Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 01-676 6471;
www.theshelbourne.ie
; 27 St Stephen's Green North; r from €220; ; all cross-city,
St Stephen's Green)
Dublin's most iconic hotel, founded in 1824, was bought out by the Marri-
ott group, who spent a ton of money restoring its rooms and public spaces to their former
grandeur, a few years ago. The refurb was successful, but their management style has been
criticised as being somewhat short of its five-star reputation.
Whatever your experiences, you're staying in a slice of history: it was here that the
Irish Constitution was drafted in 1921, and this is the hotel in Elizabeth Bowen's eponym-
ous novel. Afternoon tea in the refurbished Lord Mayor's Lounge remains one of the best
experiences in town.
NUMBER 31 €€€
GUESTHOUSE
( 01-676 5011;
www.number31.ie
; 31 Leeson Close; s/d/tr incl breakfast €180/260/300; ; all cross-city)
The city's most distinctive property is the former home of modernist architect Sam Steph-
enson, who successfully fused '60s style with 18th-century grace. Its 21 bedrooms are
split between the retro coach house, with its fancy rooms, and the more elegant Georgian
house, where rooms are individually furnished with tasteful French antiques and big com-
fortable beds.
Gourmet breakfasts with kippers, homemade breads and granola are served in the con-
servatory. Yeah, baby!
MERRION €€€
HOTEL
( 01-603 0600;
www.merrionhotel.com
; Upper Merrion St; r/ste from €485/995; ; all cross-city)
This resplendent five-star hotel, in a terrace of beautifully restored Georgian townhouses,
opened in 1988 but looks like it's been around a lot longer. Try to get a room in the old
house (with the largest private art collection in the city), rather than the newer wing, to
sample its truly elegant comforts.
Located opposite Government Buildings, its marble corridors are patronised by
politicos, visiting dignitaries and the odd celeb. Even if you don't stay, come for the su-
perb afternoon tea (€36), with endless cups of tea served out of silver pots by a raging fire.
CONRAD DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL €€€
( 01-602 8900;
www.conradhotels.com
;
Earlsfort Tce; r €220; ; all city centre)
Dublin's first
truly modern international business hotel has not just kept up with the pace of change but
HOTEL
