Originally Posted by
Pauldublin
The Merrion is the best hotel in the city centre by far.
The restaurant attached is the two michelin star Patrick Guilbaud (reservations well in advance required)
The Clarence in temple bar is awaiting massive renovations. The octagonal bar at the clarence is worth a detour but if you want a true luxury hotel avoid its accomodations.
The westin and fitzwilliam are regular 4 star hotels.
The FS is in Ballsbridge which is about 2/3 miles from city centre. Taxis are plentiful at night and traffic ok but during the day....
The Merrion is by far the finest hotel in Dublin, with a great location, elegant setting and superlative service.
Below is a trip report
The Merrion is in the center of Dublin and in a central location, easy to walk or cab to virtually everything. The neighborhood surrounding the hotel is a lovely area to walk day or night with some nice restaurants, bars and other convienience stores, etc. Very elegant neighborhood, very safe. A few pictures are shown above.
Upon getting out of a car, the door staff will take your bags and you will soon be in the lobby area where you will catch a hint of the wood burning fireplace. The front desk is very warm as they are professional. Once you check in you will be able to enjoy the lounge area, bar area and garden area immediately behnd the lobby. Rather than feeling like a typical business hotel, you feel as if you are visiting a very well to do friend's home.
Very warm and elegant lobby, one of my favorite in the world. The bar area is very friendly and you are sure to strike up a conversation with guests and locals alike. Food is also wonderful and you will not want to leave the hotel. The Cellar restaurant downstairs is also very popular and great for all meals, I really like breakfast.
Rooms are elegant and classic, yet have all the modern amenities. The bathrooms and amenities are wonderful as are the high ceilings and large room size. The rooms have a nice balance of being elegant and functional.
The concierge and all staff are FANTASTIC. Everything here is perfect and you will be in the center of it all. Considering the Merrion versus the Four Seasons (more suburban), I would pick the Merrion every time. Enjoy your trip.