The Merrion Hotel Dublin
Hotel · Ballsbridge ·
Art-inspired afternoon tea, 2 Michelin-star dining, spa
Art-inspired afternoon tea, 2 Michelin-star dining, spa
"Suggested as a regal stay in Dublin’s city center for Six Nations rugby, this hotel is framed as an elegant, historic base that suits travelers seeking classic surroundings to balance the intensity of match days at nearby Croke Park and other stadiums." - Jessica Chapel
"Quietly confident and composed of four restored Georgian townhouses just beyond Dublin’s busiest streets, this five-star stay offers something rare in a capital city: space, stillness, and exceptional attention to detail. Rooms and suites are designed with restrained consistency in soft creams, greens, and pale blues that allow the natural light to do most of the work, while period-style furniture feels elegant but never precious. Technology is neatly integrated rather than flaunted, and spacious bathrooms feature Carrara marble, deep tubs, and walk-in showers. The whole experience feels practical, generous, and thoroughly thought through—ideal if you want all the access to the city without full immersion. Set in a neighborhood steeped in the literary and political history of Wilde, Yeats, and Beckett, it carries a strong sense of legacy in its architecture, trees, and unhurried pacing." - Ciara McQuillan, Matt Charlton
"Supremely luxurious yet discreet, just off Merrion Square and St. Stephen’s Green, this rambling conversion of Georgian townhouses hides rooms opulent enough to rival the Ritz while remaining firmly tasteful—think matching toile de jouy headboards and sofas, ornate ceiling plasterwork, and huge paneled windows that slide up to let in the morning breeze. After a swift check‑in, it’s tempting to linger for afternoon tea in the leafy courtyard beneath a sundial statue of James Joyce, descend to the subterranean spa for a soak in the Grecian‑style pool, or book dinner at the Garden Room for an Irish wagyu burger or roasted pork chops from County Mayo. The hotel also lays on one of Dublin’s most delightful afternoon teas, with miniature desserts inspired by Irish literary masterpieces—making it all the harder to tear yourself away to sightsee." - Liam Hess, Nicole Kliest
"Housed in four 18th-century townhouses in central Dublin, this elegant hotel pairs Georgian coziness with bright, springlike interiors and a garden courtyard that fills rooms with light. It features a near-comprehensive collection of Irish art (highlights include works by Jack B. Yeats and William Scott) and even offers afternoon tea with pastries inspired by the artworks; service is warm and personal, exemplified by a guest-relations executive who befriended the family. Public spaces such as the intimate Garden Room overlook the courtyard and a James Joyce statue, with low ceilings and deep banquettes that make conversation easy for guests with hearing difficulties." - Peter Terzian Peter Terzian Peter Terzian is the features editor of Travel + Leisure, where he has been on staff since 2017. He has been an editor at Elle Decor, Culture and Travel, and Out magazines, as well as Newsday, the Long Island newspaper. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A Two-Key Hotel with a Two-Star restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud, located in Dublin, Ireland." - The MICHELIN Guide