, with a discount at lunch and dinner for guests. It has a US-industrial style feel, quite dark, with high ceilings and stools to balance precariously upon, and serves standard pizza/burger type fare.
Drinking
Cocktails at Oscars are ok, and if the bar is busy, it's not a bad place to start the night - although the hotel itself admits that people staying surrounded by the legendary nightlife of Temple Bar should really get out and see other bars rather than stay stuck in their hotel.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel is well-located for most of central Dublin's sights, and close to public transport options for trips further afield.
Restaurants
Zaytoon (3-minute walk), a Dublin kebab shop institution, is a mere stumbling distance away and open very late. Or for a somewhat fancier meal, Toscana City Centre Italian (3-minute walk) is a pleasant Italian that uses ingredients from the family farm.
Bars
For a slightly different musical feel than Handel, the hotel is next-door to Darkey Kelly's (1-minute walk), a great choice for traditional Irish music. Or the Vintage Cocktail Club (7-minute walk) has a hidden vibe and great cocktails - both of which can be quite hard to come by in Temple Bar, home of raucous carousing and Guinness.
Quick Facts
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