Intercontinental Dublin

Set within the show grounds of the Royal Dublin Society in leafy Ballsbridge, this seeming Victorian-Georgian hybrid—topped by gigantic eaves and a lovely cupola—looks like the real McCoy (from afar at least), but was in fact built during the boomtime excesses of the brash Celtic Tiger era. The impressive landscaping across the 4 acres of gardens aims to make the hotel seem like an oasis; a big effort has been made to ensure that a bit of greenery can be seen from most rooms, which is a sign of the attention to detail throughout that you'd expect from this brand.

room

Guest rooms are spacious, with large windows that allow light to flood in, and luxurious purple throws. Beds are king-size, with duck down duvets, and rooms also feature large writing desks as well as all the amenities of a high-end chain hotel.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Perhaps we are being fussy here, but there were a few niggles with service on our visit. The key didn't work in the lift, and then the offered newspaper was never delivered. Small things, but the kinds of things top hotels should get right.

Photo: Our Contemporary Rooms are beautifully refurbed in soft neutral tones and are a spacious 44 sqm/474 sq feet with enhanced views of Ballsbridge / Contemporary Guestroom

Photo: Our spectacularly appointed and furnished Presidential Suite is 250 sq meters/2691 sq Ft and offers wonderful views over the landscaped gardens, Dublin City Skyline, Dublin mountains and the exclusive leafy neighbourhood of Ballsbridge. / Presidential Suite

Photo: Our Junior Suites are over twice the size of our Deluxe Bedrooms and offer an enhanced spacious Bedroom with open-plan living area, with the option of a pull-out sofa bed, perfect for families. / Junior Suite

bathroom

Bathrooms are large too, with deep baths and power showers. The products are Agraria, and fluffy bathrobes and slippers are provided.

Photo: The central position and effortless style of The Lobby Lounge makes it the perfect venue for all-day dining. / The Lobby Lounge

lobby

Once you enter the six-floor building, you see how the pre-20th-century design mixes luxuriously with modern glass and concrete and lends the place a warm touch. The lobby, with long reception desks to the left and huge floral displays in the middle, leads attractively onto the conservatory and courtyard.

Photo: The central position and effortless style of The Lobby Lounge makes it the perfect venue for all-day dining. / The Lobby Lounge

Photo: The Spa at InterContinental Dublin is one of the city's finest and most discrete offering luxurious massage, skin care and body care options from an award winning ESPA Treatment Menu / The Spa at InterContinental Dublin

pool

The 14m sun-lit pool is quiet, attractive, and large enough to swim a decent few laps.

Photo: The Spa at InterContinental Dublin is one of the city's finest and most discrete offering luxurious massage, skin care and body care options from an award winning ESPA Treatment Menu / The Spa at InterContinental Dublin

spa

The lower-level antiques-adorned spa is one of the finest in the country, with a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi too.

gym

The gym is modern and well-equipped.

Photo: Seasons Restaurant is a stylish and elegant dining room, flooded with natural daylight overlooking the courtyard terrace. / Seasons Restaurant

dining

Breakfast is a gorgeous affair, served in the conservatory and restaurant, and laden with goodies. The hotel's Seasons restaurant (a nod to its past as the Four Seasons hotel) also does stylish contemporary Irish a la carte dining, Wednesday to Sunday. All-day classic dining is available in the blue and gold lounge. The hotel also has afternoon tea in the Reading Room, which is a suitably swanky treat.

The hotel also hosts regular culinary events - an evening with a top chef, for example, or currently three pop-up 'pods' in the garden where guests can dine.

Photo: Seasons Restaurant is a stylish and elegant dining room, flooded with natural daylight overlooking the courtyard terrace. / Seasons Restaurant

Photo: A cosy, intimate bar featuring a large collection of Irish Whiskey's – with over 100 Whiskey labels including 69 Irish whiskey's. Whiskey tastings can be arranged with our Whiskey Sommelier. / Whiskey Bar

drinking

The hotel's grown-up Whiskey Bar, with wood paneling and lots of drink options, is a cozy spot.

Photo: A cosy, intimate bar featuring a large collection of Irish Whiskey's – with over 100 Whiskey labels including 69 Irish whiskey's. Whiskey tastings can be arranged with our Whiskey Sommelier. / Whiskey Bar