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
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