Travel Log: Westin Dublin, Ireland

Having stayed at the Westin Dublin a couple of years back at a Deluxe Room, we thought it would be nice to return as a Christmas treat.  We found a special offer - book a suite, get 10 % off, breakfast and 3000 bonus points, when you are member of Starwood’s loyalty program, plus a welcome gift.

The Westin is located opposite Trinity College and the Bank of Ireland. The nearest Airlink Stop is College Green. From there the hotel is only around 200 m away. It is housed in a former bank building and was opened in 2001 by Mary Harney, the then Tánaiste and Health Minister.
When entering there is a foyer. At the end of the foyer and to the left is the Exchange Bar and Restaurant.  When entering the lobby, there is a stair case on the right, leading to the Atrium Lounge, an open fire place with seating area and to the left the concierge and reception.
As the name of the Atrium lounge implies it has a very beautiful atrium and is my favorite place in the hotel.
In the basement is the Mint Bar - it's the former bank vault with the bar island in the center and tables placed around it. They serve some mean cocktails and snacks.

Our check in was quick, and after asking for a late check out at 2 PM it was granted after a short moment of hesitation. When inquiring what the welcome amenity would be, we were told it was either Baileys or Jameson Whiskey. Since we liked both it wasn't a problem.

There are some new room types at the Westin, like Writer's rooms and suites - named after a famous Irish author. Ours was located on the third floor and called Brian O'Nolan Writer's Junior Suite. When entering there was a small foyer with two double doors leading to the bathroom on the left and the bedroom to the right. A few steps led up to the living room. We were surprised by the large size of the living room and that there was no wall between the bed and living room, only a balustrade. We also had a small terrace with two chairs and a table. It gave amazing views over Trinity College. There was a small barrier between our part of the terrace and the neighboring room's, giving some privacy.

The bedroom was medium in size with loads of storage space for clothing, the safe, a king sized bed and a medium sized TV, providing all international news and business channels needed. Sports was also covered with Sky Sports 1 to 3 and ESPN. There were also regional channels. The Heavenly Bed was very comfortable, and we had a good nights rest. The furniture was contrasting with dark and light colors. The same color scheme continued in the living room. There was a huge sofa, coffee table with books by Brian O'Nolan (It's not recommended to take them with you, because there is a charge of 30 Euro applicable if you do), a writing desk and a huge TV. Unfortunately that flat screen TV didn't get any signal. It didn't matter, because we were there to spend time together.  Below the TV was a credenza, containing the minibar. A short background information about the author was also given and hanging on the wall beside the writing desk. There was also a chair with an ottoman. The carpet was very beautifully decorated too. A large photograph hung above the sofa, depicting a sea scape. There was also some other artwork placed in the bed and bathroom. We spent a lot of time on the sofa and testing also the writing desk and chair with ottoman. Everything was comfortable and the fabrics used very soft.

The bathroom had a shower over bathtub combination, a toilet, scales and a sink. There were also Heavenly Spa amenities including mouthwash. The bath tub was comfortable, the water pressure very good and no fluctuations in water temperature.

When I requested an additional soap and mouthwash we received two complete amenity sets only a few minutes later.

When our welcome gift arrived we were in for another surprise. Instead of receiving simply the whiskey or the Baileys, we got both including nuts and truffles. When we thought that was it, room service returned with a cheese board and a bottle of wine.

Since we know the restaurant, bar and lounge already and frequent the last two regularly we didn't use them during our stay.
We had in room dining instead. Our late lunch consisted of fish from the Superfoods RX menu, pasta with chorizo, fruit salad and an unexpected sticky toffee pudding, which hasn't been charged. We also had a bottle of still water, juice and a Rush Hour (cocktail) for my better half. The cocktail hadn't been on the menu, but when I asked the person from in room dining, if I could also order it, it was no problem at all. The meal was very delicious.

Later we felt slightly peckish and had the tomato soup and again fruit salad.

Because breakfast was included in our rate, we had the option to choose between the buffet at the Exchange Restaurant or anything from the in room dining menu. We choose the latter. Both of us had the Healthy Breakfast with oatmeal.

In room spa treatments were also available.

The time passed way too quickly and before we knew it was already 2 PM. The check out was efficient and warm.

We felt after our stay relaxed, happy and totally spoiled.

Every member of staff was very friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. Besides the space, design and comfort of the suite, we loved the can do attitude of the staff and would return in a heart beat.

©2013

Looking for the Source

Alyssa was hungry. She looked for her mother, but couldn't find her. The lady, who was bouncing her and singing, had food. At least it seemed so for Alyssa. The lady was called Chastity and was looking as exotic as Alyssa did. Alyssa was red haired and had almond shaped eyes - the hair color was from her father, the slanted eyes from her mother, who was half Vietnamese. Chastity on the other side had black hair and very dark skin. Alyssa was desperate, so she started looking for food. She grabbed Chastity's top and looked what was inside. Chastity's breasts were huge, much bigger than Alyssa's mother's. "There must be plenty to eat for me." Alyssa thought and made smacking noises in anticipation. She tried to figure out how she could get her mouth to one of the nipples and nourishment. Alyssa's grunts got more urgent. She still looked into the top and made signs to try and climb up on Chastity's stomach. It didn't go unnoticed by Chastity, who swarted all of Alyssa's efforts. Alyssa felt one of the breasts. How was she going to get to the source of her food? Determined Alyssa struggled with the garment until she had lifted it up and made her way up again. Chastity pulled her out - by now Alyssa's hair was standing on ends, and she was near crying. Alyssa kneaded Chastity's left breast, having again a look inside the shirt. Finally she came to the conclusion maybe the fabric wouldn't be in the way, so she latched her mouth onto Chastity's left nipple. Chastity was shocked and cried out loud: "Help!" Her husband Giovanni was amused. He laughed, but had mercy with Chastity and separated the two. Alyssa was frustrated and began to scream. Giovanni was surprised how loud a baby could be and glad he and Chastity didn't have any kids. It didn't take long for him to locate Hue, Alyssa's mother. She was talking to the birthday boy, who had invited them all to celebrate the occasion. Recognizing Athe howls of her daughter, Hue excused herself, picked up Alyssa and went to a quieter place, discreetly opening her blouse and latched her daughter to her nipple. The cries ceased immediately. Alyssa learned one thing - no matter how big a breast was it didn't always provide milk. Best to trust her mother then.

©2013

Image

Roberto Pianas asked his cousin Antonio for a favor. Roberto's future son in law needed some information and Roberto was sure Antonio could help him. Antonio wanted to know more about Roberto's son in law before coming to a decision. Roberto told Antonio that Coldham Fintan Noose III was engaged to his oldest daughter Frieda for five years. He was a professional burglar and had been second in command in a successful big heist, robbing a museum in Taiwan. The burglary had gained international fame due to how many valuable pieces were stolen and the audacious manner it was carried out with.
As soon as Roberto had hung up, Antonio asked his PA to send Stefano Garcia up to him. Stefano was his right hand man. "Boss?" Stefano asked when he arrived. He was nearly 7 ft tall, very muscular and mostly underestimated. People thought he had strength but no brain. In reality Stefano was highly intelligent and had been instrumental in launching a money laundering scheme and helped Antonio grow into his position.
"Find out everything about Coldham Fintan Noose III." "Okay, boss. As soon as I have the information, I'm back." "Thank you, Stefano."

About a month later Fin, as Frieda's fiancé was nicknamed, arrived at the appointed time at Antonio's office. Antonio had read the information Stefano had dug out carefully. Fin was definitely interesting and maybe similar to him. While waiting Antonio stared out of the floor to ceiling windows and over the Potomac River.
Antonio turned around his executive leather chair for a more dramatic effect. The two men studied each other. Fin looked as on the photograph Antonio had seen - tall, light ash blond with blue grey eyes. Antonio on the other side was 5 ft 9 in tall, trim, light brown haired, had almond shaped black eyes and caramel colored skin.
Antonio was all business and accordingly behaved cold and calculating. He had gained the image of ruling his arm of the mob with an iron fist. When his father Zacarias died two years earlier he had to take over the leadership in the Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia area. He had been prepared, but Antonio didn't feel ready at all and feared also that some other members of the gang or the competition tried to over topple or get rid of him. Antonio purged anyone internally he deemed a threat to his succession. On the outside he behaved strong too, so nobody dared to interfere. Privately Antonio had a very different personality.
As expected Antonio was tough and cut a deal with Fin he would have done with anybody else. Stefano had found out who had engaged Fin and if the heist was successful Fin was going to earn 20 Million USD. The psychological assessment Stefano made was that Fin was a gentleman and wouldn't cheat, if he shook hands on a deal or didn't break his word, if he promised something. On the other side Fin was a narcist. When Antonio met Fin, Frieda's fiancé didn't make the impression of being one.
As soon as Antonio got the information Fin was looking for to blackmail a nephew of a senator, he handed over the document to Fin at the Round Robin Bar. Fin also had his payment ready, which surprised Antonio. He had expected cash only when Fin had stolen the desired item. At his office he counted the sum. It was exactly 500.000 USD. Fin had kept his word. If Fin had cheated Antonio, he would have sent Stefano to deal with the issue, and it would have been most unpleasant for Fin. Since there weren't any problems, Antonio thawed and showed his private side, very few ever glimpsed. When not on business Antonio was warm, caring and lively. Besides inviting Fin to his home, he and Fin shared a passion for jazz, so Antonio took Fin to the Blues Alley, his favorite club. They had a good time and developed a long term friendship, when Fin started to trust Antonio.

©2013

Nightmare

Poor Fin is in for another spanking thanks to his brother Mike.

"No, Dad, no!" Coldham Fintan Noose III begged his father and name sake for mercy. "Please, I'm going to be a good boy!" "It's fifty strokes with the cane as I said. Now bend over and drop your pants." Coldham's voice was hard and made it clear he wouldn't budge. Trembling and very close to tears Fin, as Coldham Fintan III was nicknamed, obeyed.
The cuts bit deep into Fin's skin. Coldham was a master in wielding the cane, so blood was drawn only after the thirty first strokes. Fin was bawling, screaming and shaking.

"Fin, Fin, wake up. You're having a nightmare." Fin woke up, when his wife Frieda shook him. He had been flaying and screaming in bed and real tears were streaming down his face. Had somebody else caught him, he would have been embarrassed. Fin trusted Frieda blindly and had no secrets from her. Sleeping seemed impossible for Fin. He was visibly shaken. "Want to talk about it?" Frieda asked. Fin was torn. Briskly he whisked away the tears, using the time to make up his mind. "Okay." Frieda and he went to the kitchen. She made him a malt drink. It was relaxing and in Frieda's opinion just what the doctor ordered. He graciously accepted a cup and a slice of chamomile cake with honey frosting. "So what did you dream?" "Dad had decided to give me fifty lashes with the cane for coming home late and involving my brother." "Oh, my goodness!" "You woke me up, when we had arrived by around forty. You won't believe how realistic the dream was. I felt the burning and stinging sensation and blood was running down on the back of my legs..." "Did your parents ever ... go so far?" Broaching the subject wasn't easy for Frieda, but she was curious. "No. Not with the cane. The number of strokes would have surely killed me. They were quite mad at me the last time I was ever spanked by them. My mother whipped me with a belt - I lost track of the number of strokes, but I estimate they were in the region of thirty to fifty. You have seen the results." "I remember." Frieda had been outraged when she had seen the damage. Fin's backside had been covered in welts and bruises. He had had problems walking and moving, because it hurt a lot. On the other side it hadn't kept him from making love to her. The last memory made her smile. Frieda returned to the present, when Fin continued: "I was eight." "Sorry?!" "When the real incident occurred. Mom and Dad had Mike and I allowed for the first time ever going alone to mutual friends a block from our house. Mom had told me I was responsible for the welfare of Mike and that we were punctual back at 5 PM. If not..." Frieda could imagine what Beverly had told Fin. She wanted to kill Beverly and Coldham. They had done a lot of damage to Fin's psyche. Sighing she pushed the thought aside and asked: "What happened?" "Mike didn't want to go home." "What?! Why would you get punished for that?" Fin shrugged his shoulders. "Mike saved his own butt." "He accused you of not wanting to go home?" "Yes."

Fin didn't believe his ears, when Mike, his seven year old brother, lied to their father. Fin had tried everything to get them both home on time. Since Mike was slightly taller and stronger than him, he simply couldn't drag him home by the ears. Only when Mike realized Fin was fretting, he was willing to go home. Their parents were already waiting for them and as always Mike was given priority. Both were lectured. When asked why they were late, Mike blurted out Fin didn't want to go home. Of course they believed Mike and Fin had to take the brunt of Coldham and Beverly's anger. "Mike, go to your room. Stay there until we call you." When Mike was out of earshot, Beverly told Fin: "We trusted you and you abused our believe in you. This is so disappointing. One thing is for sure you won't be going out alone for a long time. Now to your punishment: Three strokes on your underpants." Fin blanched. He had avoided the cane for a couple of months and had only received one stroke so far. Coldham had left the room to fetch the cane, while Beverly prepared Fin. He tried to escape and protested his innocence. Fin's mother didn't have patience for such nonsense, grabbed him by the arm, held him in place, pulled down his underpants and smacked each cheek twice. She then pulled up the garment and said: "Behave young man! If not the pants are coming down too." Fin was fighting with tears. It was all so unfair. He was angry and hurt. Fin couldn't understand why his parents wouldn't listen to him. Fin pleaded with Beverly to no avail. She warned him one last time to shut up or else... Fin didn't stop whining. Beverly had enough. She bent Fin over the arm rest of the sofa, her arm draped around his waist, so he couldn't move and with the other hand pulled down the briefs. Coldham returned and wasn't too pleased to find Fin bared. He could imagine what happened and his wife confirmed it. Fin was glad his mother held him in place. Otherwise he would have moved after each scorching stroke, which would have in turn displeased his parents. Fin tried to be good and not to make a lot of noise. He was partly successful, but he cried immediately after the first cut. When the last stroke had landed Fin was screaming at the top of his lungs, because the pain was so incredible. As soon as he was released from his mother's grip, he hopped from one foot to the other and rubbed his behind to ease the sting. He wouldn't accept any comfort from Coldham or Beverly. It took Fin a few minutes to calm down. He didn't believe it when he was told by his parents everything was forgiven and that they loved him.  In fact he hated them and couldn't wait to be left alone. When he was finally allowed to go, Fin went straight to his room to check out the tramlines he was sure he had. The marks were clearly visible. Fin knew he would have pain sitting down for a few days, before the angry welts would fade and go away within a week or so.
Mike had to stay on his room for the rest of the evening.
Fin ignored his parents and Mike for a while.


In the present Fin had finished his story. He was glad he could talk about the dream and what had happened. It was a relief. The drink made Fin sleepy, though, and soon Frieda and he were back to bed.

©2013

Travel Log: Hilton Dublin Airport, Dublin, Ireland

I have written a very thorough review of the Hilton Dublin Airport previously, but thought to give you the heads up about our last three stays in 2012.

Our stay in November was slightly disappointing. The room we received on the fourth floor was renovated, but the mattress was lumpy and the duvet too short, one of us was sometimes partly uncovered. Our sleep wasn't as deep and restful as usual.
We noticed some other changes.

The furniture went from light to dark brown.

There were new elegant dark blue folders containing the Hotel Directory and the new In Room Dining Menu. The key cards had also different prints - instead of brown they were now also dark blue.

In our opinion that had changed for the better.

The breakfast the next morning was disappointing and not up to the high standards we were used to at this property. The smoked salmon looked as if it was over the use before date, the scrambled eggs were watery and the coffee too bitter for my taste.

We weren't exactly looking forward to our following stay.

It was a prepaid rate, and we had requested an e-standby upgrade to a Hilton Suite. EW said we would get the upgrade, I bet we wouldn't.

To our delight the upgrade was confirmed at check in. A late check out at 2 PM was granted without quibble.

The suite was large and located on the third floor. The colors were all kept in brown and the lightning was mellow. When entering there was a small visitor's toilet to the left and a dining area with a table and chairs to the right. At the entrance wooden floor was used. There was also a huge sofa, a big chair and a smaller one, a writing desk and large flat screen TV with international and regional channels. The credenza contained the mini bar. The living room area was carpeted.

The bed room was large with a king sized bed. This time around the mattress, pillows and duvet was fine. We slept like babies with the new Serenity Bed. There was also a writing desk, wardrobe with a safe and a large flat screen TV.

The bathroom was large with a separate bath and shower, sink, toilet and a weighing scale.

We soon realized that the door to the mini bar wouldn't open, so I called reception. Normally the mini bar lock can be released from there, but unfortunately it didn't work. Somebody from maintenance was sent. He arrived within minutes and made it work again.

We tried the Burnells Bar this time around for dinner and were pleased with the new menu. It contains a healthy section, and we choose Tia Maria, tea, hot chocolate and orange juice, the Grilled Aubergine (eggplant) with rice, ratatouille and mixed salad, penne pasta with pesto, chicken and cherry tomatoes and sticky toffee pudding. All was very delicious.

The breakfast had improved again and was back to the old high standards.

Check out was quick and to our surprise the drink we had from the mini bar wasn't charged.

Overall we had a relaxing time and were looking forward to our next stay on the Thank you rate - a bargain of 37.50 Euro / ca. 50 USD - at the end of December. Again we had an e-standby for the Family Room and the suite. We didn't expect an upgrade, because the hotel was fully booked. We were upgraded to a Deluxe Room. To our surprise it was a corner room on the fifth floor. The interior has changed a bit since the renovation, and the rooms have been reclassified.
We were happy and comfortable as in the suite, so there was a big improvement compared against our stay in November.

Other changes we noticed.

The Diamond welcome amenities have improved. On our first stay we received four bottles of (still and sparkling) water, fruits and mint chocolate. In our opinion the mint chocolate tastes awful. During our last two stays the unbranded mint chocolates were replaced with Lily O’Brien’s chocolates. Much better and very much appreciated.

The shuttle bus drivers and reception staff are still the same. The restaurant and bar staff has changed. They are much younger. There is no cocktail menu available in the bar. Asked if there were any available, we were told there were three choices. I remember two, the Cosmopolitan and Sex on The Beach. On the other side the bar offers a wide variety of liquors and beer.

The problem with the water (too hot, too cold or change in temperature while taking a shower from scalding hot to ice cold) has been nearly eliminated. There are still some minor temperature fluctuations.

Another change we don't like but grudgingly accept is the charge of 2 Euro (ca. 2.65 USD) per person from the hotel to the airport when using the shuttle bus. It is still free from Zone 14 at the airport. Children under 12 can also use the shuttle free of charge. The explanation why the surcharge was introduced on 01.01.13 is that the costs of running the shuttle are very high and to offset some of them customers have to pay. We understand this, but it's very unfortunate in our opinion.

The overall experience has improved for us, so we are going to be very happy in future to stay again more often at the Hilton Dublin Airport.

©2012

A new milestone

We celebrate

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Thank you!!!!

THANK YOU!!! 

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  To the next 5000!!!!

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