His & Hers At The Hoxton, Dublin
By James McLaren & Emy Moore
With Ireland Fashion Week on the agenda, The Hoxton Dublin makes a convincing case for being more than just a bed for the night. With good food, well-stocked bars, thoughtful design and a central address that puts the city within easy reach, it offers everything you need to make a busy week feel that little bit more considered.
The Check-In
JM: Having stayed at The Hoxton before, I knew it would be my first choice for Dublin. The appeal has always been the ease of it all: comfortable rooms, good food and drink downstairs, and a team that understands what makes a stay feel effortless. With Ireland Fashion Week filling our diaries, those details became even more valuable.
We arrived on an early flight, stopping at Alto for coffee before heading to reception. From there, everything was straightforward. Our bags were numerous, packages arrived throughout the stay, and our schedule rarely left much room for improvisation. Nothing felt like too much trouble, and the team were consistently welcoming.
EM: This was my first time at The Hoxton, and James had been singing its praises for weeks, so my expectations were sky high! Honestly, it delivered the second we walked through the door. Warm lighting, the gorgeous AIME Studios interiors I had read about and such a relaxed, welcoming feel. It was like stepping into a friend’s beautifully designed living room rather than a hotel lobby.
After an early start and a busy journey into the city, it was exactly the welcome we needed. We were also lucky enough to meet Mari, the hotel’s Brand Manager, who took her time to chat us through her role and gave us a tour of all the different spaces. A clear reminder that a hotel's hospitality are just as important as its aesthetic and interiors.
The Room
JM: We stayed in a Roomy, which proved to be a sensible choice for two people travelling with cameras, clothing and more luggage than strictly necessary. Fashion Week requires options, and options require space. Between outfit changes, equipment and the inevitable last-minute additions, having somewhere to organise everything made a real difference.
The bed was a welcome sight after long days on our feet, while the shower and in-room tea and coffee facilities covered the essentials. The steamer was particularly useful, saving us from the usual suitcase creases before heading out to the next show.
We had plenty of hangers, although we requested a few more as the week progressed. The team were happy to help. If you're travelling with several looks and a packed schedule, it's worth asking for what you need.
EM: The Roomy quickly became so much more than a bedroom: our dressing room, our office and our own little hideaway all in one. When you’re dashing between shows, shooting content and squeezing in outfit changes, you need a space that works as hard as you do, without ever sacrificing comfort.
One of my favourite things was having a base to pop back to between events. A quick shower, a freshly steamed outfit and a few quiet minutes to myself before heading back out made all the difference on the busiest days. Our Roomy gave us the breathing space we needed, and it honestly felt like our home rather than just somewhere to sleep.
Dinner at Cantina Valentina
JM: One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Hoxton is having somewhere good to eat without having to go far. After a full day of shows, appointments and outfit changes, the prospect of another taxi journey and dinner reservation isn't always appealing. Cantina Valentina, located within the hotel, made the evening effortless.
We were invited to try the new menu, and it was a welcome change of pace. The restaurant has enough personality to feel like a destination in its own right, rather than somewhere that exists purely for hotel guests. We could head downstairs, settle in and enjoy a proper meal without having to organise the rest of the evening around it.
EM: Naturally, we decided the only sensible approach was to order a little bit of everything! In the blink of an eye, Our table was covered in picky bits, and the new menu gave us so much to explore.
We started with the sweet potato hummus, giant tiger prawn anticucho and BBQ’d corn ceviche. The hummus was lovely and creamy and the prawns had a gorgeous, savoury kick. For me the corn was a stand out, it brought a fresh, zingy balance to the table. It was the perfect mix of flavours and textures, with plenty to pass around and share.
For mains, we tucked into the Vegana “Lomo” Saltado, Castledermot Irish Lamb, Andean Salad and roasted greens with Huancaina sauce. The combination of richer dishes and fresher sides made sharing a no-brainer, and having a plant-based option meant there was something for everyone around the table.
As for drinks, I couldn’t resist my favourite, a Spicy Margarita, while James kept things classic, Margarita, hold the spice. Both went perfectly with the food, and the relaxed, buzzy atmosphere meant we could settle in and enjoy the evening without once checking the time.
Cantina Valentina struck the balance between a considered dining experience and somewhere you could comfortably return to. For a Fashion Week dinner, that is most definetely a welcomed combination.
Drinks, Dublin Style
JM: A Guinness should never be too far away when visiting Ireland, and The Hoxton's Library Bar made that an easy rule to follow. With its more intimate atmosphere and traditional character, it offered somewhere to slow down after a day spent moving between venues.
The Lobby Bar had a different energy, making it an easy meeting point for relaxed drinks and a bite to eat. Between the two, there was an option for most occasions, whether we wanted a quieter pint or somewhere sociable to start the evening.
EM: One of the things I loved most was that we never had to leave to find a change of scene. Each pocket of the Hotel offered a change of atmosphere. The Library Bar was perfect for a slower, cosier evening, while the Lobby Bar was ideal for catching up over a drink before heading back out into the city.
Both spaces felt considered without being overly formal. They’re the kind of places where you have to say “just one more”, rather than somewhere you’d simply stop for a quick drink and move on. When your days are already packed, having that choice right downstairs really is a little luxury in itself.
The Mid-Afternoon: Dollars
JM: Fashion Week has a habit of turning simple things into logistical challenges. Lunch becomes something squeezed between appointments, coffee becomes essential, and changing outfits can feel like a full production. Dollars became our answer to the awkward middle of the day.
The hotel's deli-inspired coffee and wine spot was ideal when we needed something more substantial than another caffeine hit but didn't have time for a long lunch. It gave us somewhere to regroup, refuel and work out our next move without losing valuable time.
EM: Dollars was our saviour, rescuing us from a week of surviving on coffee, champagne and canapés! At some point, all the excitement of Fashion Week catches up with the reality of being on your feet all morning. You need proper food, a comfy seat and five minutes to yourself.
It quickly became our go-to pit stop between outfit changes and appointments. Somewhere to watch the world go by, catch up on messages and plan the next move. Sometimes the best discoveries on a trip aren’t the places you plan a whole evening around, but the little gems that quietly make everything else possible.
The Location: Fashion Week Without the Fuss
JM: The Hoxton's position on Exchequer Street was one of its strongest assets during Ireland Fashion Week. We were moving between shows, presentations and venues across Dublin, and having a central base made planning each day considerably easier. With taxis readily available nearby and the city's wider transport options within reach, we could focus on the schedule rather than the logistics.
Our itinerary took us to the MNÁ show at The Stapleton on William Street South, Sasha Donnellan at DÍON Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, Brother Wolf at the Douglas Hyde Gallery of Contemporary Art, and Sinéad O'Dwyer's debut at City Hall.
Each venue brought a different perspective to the week, and the city itself became part of the experience. Dublin offered a distinctive backdrop to the collections, from contemporary gallery spaces to historic architecture.
EM: What I appreciated most was having the freedom to actually enjoy the city of Dublin between events. Fashion Week can easily become a whirlwind of getting ready, travelling, shooting and watching shows, with barely a moment to take in the place you’re visiting.
Staying as centrally as The Hoxton meant we could pop back to the hotel to change, stop for a drink or wander the nearby streets without facing another long journey. We had time to browse the shops, stumble across new places and find our own rhythm.
My advice for anyone heading to Ireland Fashion Week? Prioritise location! A beautiful hotel is one thing, but somewhere that works with your schedule and gives you a little more freedom is something else entirely.
Top Places Nearby
Ten recommendations for coffee, vintage shopping, design, drinks and a little Dublin history, all worth considering between shows.
James' Edit
1. Alto — Start the day with a good coffee before heading into the city. Our first stop after landing.
2. LOOT — A browse-worthy stop for vintage and second-hand pieces with a little more personality.
3. Coffeeangel — A reliable speciality coffee stop between appointments, meetings and shows.
4. The Library Bar — Stay close to home for a Guinness and a slower end to the day.
5. Christ Church Cathedral — A striking piece of Dublin history and a welcome change of pace from the Fashion Week schedule.
Emy's Edit
1. 35 Vintage — For statement pieces, vintage finds and the thrill of discovering something unexpected.
2. Chupi — Fine jewellery made from recycled solid gold, precious stones and consciously sourced diamonds.
3. Powerscourt Townhouse Centre — Independent shopping and boutiques within a beautiful historic Georgian townhouse.
4. Vintage Cocktail Club — An atmospheric cocktail spot for a more considered evening out; booking ahead is advisable.
5. Trinity College Dublin — For Normal People fans, a visit to Trinity is a must. Walk the historic campus where Connell and Marianne's university story unfolded, and soak up the atmosphere of one of Dublin's most recognisable literary settings.
One Thing We'd Do Differently
JM: We would both gladly stay at The Hoxton Dublin again. However, next time, I'd extend the trip by a day at either end. An extra day before Fashion Week would give us time to unpack, steam our clothes, explore the neighbourhood and get organised before the schedule took over. Another at the end would allow us to enjoy Dublin without watching the clock, catch up on photographs and emails, and properly unwind before heading home.
EM: I couldn’t have said it better myself! We had the best time, but I’d have loved a little longer to enjoy the hotel without thinking about what was coming next in the schedule. A lazy breakfast, another evening in one of the bars and a bit more time to explore would have made the trip feel even more complete.
There’s a big difference between staying somewhere and really experiencing it. Next time, I’ll definitely be doing a lot more of the latter, and I already can’t wait to come back!
The Final Word
JM: The Hoxton Dublin worked because it understood the rhythm of our trip. Comfortable rooms, good food and drink, thoughtful hospitality and a central location made a demanding week feel manageable.
EM: For me, The Hoxton was the perfect mix of beautiful design and genuine homely comfort. The lovely team, the warm atmosphere and all the little thoughtful touches are what made our stay memorable. It gave us an ideal place to land between the excitement of the shows and the reality of a packed schedule.
Together: Whether you're visiting Dublin for Ireland Fashion Week or planning a city break, The Hoxton makes a convincing case for choosing somewhere that offers more than a room. We arrived with busy schedules and overpacked suitcases. We left with new recommendations, a camera full of photographs and every intention of returning.
Planning your own Dublin stay?
Make The Hoxton Dublin your base for exploring the city. Book your stay directly with The Hoxton.