My daughter and I were planning a trip to Ireland last winter and, long story, short, our plans changed and now my husband and I are going to take this trip this October. I have been researching hotels and am torn between the following (all very different) The Merrion - where I can get a good corporate rate on a Garden Room, Brooks Hotel, The Morgan - again I can get a good corporate rate, and the Westin, yes, again, a good corporate rate.

Assuming that the rate is not the issue - which of these hotels should we choose? We would like a centrally located hotel as we will only be in Dublin for 3 nights, and we like nice accomodations (clean, modern, attactive) and a friendly atmosphere. Which would you choose?

Thanks!
Susan

I stayed at the Westin Dublin in July and loved it. Of course it has nice accomoedations: clean, modern, and attractive. Excellent location near the Temple Bar, O'Connell St, ...

I was going to recommend the Westin even if it had not been on your list. I stayed there twice. Neither room was very large, nor were they small, but both were nicely furnished, quiet, and comfortable. The second room had a nice big tub and a bit more closet space.

For that second stay in Dublin, one night, I had reservations at the Hilton at a better rate than the Westin. But when I go to the Hilton I found that the rooms were not air conditioned. That may be ok most of the year, but this was July. I had the Hilton MOD call the Westin to make a reservation for me and went there for the night instead. I was so happy I did that because the room was much nicer, in addition to the a/c, and I took advantage of the much better location.

I don't know what the other hotels on your list are like, but I would choose the Westin every time.

Definitely check the Westin website for special offers or discount rates, because they sometimes beat corporate rates.

We spent four nights at the Merrion a few years ago, and still talk about what a special experience it was. The three townhouses that make up the hotel have magnificent decorative plaster work. The drawing rooms and common areas are elegant yet very comfortable and welcoming. The staff go out of their way to be gracious and helpful. If the rate isn't prohibitive for you, I strongly recommend the Merrion.

I really enjoyed my stay at Brooks Hotel. It has a great location, walking distance to Grafton Street and Trinity College. The rooms are very nice and the beds very comfortable. Have a great trip.

Hello Susan. Check out the Conrad. Here's my post:

Author: OReilly
Date: 07/21/2006, 07:18 pm
Hi all:

I was in Dublin last weekend and stayed at the Conrad hotel (Hilton Chain) on Earlsfort Terrace, just a short walk through Stephan’s Green to Grafton Street.

http://conradhotels1.hilton.com/en/c...tyhocn=DUBHCCI

The website bills the hotel as a “five star luxury hotel”, which I think is a stretch, but I would definitely classify it as a high-end, four-star-plus business hotel. I was really impressed by the service, the room was very nicely decorated (two large twin beds), spotlessly clean and the bathroom very large. The location is excellent, just opposite the National Concert Hall and within a few minutes of shopping, theatres, great restaurants and the museum and galleries.

Although the rooms can be expensive during the week (over 200 Euros) my Travel Agent got me a rate of 140 Euros per night (same rate as Expedia) as business hotels are often empty at the weekends. Similar hotels in the area were in excess of 220 Euros per night for the same period.

Highly recommended for a weekend getaway if you can get a good rate!

Regards Ger

The Merrion without a shadow of a doubt. I live in the city and would LOVE to stay there. It's streets ahead of the rest and I don't think there are any other hotels in the city that are on a par with it (perhaps the Shelbourne when it reopens).

The Merrion, as Cailin says, without a shadow of a doubt. I genuinely think it is the best hotel in Dublin. Elegant and special, yet friendly. We have spent many weekends here (I'm from the North of Ireland), and it never fails to impress.

Angela

Merripn as its considered the best and then brooks as its also very nice and good location. Westin is very nice but its a busy street.

MERRION I menat to say!

Siobhan

We (my husband and I) always stay at the Merrion when we go to Dublin, and we love it so much. The last time we were leaving Dublin we got a bit lost (as usual), and ended up driving by the Brooks Hotel, which I thought looked lovely. We said at the time that next time we go to Dublin with friends that don't wish to splash out on the Merrion, that we'd definitely stay at Brooks Hotel, so I am glad to see you recommend it. Has it a nice bar? I tend to see the hotel bar quite often....

Thanks!

Angela

And just to make sure we have the same hotel, is it very close to the car park exit from the St Stephens Green Shopping Centre?

Angela

Angela - yes, Brooks is on Drury Street which is very close to the back of the Stephens Green Centre. Sounds like you're thinking of the right place.

Yes that is it. I have always been fond of the place as we often meet in the bar for quiet drinks when other pubs get crazy up to Christmas in Dublin or we want to have a quiet chat without a loud/busy pub. I have not seen the rooms but i am told its nice and probably much cheaper than the merrion ...which I would love to stay in some day!

My son and I stayed at the Westin and it was wonderful! Great location. Almost next to Trinity College.

yes, the Westin is lovely too with a great location, but the Merrion is still nicer and (in my opinion) a better location - with much less noise & passing traffic.