Friday, January 29, 2016

The Gallery @ The Westbury Hotel Dublin, Ireland

During our stay at The Dean Hotel in October 2015, please see also review, we went to The Gallery at the Westbury Hotel for a quick stop to refresh ourselves after going shopping in the city.

The carpet had slightly changed since our last visit and there was a small exhibition of Irish Design products in the lobby, because 2015 was dedicated to Irish and international Design.

We found a space at The Gallery, but it was quite busy already.

We ordered one Nutella Hot Chocolate, which woke memories of Penang and Malaysia, a Morning Star Green Tea and one Tia Maria.

The bill came in at 17.60 Euro / ca. 19.20 USD.

Overall the staff was attentive, but it was sometimes difficult to get their attention.

We enjoyed our relaxing visit and would return.

©2016

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Sophie's @ The Dean, Dublin

During our second stay at The Dean Hotel in October 2015 we also had dinner and breakfast at Sophie’s, their memorable roof top restaurant.
 
This time around there were a few changes. The service was much better organized and smoother.
 
The views over the city were as always stunning.
 
We were brought to our table, located in one of the corners.
 
Soon afterwards our waiter introduced himself and was responsible for us for the duration of the meal.
 
He was very attentive. Our previous experience was that staff was extremely busy and whoever had time, took care of us.
 
Tap water was brought to our table in a carafe and a glass of Olmeca Fusion Chocolate Liquor for him.
 
We ordered the whipped goats cheese with pine nut crumbs, red pepper, beetroot and raw tuna with watermelon and peach yogurt dressing. As a main course we both chose the veal meatballs with orzo pasta and shared an avocado salad. The salad was bigger than last time and came in a white bowl instead of a dark one. We shared a dessert, the iced raspberry mousse with milk chocolate ice cream, caramel sauce and crushed raspberries. All was delicious and plate licking good. It was also innovative.
 
The bill was ca. 80 Euro or ca. 87 USD.
 
Breakfast the next morning was quite. We ordered two green tea, two orange juices, one French Toast, a cream cheese bagel with smoked salmon and two fruit bowls. I’m glad the waitress advised me that a fruit platter would be quite large and maybe too much, since the bagel was generously sized too. I took the advice and she was right. A large fruit platter would have been too big. There were no reasons to complain at all and we felt fit and refreshed, ready to go to the airport for our flight to London. The bill was ca. 39 Euro / ca. 42.40 USD.
 
Will we return? Definitely. The food is too good to be missed.
 
©2016
 

Presidential Suite @ The DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Road, Dublin, Ireland

This one is dedicated to PP, a good friend and an optimist. :)

In early January we used the Winter Sale Rate on hilton.com and booked an Executive Suite to gain new experiences at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dublin-Burlington Road for one night during a weekend, also in January.

We used the online check in and thought we were going to have a room in Building 1 on the highest floor, the seventh.

Before the weekend started I had discussed with a friend how high our chances were to be upgraded to the Presidential Suite. I didn't have high hopes. First we are only matched status Hilton Honors Gold Members, second there is only one Presidential Suite and third there is no policy to upgrade to suites. We also thought when using the online check in it is difficult to override the room choice. So we were more than delighted and positively surprised, when we were told at reception we had been upgraded to the Presidential Suite. We were also recognized as return guests at this particular property.

The Presidential Suite is located on the Hilton Honors Floor, offers 100 m2 of space and overlooks the entrance of the hotel, the city and the nearby mountains. It has four large panorama windows, divided into 12 smaller ones, which makes it very airy.

There was a small hallway with a modern landscape painting, a table and guest toilet to the right. The toilet had a sink, towels and soap.

The living room was very large with a dining table for six, but it could easily accommodate eight. There was also a credenza, a side table with a mushroom shaped lamp and telephone, a large shelve, containing books about architecture, sports, horse racing and Irish cooking, a very large flat screen TV, maybe 55 or 60 inches in size, and some decorative vases. In front of the TV was a large seating area with a coffee table and a Tara Platter by Mindy Brownes.

The fabrics were dark, while the furniture was blond wood, which offered a beautiful contrast throughout the suite.

This time around Bloomberg TV worked, but not the Disney Channel.

There was a modern landscape painting on one wall near the double door leading to the bed room.

Another door leads to the Wet Room with microwave, sink, cutlery and crockery, glasses, a full sized empty fridge and tea/coffee making facility.

The bed room was the same size as the living room. There was a kangaroo sized [huge] bed, a credenza with a Flat Screen TV, a seating area for two and a writing desk with a Business Plus magazine and a bamboo plant.

On one wall hung a painting of a wave and above the bed a photograph showing the complete Ha' Penny Bridge which is located in the heart of Dublin, connecting over the River Liffey the southside with the northside of the city.

Mirrors gave the feel of the room being even larger.

In each room were two bottles of water, a hotel directory and an in room dining menu. A good idea due to the size of both rooms.

The Presidential Suite bedroom can be connected to an Executive Room.

There was also a walk in closet with a lot of storage space, an iron and ironing board and a safe, plus bathrobes and an umbrella and laundry bag.

The bathroom was very large with a cupboard, separate bathtub and shower, a sink and toilet. The Aroma Active Essentials amenities were generously supplied with three sets. There were also two dental, two shaving and two sewing kits, two shoe mitts, two combs, two deo sticks (one for him and one for her) and a lot of towels.

We spent most of the time in our suite, which was comfortable and felt residential.

The Presidential Suite also came with Executive Lounge access. We tried to visit it during Happy Hour, but it was full, so we had a quick look and left again.

We had in room dining and it was a pleasure to share meals at the large dining table. We tried two new dishes, the grilled chicken burger with mango chutney and skinny fries and the DoubleTree Cookie Cheesecake. It was made with a walnut DoubleTree Cookie base and a light white chocolate and vanilla mousse. Both were delicious and we would order them again in our future. In room dining was good value too. It was generally below 50 Euro (ca. 54.40 USD).

I also used the Executive Fitness Center on the 6th floor. I enjoyed using the stationary bike, watching TV, listening to music (Free earphones are provided, so you don't have to worry if you don't have brought your own.) and the views over Dublin and the mountains. There were of course other machines and weight lifting equipment available.

Breakfast at the Essex Restaurant was very busy. It wasn't too surprising with two large tour groups staying as well. The buffet was replenished regularly, so items were never really missing for long.

We were very grateful that we also received a late checkout and could enjoy the suite a bit longer.

As always check out approached too fast, though. Normally it's a very quick affair, but this time around it took a bit longer, because I told the receptionist we had also bought smoothies from the Grab & Go shop, but they weren't on the bill. I was thanked for my honesty, but not charged, because it wasn't in the system at all. There was also some confusion, if the jar of cookies we had charged to the room were already included with the other items or not. In the end we figured it all out and to make it right we received another three cookies for our journey home.

This hotel took so far really good care of us and is turning into one of our favorite properties here in Dublin. Of course we will return and have already booked a stay for later this year.

©2016

Friday, January 22, 2016

The Dean Dublin, Ireland - Revisit

In October 2015 we stayed before our flight to London at the Dean. It was our second stay. The hotel had at this stage opened for about a year.
 
Before our stay we were in contact with the hotel staff and the e-mail replies were always timely and warm.
 
During check in we were asked if we were return guests, when we confirmed we received two bottles of water as a welcome gift.
 
Originally we had asked in our e-mail conversation to have the same room we had in March 2015 or an equivalent quiet room. We didn’t receive the one we had earlier – it was a floor lower, the 2nd, and we were a bit worried that noise could be an issue.
 
When returning to our room after dinner we could hear music and the buzzing of people at the bar downstairs. It was very loud until roughly the middle of the floor. It got quieter the further we walked away and towards our room. In our room it was totally quiet.
 
We would recommend you book from the SupeRoom and up and request either a room on the second or third floor at the end of the building, because the first and fourth floor could be too loud (Bar on ground floor / Sophie’s and outdoor rooftop bar on 5th floor).
 
We had booked the Hi-Fi Room again. We liked the airiness, design and layout from our previous stay, so we chose it again.
 
The rooms looked identical. The only difference were the vinyls (Bee Gees, The Doors, Best of Cream and others) provided and the theme. It was dedicated to the UK (how eerie) and London with a coffee table book about the British capital and one about the Rolling Stones. There was also a Wear Dublin Magazine.
 
The views were the same, but the neighboring buildings seemed much nearer.
 
The minibar and prices were unchanged as were the TV channels (only regional) and free Netflix access.
 
Bathroom amenities were from Grafton Barber as expected, and which we again enjoyed.
 
I will write a separate review about dinner and breakfast at Sophie’s.
 
Check out approached as always too quick and was done efficient and friendly.
 
We love the Dean and would stay here again.
 
©2016

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

St. Eberhard's Co-Cathedral Stuttgart, Germany

St. Eberhard’s Co-Cathedral is located on busy Koenigstrasse, the main shopping street in Stuttgart.
 
There has been a church since 1811, but it was destroyed in 1944 by two bombs during WWII. The only remaining features are the layout and the tower.
 
In 1955 it was rebuilt.
 
We found the church by strolling along the Koenigstrasse and were intrigued by its architecture and ventured inside.
 
We were surprised how simple, contemporary and reduced the interior was.
 
It reminded us more of Helsinki Cathedral than a typical German church.
 
One part of the co-cathedral is dedicated to the beatified Father Rupert Mayer, who was born and grew up in Stuttgart, but spent most of his life in Munich. He was an ardent opponent of the Nazi regime and spent some time in prison and a concentration camp.
 
There is a sculpture by Karlheinz Oswald, depicting Father Rupert Mayer.
 
There was also a small leaflet of a prayer that was given to Father Rupert Mayer during his prison stint in 1939. It resonates with me too.
 
Here is the “Rupert Mayer Gebet” first in German then in English.
 
“Rupert Mayer Gebet”
 
Herr, wie Du willst, so will ich gehn,
und wie Du willst, soll mir geschehn.
Hilf Deinen Willen nur verstehn.
 
Herr, wann Du willst, dann ist es Zeit,
und wann Du willst, bin ich bereit.
Heut und in alle Ewigkeit.
 
Herr, was Du willst, das nehm ich hin,
Und was Du willst, ist mir Gewinn.
Genug, dass ich Dein Eigen bin.
 
Herr, weil Du willst, drum is es gut,
und weil Du willst, drum hab ich Mut.
Mein Herz in Deinen Haenden ruht.
 
“Rupert Mayer Prayer”
 
Lord, as you want I will go,
and what you want should happen to me.
Only make your wish understood.
 
Lord, when it is your wish that it’s time,
and when you want I’m ready.
Now and in eternity.
 
Lord, what you want I will accept,
and what you want is my gain.
Enough that I belong to you.
 
Lord, because you want it, its okay,
and because you want it, I have courage.
My heart rests in your hands.
 
 
We liked the tranquility of the church and would visit again, when in Stuttgart.



©2016

Die Zirbelstube @ The Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten Stuttgart, Germany

After reception of the Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten Stuttgart guided us towards the Zirbelstube for my dietary requirements we studied the menu online. We were happy and excited about what we saw, especially the vegetarian menu.

We booked a table for lunch and dinner and advised about our allergies and needs.

Finally it was time for our meals.

The executive chef is Sebastian Pruessmann, who has earned the restaurant one Michelin star, 16 Gault-Millau points and three Feinschmecker forks. The vegetarian menu counts as one of the best in Germany. Menus are divided into Old Love, New Love and Vegetable Love, plus Juice Love.

The Zirbelstube is located on the Mezzanine Level of the Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten and shares it with meeting rooms and the breakfast restaurant.

The Zirbelstube is designed like a traditional South German living room would look like with a few modern touches. There were wood panelling and lots of paintings and sketches on the walls.

We were greeted warmly by the restaurant manager and brought to a corner table close to the panorama windows with views over the Schlossgarten.

The maître d' and sommelier introduced herself and made a very suitable suggestion for us to drink. We didn't want alcohol, so she suggested a sparkling Aldinger grape juice, which is produced nearby. The juice looked like Champagne and the taste was great.

We also ordered a large bottle of Gerolsteiner still water.

All menus were available including Pruessmann's lunch menu, which we chose. It was very good value at 35 Euro for two courses per person.

Greetings from the kitchen included rye, pumpkin seed and hazelnut bread, served with lightly salted French butter, lemony sour cream and cress, which had to be cut with mini scissors, followed by lemonade with fruit mark / concentrate in the straw, cheese crème Brulee and mini buckwheat bagel with parsnip on its own raft. It was all delicate and beautifully presented.

Next was a salad with wild herbs, cucumber, edible flowers and mustard dressing for him, while I had the Gazpacho.

The main course for us both was the roasted cauliflower, Swabian noodles, different herbs and green sauce. It looked like a garden.

There was still room for a dessert and we could choose any we liked from the Old Love, New Love or Vegetable Love menus.

We shared one from the New Love menu. It was with mango, tofu, chocolate sauce, basil granita and seaweed. It was a mixture between being sweet and savory.

We also had green tea, which was fragrant, subtle and elegantly flavored. With it came a little dessert, a Baba au Limoncello with cinnamon. One of my fiancé’s favorite liquors is Limoncello, so this was a hit with both of us.

All of the dishes were innovative, surprising and beautifully presented.

We paid for lunch 125.70 Euro (ca. 136.60 USD).

The staff was amazing too, very attentive, warm and friendly.

After our lunch, but before dinner we used our time to explore Stuttgart during our afternoon.

Our Dinner.

We were immediately recognized and this time around offered a table at the window, while a Swiss couple occupied our lunch table. We were surprised there weren't more diners. Lunch had been busy with a family, couples and a group of business associates.

This time around we ordered again a bottle of still Gerolsteiner and the two mocktails on the juice love menu. He had the Pineapple Love with Verbena and Elderflower, while I had the Pepper Love which incl.beautiful habanero peppers. Both were gorgeous and moreish. His was more like a Gin & Tonic, while mine was smooth, sweet and tasted a bit like Gazpacho.

The bread arrived first, followed by a greeting from the kitchen. This time around it was a Buckwheat Bagel with radish, a Fried "Scotch" Egg and bean mousse.

We had chosen the Vegetarian Love menu. We started with Ravioli filled with goats cheese and pepper, followed by wild herb salad, sea weed and herb ice cream. The pea and mint soup was the highlight for him. Normally he isn't a big soup fan, but this one hit the spot. Another dish was stuffed courgette flower with caponata, courgette baked with goat cheese and polenta. The dessert was a Verbena combination, which was very refreshing, like art and again moreish. 

With our bill of 203.70 Euro (ca. 221.35 USD) came a selection of little desserts. His favorite, the Baba au Limoncello, was included as were honey cake and sweet sushi with passion fruit and soya sauce. The sushi was especially interesting, because it was salty, sweet and savory. The combination worked very well and was a stand out.

The dinner was more elaborate. All dishes looked like artwork on a plate and were extremely delicious.

Again the staff was attuned to our needs and very attentive.

As a last gesture of hospitality we could take the elevator directly located beside the restaurant - I believe it's normally only used by staff. It brought us directly to our room, which was just a few steps away.

Should we be in Stuttgart again, a meal at the Zirbelstube is a must for us. Highly recommended.

©2016

Monday, January 18, 2016

Hilton Charlemont Place, Dublin, Ireland

On a weekend in January we stayed for one night at the Hilton Dublin, located at Charlemont Place overlooking the Grand Canal.
We had stayed there a few years ago and thought it was good to get a refresher, since the hotel had been renovated and had a brand new restaurant concept.
We used the online check in and trusted the choice the hotel had made for us was a good one.
In the e-mail for the online check in we were also advised we were as a Hilton Honors Gold Elite Member upgraded to a King Hilton Deluxe Room with sofa and Turn Down Service. The seating arrangement was not guaranteed. Originally we had booked a Double Hilton Deluxe Room with Turndown Service.
We also pre-ordered a watermelon fruit platter. The confirmation e-mail didn’t show what we had requested.
The lobby had changed very much and looked brighter and more modern. When entering to the left was the Charlemont Bar & Bistro and on the other side was the Breakfast Room.
A bit further inside the lobby was the reception to the right.
Check in was friendly and quick. Our late checkout was granted with a smile and Turndown Service, which was offered due to the room type we booked, easily arranged.
When discussing our blank amenity request we were re-assured it was already on the room.
Our room was located on the 3rd floor, also called the Club Floor, with a corner for a Nespresso Coffee Machine, Twinnings Tea and depending on the day of the time complimentary cookies or pastries.
There was also a large fruit bowl with apples, oranges and grapes on the elevator landing.
Our room was large and held in dark and light brown tones with ochre walls and a colorful cushion on the very contemporary chair with ottoman.
On the coffee table were VIP, Dining in Dublin and Stellar magazines and as promised our watermelon, orange, fig and strawberry plate was already waiting on the writing desk.
There were mirrors in different sizes on the walls and artwork depicting flowers or synapsis, depending how you interpret it and a photograph of the Ha’Penny Bridge in the bathroom.
Storage space was limited with only a small wardrobe and a luggage rack.
There was also a mini fridge, which was not stocked.
While exploring the room our Hilton Honors Gold amenity was delivered: Two bottles of Celtic Pure water, Guinness toasted Cheddar hand cooked potato chips and Grace’s Irish Oatmeal Biscuits. The biscuits are shaped like a shamrock and tasted very delicious. He says the chips are also very good. Unfortunately he was quicker than I and ate them all by himself, so I can’t comment, but I guess I would have liked them too.
The views were over the courtyard, so our room was very quiet during the night.
There was also a flat screen TV, which offered only British and Irish channels beside RT, the only international channel.
The hotel related material was a bit outdated. For example the In Room Dining menu showed mini bar prices, but obviously the fridge was empty. Drinks can be ordered from room service, though.
The Guest Directory still invited us to join Uisce Restaurant and Stil Bar.
The king sized bed was very comfortable and huge. The mattress was a bit harder. We like firm mattresses, so it was ideal for us.
The bathroom was on the smaller side, but had everything we needed, including enough space to store our own cosmetic products, a sink, a double set of Peter Thomas Roth amenities, bath/shower tub combination and toilet.
Turndown arrived while we were having dinner. When we returned another two bottles of water and a 2-piece Lily O’Brien’s chocolate box were waiting for us.
We enjoyed lunch and dinner at the Charlemont Bar & Bistro.
The refurbishment itself has paid off. The bar had a club atmosphere with floor to ceiling windows, black and blue furniture, wooden floor, and the entrance reminds me about understated Japanese architecture.
The bar island was decorated with green and white bottles, especially made for the hotel, on the top and the hard stuff was in the middle.
Dinner service was attentive, but a bit confused with our drinks order. We had requested a large bottle of still water for both of us and an Espresso Martini for him. For some reason the person taking our order thought I wanted a glass of tap water and he the cocktail. It was rectified immediately and a bottle of Irish Echo3 (for three times filtered) was brought to our table.
Our main courses were Clonee beef fillet with red wine jus, parsnip and potatoes and Sea Bream with asparagus, baby potatoes, broad beans, tomato salsa and citrus oil. All was very delicious and the fish dish looked especially colorful. We shared a side salad.
Dessert was the Chocolate Melody, including a popping candy milk chocolate mousse, an opera cake and a chocolate ball. It was scrumptious.
We rounded the meal up with a hot chocolate.
It cost ca. 80 Euro (ca. 87 USD).
Lunch was a slightly easier going with soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches on offer. He had the beef burger (massive), which was as good as the steak, while I had the trout salad with beetroot and apple. Again the quality and taste were excellent. Drinks included a Kahlua and two green tea. The bill was ca. 40 Euro (ca. 43.50 USD).
Breakfast was served buffet style until 11.00 hours (In reality a bit longer, because many guests arrived relatively late, and there was a warning when the buffet would be cleared away.) on Sunday and had a wide variety of cold cuts, cheese, porridge, fruits, fruit salad, cereals, pastries and much more.
Again a small mishap when ordering tea for both of us. Only one cup arrived and when I asked another waiter for green tea I was told I had to get it myself from the tea/coffee station. That was a first, but not a problem. The coffee machine, tea selection and hot water was located beside the pastries, so easy to find.
We explored the hotel and found lots of beautiful photography of Dublin landmarks in the public spaces. There is also a Coffee Hub for meetings and conferences and a small fitness center on the first floor.
Time was passing quickly and soon it was time to check out, which was done in seconds.
We are looking forward to a stay in the near future.
©2016

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Queen Casey



Thanks to EW, who inspired this story.

Daddy was so unfair! Casey was angry and to calm herself down she fled into her own dream world.
She was Queen Casey of Bruman and the Sultan adored her!
Casey was lying comfortable on a golden upholstered day bed outside her pink palace, surrounded by her favorite toys. The sun was shining and the air humid like in Miami. Casey enjoyed the great weather and was even happier when the Sultan of Bruman approached her. He definitely knew how to please her - unlike her father. He wore an opulent uniform and looked exactly like the Aztec warrior in her picture book. The Sultan carried a chocolate cake. "Here you go, darling." The chocolate cake looked delicious. Since Queen Casey wore finery, she feared if she was eating herself she was going to ruin her beautiful azure dress. The Sultan seemed to read her mind. "Let me!" He said, picked up the fork and fed Casey. She sighed with pleasure. The cake was yummy and she wanted more. It was of course immediately forthcoming. Casey’s toys cheered her on. She shared with them. Queen Casey was beloved by her subjects due to her generosity and kindness.
Unfortunately it was time to return to reality. Father and daughter had arrived at home. Daddy helped Casey out of her car seat. She was still upset her Daddy hadn’t given her cake. A clementine was NOT satisfactory! Casey hoped Daddy had learned his lesson and treated her like the queen she was. Casey and her father Fin might didn’t look similar, but both could hold a long grudge. So when nothing sweet was served that evening, Casey ignored her elder. The next morning was another day, though, and the cold shoulder treatment was over.
©2016

DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Road Dublin, Ireland

Our plan for 2016 is to stay more with Hilton family brands.

To get the right start we requested a status match from IHG Gold and received Hilton Gold, which includes free breakfast, if chosen in My Way benefits, and other perks.

We also didn't want to begin the new year with zero points, so we booked two stays during two consecutive weekends in December.

We chose the DoubleTree by Hilton Dublin-Burlington Road for it's convenient location (very easy to reach from our home), having heard/read lots of good things about the property and because the hotel houses the only executive lounge in the Republic of Ireland at a Hilton family property.

The Air Coach and Dublin Bus (Bus Number 46A towards Dun Laoghaire) have a stop right in front of the hotel. There is also a taxi rank.

Before Hilton took over it was the Burlington Hotel with the night club Annabelle. The Burlington was originally very classic and a choice for celebrities.

It was completely renovated after Blackstone bought the hotel.

Annabelle's is gone these days.

There is now a roundabout in front of the hotel with a large DoubleTree by Hilton sign and a zebra crossing for pedestrians. The traffic is well regulated now for incoming cars and pedestrians.

The building dates back to 1972 and the architectural style is brutalism. The new silver cladding softens the markant lines a bit and makes it look elegant.

This review concerns our two stays combined in December 2015.

The day before our official arrival we used the online check in on both occasions and chose our rooms. There are two towers and our rooms were located opposite each other on the 6th floor in Building 1.

When entering we were impressed how much the hotel had changed. It was now totally contemporary furnished with modern Christmas trees and decoration.

To the left was the Lobby Lounge and to the right the BBar. Straight ahead was reception, where we headed to receive our keys and cookies. We had to wait for our first check in a bit, because it was very busy. The second involved no waiting at all.

Using the online facility paid off. Everything was ready, so we were just advised about the King Executive Guest Room benefits, which we had booked. It included Executive Lounge access. Our requests for late checkout were granted, even though the first time the hotel was fully booked.

Our first room overlooked one of the car parks, the chimneys of Ringsend Powerstation and the Aviva Stadium (for soccer, rugby and concerts).

The second room was over the neighboring apartment buildings and the city. If you're looking for privacy we would recommend to book rooms with an even number and closer to the end of the building, since there is also Tower 2, which is slightly shorter. Other guests could look into the room otherwise.

The way to the rooms was long, ca. 3 to 5 minutes. We didn't mind it, but others might not enjoy this and want a room nearer to the elevator or a room which overlooks the front of the hotel.

The second room was slightly larger than our first room. It seemed to have more space for our own toiletries in the bathroom, had a smaller showerhead and a slightly softer bed. Beside this the amenities, furniture and layout were identical.

There was a small hallway and one door led off to the bathroom.

The room was medium sized with blond wood furniture and a blue, yellow grey and brown color scheme. It made us feel immediately at home.

On the coffee table two bottles of Rocwell water and a jar of Handisnax (chocolate covered raisins and peanuts) were waiting for us as a welcome gift.

There was an armchair in a popping yellow color, a writing desk with chair, a new generation Sony flat screen TV, a mini fridge (not stocked) and a large, comfortable bed.

An interesting detail was the safe. It was integrated in one of the drawers of the writing desk. A few years earlier we stayed at a London hotel with a similar idea and we had some negative experiences/feelings with that one, so I was positively surprised, when the safe fit perfectly into the drawer, was easy to open and the door didn't crash on unsuspecting hands.

The TV offered a wide choice of regional and international channels, including BBC News, CNBC and CNN. There should have been also Bloomberg, but it seems there wasn't any signal available.

Artwork depicted two of our favorite Dublin Landmarks, the Ha'Penny Bridge and the Four Courts.

The medium sized bathroom had a bathtub/shower combination, a toilet and sink. The amenities were by Aroma Actives Essentials, a first for us. We liked them and it included also mouthwash, which was a nice touch and very welcome.

The hotel is also prepared for guests, who have forgotten something, including combs, deodorant, toothbrushes and paste or shaving material could all be delivered or picked up from the lobby on a complimentary basis.

On the 6th floor were a meeting room and a small, but well equipped gym.

The Executive Lounge is located on the ground floor directly beside the elevators and opposite The Sussex Restaurant, which serves as the breakfast venue.

The lounge was open every day from 06.30 hours to 21.30 hours.

Breakfast is served from 06.30 hours to 09.30 hours. The Happy Hour is between 17.30 hours and 19.30 hours.

The lounge looked like a gentlemen's club from a bygone era with books, magazines, newspapers, a bar and during Happy Hour a corner, where guests can pull their own pint of Guinness.

We had once breakfast in the lounge. It was a buffet with a small selection of one hot egg dish, cold cuts, vegetables, fruits, fruit salad, yogurt and three different types of juices and bread, jam, butter/margarine and honey. There was enough to make us happy, but if we would stay longer from two nights we would prefer breakfast in the Sussex restaurant for a bit more variety.

There was a coffee machine, which should have also dispensed hot water for tea, but the mug filled up with a mixture of hot milk and water, so we did forgo it, since we don't like tea with milk and there wasn't any member of staff to assist us.

During our 2nd stay we went to the restaurant, because we missed breakfast in the lounge. The buffet closed half an hour earlier due to Christmas, but we hadn't been aware, so the DoubleTree was kind enough to still give us the 1000 Bonus Points as My Way choice and didn't charge our breakfast either, this was well appreciated.

The restaurant was lavishly decorated with bookshelves creating privacy for diners.

Breakfast was busy. A table for two was easily found for us.

We had to queue a bit at the buffet to get all the items we wanted. The buffet was expansive and included hot oatmeal, smoked salmon, waffles, pastries and anything else we could wish for.

If items were nearly gone or completely finished they were replenished quickly afterwards.

Scrambled eggs were available at the buffet, but other egg dishes could be ordered a la carte.

Throughout the day the Executive Lounge offered soft drinks and hot beverages. 

During Happy Hour, one hot dish, crisps, dips, two appetizers and a dessert were served. Some examples were beef sliders, spicy salmon, goats cheese on cranberry bread, chicken tikka masala on baguette, Parma Ham on cranberry bread and double chocolate cake.

Beer and wine was free, but liquors chargeable.

We enjoyed whiling away a few hours at the lounge which felt to us like a sanctury.

Of course we tried the BBar, the Lobby Lounge and in room dining too.

Our preferred venue is the Lobby Lounge. It's cosy, good for people watching and has an open fire place, while the bar is understated, large and with floor to ceiling windows and TV screens showing sport events.

The Lobby Lounge menu was limited. Since the BBar menu was available in the lounge as well, it wasn't a problem.

We have by now tested a few cocktails, some of the small plates, the salads and ice cream, which come all highly recommended and were delicious. Prices were reasonable and we didn't pay more than 40 Euro (ca. 43.45 USD) at one time for our drinks and meals consumed. Good value, quality, service and memorable setting included.

The grab & go concept in the lobby is a great idea too, since the mini fridges aren't stocked and not everyone has the time or wants to walk to nearby Donnybrook Village or the city center to buy necessities.

We definitely look forward to our stays in the future and would be even happier, if the breakfast in the Executive Lounge would be served longer during weekends lets say until 10.30 AM or 11.00 AM and Bloomberg would be available too.

 ©2016