We wanted to take out the stress of Christmas, so we decided to spend 2 nights at the hotel. We found a good deal and booked the entrance room, a standard room, for 175 Euro / ca. 232 USD a night. Having read reviews at Trip advisor, Milepoint and Flyertalk, we were a little bit apprehensive about the room, but decided to find out for ourselves if the room type was a good choice or not.
Until now we had frequented the hotel as diners or for a drink, so we already knew our way around the public spaces, and locating the reception wasn't a problem. The hotel comprises of a few Georgian town houses and a "new" wing, which is around fifteen years old. All entrance rooms are located in the new wing.
At reception we received a warm Irish welcome. Check in went smooth. Originally we had requested a late check out at 3 PM at the time of the booking, but unfortunately our plans had changed, because I had to work on the 26th in the afternoon. We were offered a check out at 13.30 hours, which of course we were unable to take. We were also given a welcome letter and information about opening hours of the food and beverage outlets and the spa because of the festive season. We were then asked to take a seat at the plush sofa and wait for another member of staff, who was going to accompany us to our room. We weren't kept very long. Again the lady was very warm and friendly. We had small talk on the way to our room. I guessed she was Australian.
To get to our room we had to go through the Drawing Rooms and the garden. There is no need to worry. There is a glass covered walk way, so even if the weather isn't good or if it's night, it's dry and lighted with chandeliers.
On our room we received a short explanation how everything functioned and were wished a Merry Christmas.
The room proofed to be great. It was large and kept in gold colors and the heritage of the hotel. I admired especially the bed spread with its animal and flower prints. There was a coffee table, two comfortable chairs, a writing desk, a huge bed (claimed to be a queen bed, but looked like a king), flat screen TV with international and local channels and a wardrobe. Internet was available for free, but we hadn't our notebook with us this time around, wanting to have quality time together.
The bathroom was large too with separate bath tub and shower, a towel rack, sink and toilet. The amenities were from Asprey Purple Water, one of my personal favorites. When having a bath, I enjoy the silkiness of the hot water and the smell.
There was also a sweet surprise for us on the room. Every day we received a large bottle of still water and at turn down two small bottles. This was unexpected and very much appreciated.
The hotel staff is really great and tries everything to accommodate you. On Christmas Eve evening we decided spontaneous to have Afternoon Tea the next day and asked, if we could reserve a table. Because it was quite booked out, the member at reception couldn't promise it, but said she would call us as soon as she had a result. We waited a while, and because we hadn't heard back, called reception to check, if they maybe had more information. The receptionist didn't have an update, but reassured me, that when she had, she would ring me back immediately. We had to wait a little bit longer, before the Afternoon Tea at the Drawing Room was confirmed at our wished for time. We were impressed.
On the first evening we had Monaghan chicken and Bangers and Mash. The chicken and the vegetables were delicious. When I tried his Bangers I was spoiled for ever. They are extremely tasty and not greasy at all. It's an artisanal product. Every Banger and Mash has now to measure up to those, and that's proven difficult.
The breakfast was as outstanding as the dinner. Normally I don't like healthy breakfast, but this one was good. It consisted of The Merrion Blend Coffee or tea, juice of the day, fresh fruit salad, yogurt, bread and porridge. He had the pancakes with maple syrup and helped me with the toast.
When ordering our dinner it was also no problem to change the spaghetti to penne Bolognese.
The price was high. It didn't matter what we ordered. It generally did cost around 100 Euro / ca. 135 USD, but we didn't mind because the quality was outstanding.
The Christmas Afternoon Tea was also a full success. It included tea/coffee of our choice, finger sandwiches, scones and cakes. Especially memorable were the snowmen wearing sun glasses.
On our last evening the hot water was suddenly gone. We reported it to reception. They were aware of the issue and an engineer was already looking into it. When the water was back, we would be informed. We didn't receive a call. In this instance we were glad. The water returned after midnight. Normally we would have been asleep at that time, so if the staff had rung us, we would have been disgruntled.
The hotel has a spa and an indoor swimming pool.
It has two restaurants, the Drawing Rooms and two bars. If you want to read more about them, please check my reviews My four best hotels in Dublin and The Cellar Restaurant.
One of my favorite parts is the garden. It has a James Joyce sculpture, other art work and a water feature. It's very romantic.
By the way the Christmas decorations were fantastic too and elaborate.
The location of the hotel is perfect. It is in Georgian Dublin, just opposite the Government Buildings and the National Gallery of Ireland. Grafton Street, Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green and Temple Bar are just a short stroll away. The Air Coach (airport shuttle bus) and Dublin Sightseeing Tour buses are stopping nearby.
Our check out was smooth and fast.
This hotel can make addictive and if everything goes to plan we are returning latest at Christmas 2012.
©2012
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