Fodor's Expert Review The Westbury

This luxurious, chandelier-filled, modern hotel just off Grafton Street is a favorite with elegantly dressed Dubliners and well-heeled tourists alike, not least because of its fantastic location right at the heart of Dublin's entertainment and shopping district. But it's not just good from the outside: the inside is top-level too, from its swanky entrance and Gallery bar/llobby area, overlooking the streets below and recalling the glory days of glamorous travel, to its friendly and enthusiastic staff.

room

Bedrooms, in grey tones, have handmade Irish furniture and carpets, plus duck-down duvets. Most have king-size beds, with nice touches like reading lights built into the leather headboards. The suites are particularly inviting, and combine four-poster-bed opulence with an understated, sleek look. Despite its central location, the hotel is quiet throughout thanks to good double glazing.

For history buffs, rooms at the back have a better view, overlooking Dublin Castle and Christchurch Cathedral.

bathroom

Bathrooms are in black, both the tiles and the marble fixtures and fittings, and suitably appointed or a hotel of this class. Products are from Aromatherapy Association and most have showers over baths.

lobby

The lobby is part of the hotel's Great Gatsby-esque wow factor. Coming up a flight of stairs from street-level, you enter the large, buzzy Gallery, the spacious mezzanine-level main lobby (the reception desk is right in front of you), furnished with a grand piano and a grand view out onto the bustling streets below. Jazz plays at weekends and refreshing juices and other drinks are served all day.

There's also a lot of art on the walls - if guests are interested (and sometimes even if they just show a flicker of interest), the hotel's guest relations manager Joseph is happy to conduct an impromptu art tour.

gym

There's a small fitness suite.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Fitness fans will have to reach for their wallets if they want to keep up with real exercise while staying at the Westbury: for €10, guests have all-day access to a gym just off-site, with classes and a pool. Staff also have a map of jogging routes.

dining

The pleasant Wilde Restaurant, where breakfast is served, also offers serves somewhat pricey upscale lunches and dinners, but in a lovely, plant-filled setting; while the street-level bar and brasserie Balfe's goes for a more relaxed menu and feel, with a focus on healthy choices. Afternoon tea is served in the Gallery.

drinking

The hotel's art-deco Sidecar bar is gorgeous, with softly glowing mirrored lamps, a lovely little outdoor terrace and a custom-made pewter bar. There's a huge bottle selection and a Martini trolley that goes table to table, a nice touch.