Penny McCormick checks out the vibe, details, dining and more at the Love Out Loud Room at The Hardrock Hotel…
WHAT: Ireland’s first Pride-themed room, created by Irish Fashion Designer Colin Horgan.
VIBE: It’s like a VIP booth and pays tribute to Dublin’s Mother nightclub, previously located where the hotel reception is found. Horgan’s mission was to create an inclusive space and “connect visitors to the vibrant LGBTQ+ community who live in Dublin.”
DETAILS: A velvet headboard with stitching in the “melting wave” shape of Horgan’s Imposed Faction collection; scatter cushions with signature hidden pockets, D-rings and twin needle stitching; teal panelled walls, armchairs from Ardfert Furniture & Design, Kerry, photographs by Babs Daly, and a pink neon Love Out Loud sign. The bright bathroom has excellent lighting (not always a given).
EXTRAS: Rainbow-coloured treats and a Crossley record player with a fabulous selection of vinyls. Guests can share their musical preferences with the hotel’s vibe manager, part of its Sound of Your Stay programme. A Fender guitar (from the guitar menu) is also available.
DINING: Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in (the underrated) Zampas Bar & Restaurant, which offers Peruvian-inspired dishes and cocktails, surrounded by interesting music memorabilia.
VERDICT: Moody, with subtle design details; this is an ideal base for a night out in Dublin and will appeal to fans of Horgan’s designs, who include Dua Lipa, Kehlani and Lady Gaga. From €269; www.hardrockhotels.com.
