It takes time for new hotels to get the recognition they deserve, even when bringing something the city’s never seen before. While Dublin’s hotel scene almost had all the bases covered, with everything from castle-bound accommodation to trend-setting urban stays, The Chancery has swooped in to pioneer the ‘high spec, low environmental impact’ category – and it won’t take long to notice how tech-heavy The Chancery really is.
Both tech and sustainability are the building blocks that the hotel was founded upon. Didn’t think the two could go hand in hand? This place is the only evidence you need to know that isn’t true. They’re showing their dedication to the cause through water recycling, preventative measures against noise pollution, reclaimed furnishings, self-generating electricity and sensors that switch off lights and heating when no one is in the room. I’d say that Green Hospitality Award was well deserved.
What’s the vibe at The Chancery?
The Chancery’s intimate open-plan layout combines the lobby and bar to form one collective social space. There’s a round-the-clock commotion – of the non-disruptive kind – consisting of people conversing over cocktails and lounging on the sofas adjacent to the front desk. It strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and rousing, simultaneously encompassing the excitement of the city and a sanctuary-like escape from it.
The bar itself is an inviting all-day hangout: cafe-esque casual with a sophisticated minimalist design, jazzed up with gold details, green marble and plush booths. Natural and sustainable materials take centre stage, with dark wood present throughout the entrance-level floor. The lack of busy decor and bright colours has a calming effect – something you’ll no doubt appreciate upon returning from a craic-filled night on the Guinness.
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What are the rooms like at The Chancery?
Downstairs offers but a taste of tranquillity compared to the bedrooms; pared-back and thoughtfully curated for maximum functionality, prepare to relax while the tech does all the work – literally. Capitalising on technological advances is understandably a standard practice for new openings in this digital era, but The Chancery has taken things to the next level: the bedside interface quickly became my best friend, with buttons that controlled every light fixture and even the curtains – a sci-fi delight for the technologically challenged. The bathroom door was also button-operated, and there’s a touchpad outside the door with a ‘do not disturb’ feature, changing colour to signify your wish for a turndown service. It’s all very exciting stuff.
Aside from the nifty mod cons, other luxuries include an Irish-made King Koil mattress and premium products from Votary toiletries to thick bathrobes. Herringbone hardwood floors give a sleek finish and the levitating bed frame really elevates the look. If views are a priority for you, book a suite for its sizeable balcony that overlooks the Dublin skyline – there’s even a sofa out there for the ultimate open-air room service breakfast.
What are the best things to eat at The Chancery?
The best part of my stay had to be dinner at the on-site restaurant, Fawn. A glass wall divides the restaurant from a foliage-infested stone wall with an integrated pond, somewhat resembling a zen garden – a lovely and unique view to have during dinner. The dining area matches the calm of the outside, with warm lighting, deep colours and Art Deco influences, and the menu is stuffed with well considered, ingredient-driven seasonal dishes.
We tried the king prawns (€17), which were soft and meaty with a good bite, a diversely flavourful apple and pear salad (€16) and a braised ox tail gnocchi (€26) from the fresh pasta section – intensely rich, satisfyingly dense and most definitely the most exciting bowl of gnocchi I’ve tried. The pan-roasted hake (€36) was masterfully cooked and very indulgent, served with smoked clam butter and bacon-topped smashed potatoes. Our host recommended a string of perfect wine pairings, with a deep knowledge of the menu.
For breakfast, Fawn’s buffet is a little modest, with slightly anaemic sausages and lukewarm scrambled eggs, but it does have a cracking pastry section, including some very nice waffles.
What is the service like at The Chancery?
The Chancery is a new hotel (opened in March 2024), and at moments, you can feel it. At check-in, staff were friendly but didn’t offer up any information about breakfast times, check out times or other handy details. While I’m sure they would have had sufficient answers to all our questions, being more forthcoming with information would have bumped up their customer service creds to the standard I’d expect from a 4-star stay. At dinner, however, waiting staff were incredibly knowledgeable, and hotel staff in general were attentive to requests throughout the hotel.
What is the spa like at The Chancery?
Make sure to dedicate a few hours to unwinding in the wellness hub, a cave-like room with a high-powered Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and some intensely relaxing rainfall sounds – if you’re anything like me and ‘10 Hours of Continuous Rain Noises’ is top of your Spotify Wrapped, this will mean a lot to you.
It’s well worth booking a massage at the spa, where they’ve got body exfoliation, a deep tissue rub-down, special pregnancy treatments and more. The treatment room is an utter stress-free zone, with warm orange-hued lighting and white noise to cleanse your mind of all thoughts.
What’s the area like around The Chancery?
The Chancery resides on an unassuming back street in the city centre, meaning peaceful sleeps and conveniently short walks to major points of interest. Grafton Street is right around the corner, stuffed with pubs, cafés, clothes shops and more. Check out Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Park and George’s Street Arcade, a Victorian-style indoor emporium and one of Europe’s oldest city markets selling vintage bits, knick knacks and second-hand books.
The must-visit Guinness Storehouse is a 25-minute walk away, and you’ll be met with the famous Temple Bar after a 7-minute stroll towards the River Liffey – an area abuzz with live music until the early hours. In Stiches Comedy Club is on hand if you want to rest your feet from all that dancing and catch a comedy show featuring the very best Irish and international talents. Just follow the laughter… and if that doesn’t work, follow directions to the basement of Peadar Kearney’s Pub. Bar 1661 is a great spot for cocktails, serving mixes with Irish flair – they’re mostly famous for their drinks made with poitín, a spirit that only became legal again a few years ago.
Why you should you book a stay at The Chancery
The Chancery is a hotel that leaves the chaos of the city at the door, but retains just enough of Dublin’s infectious energy. If you’re looking for next-generation hospitality in a location that’s close to the action but far enough away for a spot of peace and quiet, this place is an easy pick. The experience wasn’t seamless, but there was nothing of substance to complain about.
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