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
