The George Frederic Handel Hotel is located on Fishamble Street, one of Dublin’s oldest streets. The street name is taken from the old fish stalls which once existed here. The hotel is named for the composer of the famed "Messiah", which was first performed in a music hall on the site of the hotel in April of 1742. Today the door to the music hall remains, next door to the George Frederic Handel Hotel.
Although steeped in history, there is nothing old-fashioned about the decor of the hotel. Light wood furniture, a colorful flowered bedspread and modern light fixtures give the rooms a bright modern look. The blue carpet with the treble clef motif adds a whimsical touch. The bathroom is white with touches of green in the shower curtain and wall tiles. Amenities include a TV, mini-fridge, phone, hair dryer, as well as coffee and tea making facilities. Closet and drawer space is very generous, as are the large bath towels. Start your day with a complimentary Irish breakfast in the hotel restaurant. This includes eggs, beans, sausage, bacon, grilled tomato, mushrooms, white and black pudding, toast, juice and tea or coffee, and will give you plenty of energy for lots of sight-seeing. Or, if that’s a bit much, cold cereals are also offered. There is also a trendy bar/pub as part of the hotel where you can have a late drink and a day touring Dublin.
My fourth floor room had a view of Christ Church Cathedral that was lovely. I was really surprised by the spaciousness of the room and bath, being used to much smaller quarters in Amsterdam and London. The staff is warm and friendly; they make you feel most welcome, and will gladly help to make your stay a pleasant one. Located in the trendy Temple Bar area of Dublin, the hotel is also close to a number of fine restaurants, pubs, and shops. It’s about ½ mile to the Tara DART station, but it’s a very nice walk along the Quay.