The Merrion Hotel Dublin
Hotel · Ballsbridge ·
Afternoon tea with art-inspired pastries, Michelin dining
Afternoon tea with art-inspired pastries, Michelin dining
"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
"The Merrion has a lovely feeling of grandeur with its art-filled sitting rooms, elaborately mantled fireplaces and central formal garden. It occupies a quartet of Georgian townhouses and, while designed in the 1990s, pays stylistic homage to the 18th century. All of this comes in a great location near St. Stephen's Green and Merrion Square. What’s more, this Two MICHELIN Key hotel is home to a Two Star restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud." - The MICHELIN Guide UK Editorial Team
"How did it strike you on arrival?The Merrion was created from four townhouses that date to the 1760s; as striking as the façade may be, nothing compares to the interior. The lobby, all marble columns and doormen in top hats, leads to a plush drawing room where guests take tea by a roaring fire. The food here is exceptional; the hotel is home to Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, the only two-Michelin-starred spot in Ireland, and the Garden Room, which is set within the hotel's manicured private garden. There’s a large collection of private art (you can take self-guided tours with an audio headset), too. Nice. What’s the crowd like?This is a special-occasion kind of place, so you'll see guests dressed for afternoon tea, or for dinner at one of the restaurants. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Elegant and muted, with plenty of soft blues and grays, the rooms at The Merrion have a traditional tone that never feels fussy. You’re better off opting for a room or suite in the main house, where you’ll find more Georgian features and a dash more character. The Lord Monck suite is incredible, with high, intricately carved vaulted ceilings, eons of space, and crystal glasses for your nightcap. Not that you’ll need any help getting to sleep—with silky 400-thread count sheets, fluffy duvets, and pillows that feel like marshmallows, the beds at The Merrion are so good you’ll want to stay for a week. How about the little things; any extras worth noting?The Wi-Fi is speedy and free. And if you head down to the spa, you might just get handed a little glass of strawberry sorbet—a nice touch. Room service and food: Worth it?With three excellent restaurants onsite, you probably won’t be looking for room service. But if you find you can't leave the dreamy beds, there’s a fairly solid selection on the in-room dining menu, including platters of Irish shellfish and smoked salmon. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whatever stuck with you.The swimming pool is blissfully serene, with a steam room off to one side. Bottom line: worth it, and why?A timeless treasure, this is one of the finest hotels in Dublin, if not in all of Ireland." - Nicola Brady
