Bonnington Hotel & Leisure Centre

The hotel offers a convenient urban base, particularly noted for its leisure center and strategic location between the airport and Dublin city center. While some aspects of the property show signs of age, guests frequently commend the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the comfortable accommodations. It is well-suited for business travelers due to its airport proximity, families who appreciate the pool and spacious rooms, and event attendees visiting nearby venues. To enhance your stay, consider utilizing the efficient public transport system, which offers easy access to the city, and be aware of the hotel's specific swim cap policy for the pool.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular leisure center that includes a pool, gym, sauna, and jacuzzi, which many guests enjoy for relaxation and exercise, though the sauna is occasionally out of order. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and a convenient Centra supermarket is located right next door for quick purchases. While parking is provided and often free, it can become quite busy. Some guests note that the elevators are small and slow, and parts of the hotel, including the exterior and hallways, are undergoing renovation or appear a bit tired. Additionally, refrigerators are not standard in all rooms and may not be available upon request, and some rooms lack a phone.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests find their rooms to be clean, spacious, and generally comfortable, with many praising the comfortable beds and well-sized ensuite bathrooms. However, a significant number of reviews indicate that rooms can appear tired or dated and are in need of renovation, with reports of stains on carpets and bedding. A recurring issue is the showers, which often fluctuate between scalding hot and freezing cold, or have poor water pressure, with some even being broken. Air conditioning is frequently reported as non-functional, leading to hot rooms, and no fans are typically provided. Noise levels are a notable concern for many, with complaints about loud music, banging doors, thin walls, and general party noise from other guests impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
Breakfast at the hotel receives widespread praise, often described as delicious, hot, plentiful, and offering a wide variety of options, including a full Irish breakfast. The on-site restaurant and bars are generally well-regarded for their good food quality, tasty meals, and reasonable pricing. Afternoon tea is highlighted as a delightful experience with excellent food and presentation, and the cocktails are also positively mentioned. However, some guests find the breakfast to be average or of inferior quality, with the buffet area sometimes feeling overcrowded. Occasional issues like burnt burgers or flat drinks are reported, and service in dining areas can sometimes be slow.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a key advantage, strategically positioned between Dublin Airport and the city center. It offers easy access to both destinations via public transport, with convenient bus stops located directly outside, providing a good service into the city. This makes it ideal for travelers needing quick airport connections or those attending events at nearby venues like The Helix or Croke Park. A Centra supermarket adjacent to the hotel adds to the convenience. While parking is available and often free, it can be challenging to find a space due to high demand. Some guests note that the immediate surrounding area can appear sketchy or have rubbish present, and the distance from the city center means it's not ideal for walking to central attractions.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high commendation for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, welcoming, efficient, and accommodating. Many guests highlight the quick check-in process and the staff's proactive approach in assisting with various requests, from luggage handling to taxi bookings and room changes. Positive feedback frequently mentions the excellent service provided by reception, dining room staff, and housekeeping. Conversely, a minority of guests report encountering rude, dismissive, or unprofessional staff, particularly at the front desk or in the bar, leading to frustrating interactions. There are also occasional complaints about slow service in the restaurants and a perceived lack of responsiveness to certain issues.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that renovation work is ongoing at the hotel, which may affect its exterior appearance and some facilities. A notable policy is the strict enforcement of a "no outside food or drinks" policy by some staff, which can be unexpected for guests. For those planning to use the pool, a compulsory swim cap is required, though caps are available for purchase on-site. Some guests have reported issues with TVs not working or phones missing from their rooms. The hotel can sometimes be lively, with some guests describing it as a "party hotel" due to noise from other patrons. While early check-in is sometimes accommodated, it is not guaranteed, and late check-out is available for an additional fee.