Fodor's Expert Review Merrion Hotel

Stately, stylish and splendid, and well-situated directly across from the Government Buildings between St. Stephen's Green and Merrion Square, this luxurious hotel actually comprises four exactingly restored Georgian town houses, which means it also boasts a lovely courtyard garden. There's a real sense of old-school luxury here, but the facilities are up-to-the-minute, with a gorgeous spa and pool, top-class restaurants and even the hotel's own vineyard-produced wine.

Photo: Junior Suite

room

Guest rooms are beautiful and large - some overlooking the city, some the courtyard garden (with Juliet balconies). Tones are beige and muted, with some striped or spotty throws as highlights, and crisp linen sheets on the comfortable beds. There's a classic, Georgian feel throughout, as you'd expect, with some rooms boasting extra historic wow factor: some are vaulted with delicate Adamesque plasterwork ceilings, and others are graced with magnificent original marble fireplaces.

To fully enjoy the historic patina, opt for one of the more authentic rooms in the Main House at the front.

Photo: Junior Suite

bathroom

Bathrooms, in Carrara marble, are also spacious, and most have showers and baths. Products are by Asprey.

Photo: The Merrion's Front Hall

lobby

The chic, black-and-cream tiled lobby sets the tone, with attractive stucco work and the original staircase, as well as helpful, efficient staff. Perhaps surprisingly, amid all this fanciness, they are also child-friendly.

The hotel's owners boast one of the largest private art collections in Ireland, which you can see all around the hotel. There's also a free audio art tour for afficionados.

Photo: The Merrion's Front Hall

pool

The pool, all columns and blue mosaic tiles, is gorgeous.

spa

The little Tethra spa, which is being remodeled later in 2018, is also a great place to relax, with therapists available every day and a steam room too.

gym

The fitness area is small-ish, but well-appointed, with plenty of machines.

dining

Leading Dublin restaurateur Patrick Guilbaud has his eponymous, Michelin-starred restaurant on the premises, and the hotel also has the recently opened Garden Room, a beautiful and more low-key Irish dining option.

YOU SHOULD KNOW To get a table at the acclaimed Patrick Guilbard, you'll have to book months in advance.

Photo: Garden Terrace

Photo: Drawing Rooms

Photo: The Garden Room

Photo: Art Afternoon Tea, inspired by the largest art collection in Ireland, which sits within The Merrion's walls.

drinking

Guests can take drinks or the delicious afternoon tea - inspired by the hotel's art collection - in the gorgeous drawing room, which feels like a period drama set brought to life. Or the hotel's lovely courtyard garden, featuring a cool James Joyce sculpture, is perfect in summer. Then the bars aren't bad either - No23 feels like a swanky private club, and the Cellar Bar is really something. Situated in the original stone-walled cellars, dating from hundreds of years ago, you can sip a wine or a whiskey and go back in time - the Duke of Wellington's birthplace is above your heads. The bar also serves gastropub-style meals and its own craft brews.

Photo: Art Afternoon Tea, inspired by the largest art collection in Ireland, which sits within The Merrion's walls.