Fiona Byrne

The Merrion

  • Where:
  • Why:Returning to the motherland (I’m Irish) and rediscovering Dublin.
  • When:Summer 2014
  • Who:Me & my Irish pal Gillian.
>
The Merrion Stairs in the entry.

Stairs in the entry.

The Merrion Statue of James Joyce on the grounds.

Statue of James Joyce on the grounds.

The Merrion A Hotel Life everywhere you look!

A Hotel Life everywhere you look!

The Merrion The stunning entry.

The stunning entry.

The Merrion The courtyard is gorge. You can sit on the patio if it’s warm enough.

The courtyard is gorge. You can sit on the patio if it’s warm enough.

The Merrion My room overlooking government buildings. On a sunny day, Dublin is beautiful.

My room overlooking government buildings. On a sunny day, Dublin is beautiful.

The Merrion The paper liner in the bin thrilled my OCD soul.

The paper liner in the bin thrilled my OCD soul.

The Merrion My room was one of the guest rooms in the original Georgian houses.

My room was one of the guest rooms in the original Georgian houses.

The Merrion  The mini bar had some delish local Irish snacks.

The mini bar had some delish local Irish snacks.

The Merrion The egg warmers were pretty cute.

The egg warmers were pretty cute.

The Merrion Beautiful original Georgian architectural details.

Beautiful original Georgian architectural details.

Highs & Lows

  • The slippers were super plush and bouncy. Like mattresses for the feet!

  • The Asprey London bath amenities smell amazing and are totally stealable.

  • There was a paper liner at the bottom of the bathroom trashcan, which gave my OCD a massive thrill.

  • The in-room tea is from local Dublin heritage brand Bewley’s. Love that.

  • To be blunt, the Merrion is the best hotel in Dublin. You just won’t find better than this. It’s an absolute pleasure to be here.

  • The Irish breakfast didn’t blow my mind. Although, I did enjoy the little egg warmers.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 49/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Luxury hotel.

  • Vibe

    Tranquil and elegant, lots of afternoon tea and hot toddys by the fire.

  • Location

    Extremely central – the hotel is moments from St. Stephen’s Green and Dublin’s best shopping street. It overlooks Government Buildings and the Natural History Museum

  • Rooms

    123 rooms, 19 suites.

  • Music

    Classical, very background.

  • Year Opened

    1999

  • Designed By

    Aidan Cavey recently completed a redesign of the rooms and suites.

  • Health & Wellness

    Yes – and the pool is beautiful.

  • Restaurant

    Yes, the fine-dining restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, is the only restaurant in Ireland with two Michelin stars. 

  • Bar

    There’s a super small cocktail bar called No 23 and late night you should definitely go to the Cellar Bar. Yes, it’s in the cellar and has many nooks. You feel as if you’re drinking in a wine vault. Celebrities take note: it’s great for privacy.

  • Minibar

    Artisinal chocolate and Irish potato chips, you won’t find Pringles here. The homemade cookies are outstanding. We also got a welcome pastry in the room that blew our mind.

  • Children

    It’s definitely family friendly, but not full of kids running around the place.

  • Price

    Considering it’s the best hotel in Dublin, it’s pretty affordable. Rooms start around 200 euro per night.

Share this Hotel

More AHL

DublinIreland

The Dean

by Fiona Byrne

“For twenty and thirty-somethings who enjoy a decent cocktail and pleasing surroundings.”

BelfastIreland

Bullitt

by Chris Connors

“If you could sum up Belfast in one place, it would be Bullitt”

WaterfordIreland

Cliff House Hotel

by Alicja McCarthy

“Relaxed and comfortable with awe inspiring views.”

MadridSpain

7 Islas

by Li Saumet

“The most charming oasis in the middle of Madrid”

PortoPortugal

Massarelos House

by Jewels Smith

“This factory-turned-hotel is steps away from the Douro River”