Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [91]
Morrison Hotel (Map; 887 2400; www.morrisonhotel.ie; Lower Ormond Quay; r from €135, ste from €285; ) Fashion designer John Rocha’s loosely Oriental style is evident in the Zen-like furnishings, but extras such as iMac computers, iPod docking stations and Aveda goodies clinch it for us. For a few euro extra, nab a far superior studio den (€415) in the new wing: there’s a balcony and enough space to throw a party. This could be the most affordable posh hotel in town.
TOP END
Gresham Hotel (Map; 874 6881; www.gresham-hotels.com; Upper O’Connell St; r €200, ste €450-2500; ) A city landmark and one of Dublin’s oldest hotels, the Gresham shed its traditional granny’s parlour look with a major overhaul some years ago. Despite its brighter, smarter, modern appearance and a fabulous open-plan foyer, its loyal clientele – elderly groups on shopping breaks to the capital and well-heeled Americans – has stuck firmly. Rooms are spacious and well serviced, though the decor is a little brash.
Docklands
Hotels at the eastern end of the Liffey are aimed almost exclusively at the business traveller, but a highly competitive market means there are some pretty good ones to choose from. A new, much-vaunted five-star hotel designed by Manuel Aires Mateus was scheduled to open at the end of 2009, but that could be delayed into 2010.
MIDRANGE
Maldron Hotel Cardiff Lane (Map; 643 9500; www.maldronhotels.com; Cardiff Lane; r €110-360; ) On the south side of the Liffey a short walk away from the Grand Canal Dock, this is one of the best midrange options in the city. The rooms are large and extremely comfortable, but the real catch is the amenities: two restaurants, a top-class fitness centre complete with sauna and a 22m swimming pool, the largest hotel pool in town.
TOP END
Clarion Hotel IFSC (Map; 433 8800; www.clarionhotelifsc.com; Custom House Quay; r €265, ste €395-1000; ) This swanky business hotel in the heart of the Irish Financial Services Centre has beautiful rooms decorated in contemporary light oak furnishings and a blue-and-taupe colour scheme that is supposed to relax the mind after a long day of meetings. We prefer to relax with a swim in the Sanovitae health club downstairs.
Smithfield & Phoenix Park
It’s still an area in development, but Smithfield – especially along the quays – is a good spot to stay as it’s close to all the action.
MIDRANGE
Maldron Hotel Smithfield (Map; 485 0900; www.maldronhotels.com; Smithfield Village; r €130-150; ) This modern hotel, with big bedrooms and plenty of earth tones to soften the contemporary edges, is your best bet in this part of town. We loved the floor-to-ceiling windows – great for checking out what’s going on below in the square.
Beyond the Grand Canal
You’ll get more for your euro in the largely stylish digs dotted throughout the southern city suburb of Ballsbridge, a 30-minute walk from the city centre or a short ride on buses 5, 7, 7A, 8, 18 or 45.
MIDRANGE
Waterloo House (Map; 660 1888; www.waterloohouse.ie; 8-10 Waterloo Rd; s/d €70/120; ) A short walk from St Stephen’s Green, this lovely guesthouse is spread over two ivy-clad Georgian houses off Baggot St. Rooms are tastefully decorated with high-quality furnishings in authentic Farrow & Ball Georgian colours, and all have cable TV and kettles. Home-cooked breakfast is served in the conservatory or in the garden on sunny days.
Ariel House (Map; 668 5512; www.ariel-house.net; 52 Lansdowne Rd; r €79-250; ) Somewhere between a boutique hotel and a luxury B&B, this highly rated Victorian-era property has 28 rooms with en suite bathrooms, all individually decorated in period furniture, which lends the place an air of genuine luxury. A far better choice than most hotels.
Pembroke Townhouse (Map; 660 0277; www.pembroketownhouse.ie; 90 Pembroke Rd; s €90-195, d €115-290; ) This superluxurious town house is a perfect example of what happens when traditional and modern combine to great effect. A classical Georgian house has been transformed into a superb boutique hotel, with each room carefully crafted and appointed to