Location

Though taxi drivers haven’t quite nailed the address (the hotel is so new) the location of Wren Urban Nest is spectacular. On the edge of the so-called “Creative Quarter” in Dublin 2, it’s a great base for browsing the neighbouring indie boutiques, pop-up restaurants and art galleries. Once you have arrived, there’s no need for further transport – everything is within walking distance, though the hotel also has its own bicycles. Do ask for the Wren Guide to Dublin which offers the inside track on all the best places to go (from artisanal distilleries to pubs) which is also invaluable to staycationing city residents.

Style and Character

In a nutshell, it’s a modern twist on sustainability that pulls off stylishness without sterility. Designed by BDP architects, the hotel believes in taking “little steps” towards a better planet – by not burning any fossil fuels and installing a heating system using sustainable technology. It’s the first hotel in Ireland to comply with the World Green Building Council’s definition of “Net Zero Carbon” without having to purchase carbon offsets. That all means that guests can enjoy luxury without feeling guilty.

And the atmosphere? As intimate and exclusive as a private club but without the leather armchairs and cigars.  On my visit, guests were sipping cocktails, browsing the excellent selection of coffee table books and listening to cool tunes in the communal ALT Café Bar (where breakfast and lunch is served). 

There are various types of seating from semi-private to communal and a boardroom-style table for those wanting to hot desk, or WFH (work from the hotel). General Manager, Phoebe Fairbairn, and Darren Newman, Operations Manager, were on hand to greet guests and they manage a small team of mainly millennial, clued-up  staff.   Everyone does their bit and knows their stuff – in charge of the Wren kitchen is South African chef Ronato Palmer (who doesn’t cook with gas in line with the hotel’s zero carbon commitment). Expect to find original menu ideas using “ugly fruit and wonky veg” to produce nutritious food.   The wine list is organic and augmented with artisanal tipples and Irish whiskeys from smaller distilleries. 

My style takeaways: the use of natural materials, softened by pampas and pot plants, bathes the interiors in a golden hue, and made it feel warm and inviting.

Rooms

“We believe big hotel rooms are overrated,” declares the hotel website and there are 137 rooms spread across nine floors divided into three categories;   snug nest (10 sqm), cosy (12 sqm) and roomy nests (18 sqm). I had a cosy nest on the seventh floor which was compact and design-led with a Scandi vibe. 

In case you thought such a central location might mean a noisy night have no fear – the sound-proofed rooms ensure a silent night with remote controlled blackout blinds. Respa mattresses (there’s also a pillow menu on request for particularly precious guests) guarantee a good night’s sleep. Other amenities which impressed included toiletries from The Handmade Soap Company (in large glass refillable containers), Niks Tea, Contour Coffee and water cartons from Irish supplier Cuilin which can be refilled with drinking water supplied to guests. Don’t forget to use the “egg” vouchers for complimentary barista coffee in the bar area – I only discovered these on my last day.

Add the large flatscreen TV, nifty wardrobe facilities, rain showers,  segregated recycling bins by Joseph & Joseph in the bathroom and intuitive lighting controls to ensure energy isn’t being used unnecessarily, and the room details all align seamlessly with the hotel’s mission statement. Having said that I was cosy solo – it would be a bit of stretch to share the Cosy nest with someone else. 

Verdict: I initially booked in for two nights and extended to four and would definitely go back. I was also intrigued by the name (not explained). Did you know the origin of the word wren in Irish is dreoilín, which means a trickster? The trickery and cunningness of the wren is popular since the day it was titled “The King of Birds’. I fell down a rabbit hole researching the folklore traditions associated with wrens, which are sometimes blood curdling and there’s an ongoing debate whether the wren is a symbol of bad luck or good fortune. I’ll go with the latter; there are no tricks, just lots of treats at this relaxed and relaxing adults-only hotel. 

Need to know: Introductory room rates start at €99 room only and €118.95 for bed and breakfast; www.wrenhotel.ie