The Merrion: Dublin’s Most Stylish 5-Star Hotel

After our superb road trip through Northern Ireland, I decided to stop for two nights in Dublin. I had already had the pleasure of staying in the Irish capital during my visit to the Emerald Isle a few years back (and wrote an article about my 10-day itinerary), but I was still thrilled to rediscover the city. For this stay, I set my sights on The Merrion, a veritable institution in Irish luxury hospitality! Let’s check it out!

Old-World Charm

Situated in the heart of historic Dublin, the hotel couldn’t be more conveniently located; it’s just a stone’s throw away from major tourist landmarks (such as the National Gallery of Ireland and Trinity College) as well as a number of trendy bars and restaurants. The establishment occupies four perfectly restored Georgian houses, offering an excellent opportunity to explore the country’s rich history. Its old-world charm is palpable from the moment you step inside, particularly in the gorgeous drawing rooms that you can admire during check-in.

The elegant Merrion features a subtle combination of antique style and contemporary refurbishments, with all of the modern comforts necessary for the 21st century luxury traveler. The hotel will also thrill art lovers thanks to its enormous 19th and 20th century art collections.

Refined Rooms and Suites

The 123 rooms and 19 suites are divided between the main house and the more recent garden wing. The elegance and history of these 18th century mansions shine through the rooms' interior design. We stayed in a gorgeous junior suite, and I must admit that my jaw dropped as soon as we entered the room, with its beautiful high ceilings, majestic bed, impressive chandelier, decorative wall molding—in short, the luxury of days gone by! Spacious, comfortable, and highly refined, the suite displays a rather feminine atmosphere with accents such as beautiful pink toile.

A Treat for the Taste Buds

When it comes to gourmet dining, The Merrion offers several options: first of all, there's the restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, the only establishment in Ireland with two Michelin stars, which serves refined, high-flying cuisine.

We had our hearts set on another restaurant—the Garden Room—with its brightly-lit, modern dining room and view overlooking the gardens. We kicked off our meal with a series of snacks, such as the gravlax bun with honey mustard sauce, beef casserole croquettes, and crab arancini with saffron aioli. My husband ordered the sole for his entree, while I chose the veal fillet with a Jerusalem artichoke puree.

We returned to the lovely Garden Room dining area the following morning for a savory Irish breakfast.

Another gourmet experience that you shouldn't miss is the famous Afternoon Tea, which showcases a fantastic combination of artistic and culinary values. Guests can enjoy their tea in front of a crackling fire in winter or take a seat in the gardens when the weather is nice. This experience is a must!

After a day out exploring the city, there's nothing like spending a few hours relaxing in the hotel's wellness center. Unfortunately, the spa was under renovation during my stay, so I wasn't able to test it. The new center, unveiled this autumn, features neutral colors and silky fabrics and is comprised of six treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, fitness room, and a gorgeous 18-meter pool. The Merrion has chosen to collaborate with beauty brands Biologique Recherche and ESPA for a fantastic array of facials and body treatments.

The Verdict

The Merrion is a veritable institution in the Irish capital's luxury hospitality industry. Its omnipresent old-world charm and numerous works of art will draw sophisticated and inquisitive travelers, who will benefit from an excellent location in the heart of historic Dublin. The elegance of the rooms and suites as well as the fantastic culinary offering are undeniable assets for the hotel's international clientele. This luxury establishment will transport you to another era!

• The character-filled Junior Suite
• The old-school British-style drawing rooms and restaurants
• The perfect location: in the heart of a lovely neighborhood, close to several tourist attractions

• The poor soundproofing in the suite, which was located right next to a conference room… what a shame!

Practical Information:

• More information available on their website
• Junior Suite starting at €1500/night in May 2019

Thank you The Merrion for the invitation to explore their establishment.Of course, the content of this blogpost was left entirely up to me!

Do you know The Merrion? Feel free to send me your comments or questions by posting them on social media.

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