Hotel review: Zampas restaurant is a welcome gem in Dublin's memorabilia-filled Hard Rock Hotel

Location

A prime site next to Temple Bar and within walking distance of many of the city centre’s main attractions including the Grafton Street and Henry Street, it’s a speedy stroll to The 3Olympia Theatre.

A handy six-minute walk from the nearest luas stop at Jervis, and despite being so close to one of the city’s busiest tourist spots, the rooms are peaceful all night with heavy curtains that block all light and sound from the outside world.

9/10

Style & design

Ireland’s only Hard Rock Hotel is a merging of two heritage buildings, the old Exchange Buildings and the former Fashion House, linked by an indoor glass ‘Rainbow Bridge’. The striking, red brick facade of the former Exchange Buildings doesn’t look out of place next to Temple Bar, but once you step inside the hotel’s branding really gets to work. Near the check-in desk one of Kurt Cobain’s sweaters is on display, while the hotel’s bar and restaurant Zampas showcases an electric guitar from Bray musician Hozier. Memorabilia is scattered throughout the hotel, from one of U2’s old touring cases to cymbals from Rolling Stone Charlie Watts’ old kits.

8.5 /10

Service

The check-in experience is fast and pleasant, but neglects to provide some crucial information like when breakfast is served and when check-out is the following day. Dinner and breakfast service the next day is spot-on, with plenty of staff around.

7/10

Activities & amenities

The hotel has just launched ‘Bring Your Own Vinyl’ nights with resident vibe manager Joe Ballance. A mine of information, Ballance is on hand after dark to give guests the experience of being inside the DJ booth.

A live band also performs for a portion of the night on the Thursday we stay. Something we didn’t test out but know would be a draw for our musician friends is the novel free-to-use electric guitars and amps. Fender Strats and Jaguars are among the choices guests can borrow for a jam in their room.

There’s no pool or gym, but the hotel does offer yoga mats for ‘Rock Om’ — yoga classes available on-demand on the TV in rooms.

8/10

Guest rooms

Rooms are bright and colourful, with feature headboards. thick curtains, and distinctive cushions reminding you Don’t Give Up Your Daydream. Our Superior Room with a queen bed felt very spacious for a city-centre hotel. Embroidered guitars feature on the pillowcases, with a cool Crosley turntable and vinyl selection a nice touch.

8/10

In-room perks

The lighting touchpad beside the bed is most welcome, plunging the room into darkness when required and banishing the ‘how do I turn off that lamp?’ game we so often end up playing begrudgingly in other hotels at bed time. Here, one simple ‘master off’ button switches everything off.

Toiletries are supplied with Hard Rock branding and there’s the usual Nespresso-style coffee machine with pods plus a selection of Bewley’s teas and instant coffee. Water comes in glass bottles.

6/10

On the menu

Dinner at the Peruvian-inspired Zampas is a highlight of the stay. Papa Rellena — potato stuffed with spiced beef cheek and chilli cream with a fried egg and salsa criolla — is a delicious starter. Striploin with garlic butter, hand cut chips that taste triple fried and braised pink onion is good, tasting flame-grilled and succulent. House cocktails also impress.

Breakfast is a fresh continental spread including fruit, cereals and seeds, a variety of breads, cold meats and cheeses, mini pastries and more. A hot food menu includes the full Irish along with classics like avocado on toast. We choose French toast which is smothered in maple syrup and overly sweet for our tastes. We’d ask for the syrup on the side again.

8.5/10

Value for money

Can’t Stop the Spring offer starts at €170 for a double or twin midweek including breakfast and a cocktail in Zampas.

Room to improve? The check-in service could provide more details for guests.

Access for guests with disabilities? Front desk, Zampas and specially fitted rooms are wheelchair accessible.

Family-friendly? Yes

Dogs welcome? No 

• The Hotel Examiner was a guest of Hard Rock Hotel Dublin.