Smithfield Distillery Self Catering

Loved the location right in the Jameson Distillery building. It was very close to a great grocery in Smithfield Square and an easy 20 minutes walk to the Temple Bar area. We had some troubles with the toilet but the management company very patiently talked us through it. Biggest negative - the key was a block and a half away and somewhat difficult to find.

We understood the apartment was basic which fit our needs however the lack of hot water was a real problem! Firstly, we managed to drop our suitcases in the apartment at 11:30am on day of arrival. The key is kept in a lockbox which is shared with the cleaner. Check-in is not until 3pm so we put the key back and didn't return until 4:30pm. The key was not in the box however after emailing customer service they quickly phoned me and said the cleaner must still be working and to go to the apartment for her to let us in. She let us in and was miraculously finished at the same time...however we could not see much evidence of cleaning. Apart from clean sheets and wiped surfaces the amount of dirt in general was surprising. There was 4 of us but only 2 towels put out, and this time had to wait a long time for a reply from customer service. We then discovered there was no hot water. I phoned the previous number who I assume must have used his personal mobile as he informed us he would ask the company to phone us. This happened twice and we didn't get a phone call. The instructions left in the book did not match the model of boiler/heating that we had. We managed to figure it out but after waiting for over an hour it still wasn't hot. The next morning we ensured that we 'boosted' the hot water within enough time to shower... however after one 5 minute shower all the hot water was gone. We asked the situation to be rectified however it was clear customer service simply didn't care.

We had a horrible check in experience, The key was not left for us where it was meant to be, delaying our check in for over an hour and leaving us standing outside in the cold without any clear communication to let us know what was going on. Despite paying the cleaning fee in advance, much to our surprise when we finally arrived at the flat, nothing had been cleaned, food everywhere, sheets not changed, towels on the bathroom floor. Communication with the hosts was also terrible. The flat itself is not bad, the location is excellent, but we also had only enough hot water in the morning for one shower, so the rest of us had cold showers mid February.

Good quiet location within easy walking distance of the main centre. The facilities were good with everything you need but it is all a little tired and needs a revamp, especially the bathroom and the bed. That said, we were more interested in a good nights sleep and we got it.

This was the perfect location for our first stay in Dublin. The apartment was in an excellent location with lots happening in the local area including things to see, services and places to eat, as well as being close to the tramline and the city centre. The apartment was clean and the customer service was excellent before and during our stay. There was even a horse and carriage taxi service available below our room. The sounds of the hooves on the cobblestones will live long in the memory. Thank you.