Thanks for good help in picking a centrally located hotel for a short week-end with my husband in Dublin this spring. Not no.1 on my list, but the best available.
The location was great, close to the airport bus stop and just off one of the big shopping streets, still silent.
The room was also just fine, nothing special but clean and fresh and with a nice bathroom.
The breakfast was as mentioned earlier here not worth the price, but of course convenient.
The staff was friendly and helpful.
Recommended!

Academy Plaza Hotel Dublin
Just one night stay before travelling to visit my Son and Family

I had stayed in Dublin last year for 3 night but this time with only one night I wanted to be as central as possible.
I chose the Academy based on the fact it is almost right on O'Connell Street. I read the reviews on TA and they were consistantly excellent.
I noted that the hotel has had a massive expansion and refurbisment and I wanted somewhere comfortable but not too expensive.
I was travelling on my own so the single supplement is always a force to reckon with.
My flight arrived in Dublin at just before 12md. I took the Airlink bus which dropped me at the Gresham Hotel and from the corner I could see the Academy.
Check in took a little time as there was confusion over whether my booking was for B&B or Room only.
I left the receptionist to deal with this issue and went to my room on the first floor. There were 3 lifts and at no time during my stay did I ever have to wait on a lift or for a lift to be packed.

My room was a double for single occupancy. The room was a little small but had a lovely big comfy bed. There were wall lights at the bed on both side and this meant that the little bed table was adaquate in size. The room and bathroom were very clean and fresh.
There was good drawer and hanging space. I looked for the tea/coffee tray and after a while found it to be in a deep drawer. Tea/coffee but no biscuits.
The bathroom was lovely with the shower over the bath. Good power in the shower. The soap and shampoo was in a dispenser and this was fine with me.
The hairdryer is in the bathroom but I didn't use it as I had brought my own.
There was a flat screen TV wall mounted and a room safe.
I was in the room a short time when I had a call from the Receptionist to say that according to the booking they had me only for room without breakfast.
I had brought the printed off email saying (ebookers) that free breakfast was a special ebookers offer. I told them I was not happy about this and a few minuted later I had a call from the Senior Receptionist saying that as I was a guest in their hotel they would give me a complentary breakfast. This made an impression on me and right away the Academy went to the top of the CLASS.

The hotel itself is fresh bright and with a comfortable foyer with several areas to sit. Black leather seating and sofa's made this a desirable place to sit. There were complementary newspapers. I didn't eat in the Restaurant but they did have an early bird special price (to be finished by 7 or 7.30pm and this was for 19.95euro. This was for their Asain restaurant but I ate whilst I was out walking the streets of Dublin.
I had breakfast the following morning in the main restaurant and I was impressed to note that whilst I was waiting to be seated there was a note at the desk with my name and room on. stating "complementary breakfast please do not ask for any money."

The breakfast was buffet and I ate fresh fruit yoghurt and brown /wheaten bread.
Tea and coffee was offered continually and the staff were attentive and keen to please. The Dining room Manager was walking around asking if everything was all right. I had breakfast at just after 08.30hrs and the dining room was quiet so no probem gettin a table etc.

I used the computers in the foyer to check email etc and when I was have some difficulty a member of staff came to my aid without being asked. Again good service.
The reception staff were warm friendly and helpful.
The hotel itself was pretty busy as I saw a couple of bus loads of people who were on tours and staying overnight in the hotel. I didn't feel at any time that the foyer was crowded.
I was out and about from arrival until about 9pm when I got back to the hotel. I had eaten out in Bewleys in Grafton Street. I was tired as I had been up very early that morning.

The following morning after breakfast I once again hit the pavement this time for a bit of shopping. I went to Henry Street and every shop I needed was there. Bought some dresses for my little Granddaughters.
I returned to the hotel just before 12md and checked out. I left the hotel by taxi at 1pm to catch a bus to Enniskillen. A taxi was waiting outside the hotel so I had no need to call one. I had assistance to bring my baggage down to the foyer and the Porter returned a second time to help with a little hand baggage.

All in all I had a great stay at the Academy. It had absolutely everything a good 3* should have and more.
The staff impressed me with their efficient friendly and willingness to please.
I have no hesitation in recommending this hotel to anyone.

On my return to the UK I contacted ebookers who confirmed that the Academy should contact them for payment for my breakfast. I sent an email to the hotel to inform them but I am not sure whether they will do so or not.
I had 2 emails from the hotel the first to acknowledge my email, The second was from Peter the Hotel Manager who told me he knew of the problem with my booking. He thanked me for telling him that I had a very comfortable stay at the Acadmemy.

I would be very happy to stay at this hotel in the future.

Just got back from a 3 night stay at the Best Western Academy Plaza. Decided to stay here after reading the mainly positive reviews on this website, and was not disappointed at all. The hotel is less than a 2 minute walk from the first drop off point of the airport coach, at the top of O'Connell Street. The reception staff were very friendly and efficient, and the rooms were spotlessly clean and recently refurbished, bathroom very nice.

Had breakfast once in the hotel (it was not included in our room rate), the breakfast room was not overcrowded (at 9am), although we heard people say that the queues were huge an hour earlier, so be warned! On the other two mornings we had breakfast away from the hotel at one of the nearby bars, this was far better value and not overcrowded at all. We did not eat in the main restaurant or the onsite chinese restaurant, so cannot comment on these unfortunately.

As for location, I can only add to what previous reviewers have said - this hotel is perfectly located, a couple of minutes from the main shopping centre, and maybe 10 mins walk from the temple bar area.

One tip for Dublin (all of Ireland infact), dont forget to bring your umbrella!

Just returned from the Best Western Acadamy and all i can say is what a fab hotel in a brillant location.Location is about 10-15 minutes walk from Temple Bar area,aircoach stops at end of the road and first stop off,open top Dublin tour bus also stop round the corner great way to see Dublin.If looking for some history do the Kilmainham gaol costs about 5euros takes about an hour and the tour bus stops right at the gaol.The bus costs about 16 euros each but can use for 24 hours.Hotel has just a complete refurbishment and was spotlessly clean rooms have Dove showergel and reception will supply everything else if you ask.Breakfast was great all hot and tea and toast is made fresh you .Having stayed in Dublin before at Merrion Square area this was by far better location.If looking for bar with Irish music and dancing the Arlington is about a 10 minute walk has dancing and music every night.When visting Dublin again this would be my first choice of hotel.