I just stayed there last week and I enjoyed a lot. The staff members are very friendly and the facility is very new - just opened last September. Great location - right across the street from Temple Bar area. I had to pay much higher rate since the property was sold out due to some convention/conference.

The lobby area is rather cozy. I was upgraded to a large junior suite on the 4th floor facing to Trinity College. It was a bedroom with large sitting area (and huge bathroom where you can even dance!). 2nd and 4th floors are non-smoking floors. Fresh fruit plate was delivered as Platinum welcome amenity. There is an atrium on the mezzanine where you can enjoy afternoon tea if you like.

After you get off the elevator, you might be taking few steps up and down until you get to your room in the hallways since the hotel was built by combining and renovating 2 or 3 old buildings.

They have a fitness center where you can use 24 hours, but they do not have a swimming pool.

There is a bar named "Mint" in the basement - it used to be a valut. The atmosphere was kind of similar to some W hotel bar.

I would definitely go back there.

BTW, answering to your question:
Are there nicer hotel? Maybe (e.g., Merrion)
Cheaper hotel (American) Yes (e.g., Hilton, Holiday Inn)

Hope this helps.