News
Trends
Celebrities
Interviews
Jet Set Pet
Suite Dreams
Top 5
Weekend Away
Specials
Family Vacation Packages
Romantic & Honeymoon Packages
Spa & Wellness Packages
Destination Weddings
Girls Getaways
Spring Specials
Summer Specials
Fall Travel Packages
Winter Specials
Destinations
Articles
Hotels
Hot Hotel Openings
Beach & Island Resorts
5-Star City Hotels
Adventure & Eco Lodges
Boutique City Hotels
Country House Hotels
Family Resorts
Romantic Retreats
Guest Ranches
Safari Camps & Lodges
Golf Resorts & Lodges
Spa Resorts & Wellness Retreats
Ski Resorts & Lodges
Wine Country Getaways
Villas
Beach Villas
Country Villas
Golf Villas
Ski Villas
Villas
Residences
Trips/Cruises
Cruises & Yachting
Rail Journeys
Ultimate Adventures
Private Jet Travel
Safaris
Family Travel
Travel Tips
Business Travel
Airline News
Arts/Culture
Events
Food/Wine
Restaurants
Bars & Nightclubs
Afternoon Tea
Coffee & Desserts
Culinary Travel
Wine Travel
Spa/Sport
Spa & Wellness Retreats
Yoga & Hiking
Golf Getaways
Ski Vacations
Shop/Style
Gift Guide
Beach and Resortwear
Beauty and Fragrance
Books
Fashion
Home Style
Luggage and Handbags
Luxury Autos
Men's Style
Travel Essentials
Watches & Jewelry
Wine and Spirits
World's Most Expensive
Home Page
News
Weekend Away: Dublin
July 27, 2012
Jessica Colley
The rain fell in sheets as an exquisitely dressed bellman opened the taxi door, offering a hand and an umbrella. We were swept inside, through the marble entry hall, and up to our suite. With the click of the door behind us a weekend of indulgence began, complete with bubble baths, spa time, and the distinct warmth of that first sip of an Irish coffee.
Every city has one hotel that captures its spirit and character, delivering a true sense of place. In Dublin, this is undoubtedly the Merrion. A five-star, Leading Hotels of the World member with 123 rooms and 19 suites, the Merrion is spread throughout four historic Georgian townhouses and a contemporary garden wing. This property is an ideal retreat during rain showers–and once clouds clear–a location smack in the center of Dublin puts everything desirable just beyond the doorstep.
The elegance of another time is recreated within these walls. Originally built for wealthy Irish merchants and nobility, the main Georgian houses date back to 1760. Today, after a meticulous restoration, this era in Dublin history comes to life through Irish artifacts, antiques, and fabrics. Intricate maps and rare bank notes were framed on my suite's walls. The Merrion also showcases the often remarked upon Irish hospitality. Service is not only outstanding, but warm. Even the elevators are remarkably responsive.
The staff impressed from arrival, but it was the amenities that made me swoon. Drawing rooms invited hours of conversation on plush couches next to the fireplace. The still surface of the infinity pool tempted me in for a dip. Over the weekend I was torn between wishing for rain or sun: rain meant afternoon tea by the fireplace, while sun meant a glass of Champagne on the terrace.
Pleasures at the Merrion don't end there. Serious gourmands will want to book a table at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Ireland's only dining room with two Michelin stars. Breakfast in the Cellar Restaurant is an elegant affair, while the Cellar Bar is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner under the original wine vaults. This space has the nooks and crannies that only history can provide. One afternoon I commandeered an exposed brick room with friends for a classic lunch of smoked salmon and Irish brown bread washed down with a big pot of tea.
The morning after my arrival, the rain's foggy romance cleared and skies were a bright blue. The hotel is located on Upper Merrion Street, across from government buildings and at the heart of Dublin's city center. There are several nearby options for an afternoon stroll, including manicured Merrion Square or leafy St. Stephen's Green with its lake and resident swans. Exclusive shopping along Grafton Street or exploring the exhibits of the National Gallery of Ireland are both within a few minutes' walk.
While art enthusiasts will be drawn to the halls of the National Gallery, they should also roam through the Merrion. This hotel has one of the most important private collections of 19th and 20th century art in Ireland. Paintings by celebrated artists including Jack B. Yeats and Roderic O'Conor are on display for close inspection. Tours of the art collection with a guide from the National Gallery can be arranged. As for me, I liked the idea of combining a little art history with a meal. That's where Art Tea comes in.
The gardens were glowing with late afternoon sun when my reservation for Art Tea arrived. Seated on the terrace, we toasted a glass of Champagne before devouring tasty finger sandwiches, then crumbly scones with clotted cream, raspberry jam, and lemon curd. For the 2nd course, we retired into the drawing room by the fireplace. Pastries inspired by the art collection–each with a card detailing its history–were served on a silver tray. They're almost too beautiful and delicate to eat. Almost.
Rain or shine, tea or Champagne, breakfast in bed or the Cellar Restaurant–the Merrion gets it all just right. Give them the chance, and this hotel will make you a guest for life.
Jessica Colley is a freelance travel and food writer based in New York City. Follow her travels online at
www.thegreatamericantraveldream.com
.
Like Us
Facebook
Follow Us
Twitter
Follow us
Instagram
Sign-up for Our Email Newsletter
FIND A LUXURY HOTEL & BOOK WITH EXCLUSIVE PERKS!
Andorra
Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bhutan
Botswana
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei Darussalam
Cambodia
Canada
Cayman Islands
Chile
China
Colombia
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
England
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji Islands
Finland
France
French Polynesia
Galapagos
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kenya
Kuwait
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Martinique
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
Netherlands Antilles
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Oman
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Russia
Scotland
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
St Vincent & the Grenadines
St. Barthelemy
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Martin
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Turkey
Turks & Caicos
U.S. Virgin Islands
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Wales
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Beach
City
Coastal
Countryside
Desert
Golf Course
Island
Jungle
Lakeside
Mountains
Remote
Waterfront
Wilderness
Adventure/Eco/Nature
Culture
Business Meeting
Casino/Gambling
Food & Wine
Family Vacation
Golf Getaway
Pet Friendly
Romantic Getaway
Safari
Scuba Diving
Shopping & Fashion
Ski Vacation
Spa & Wellness
Villas
Wedding
Wineries / Wine Tasting
Luxury Partners
Villa Lala — Romantic Boutique Hotel in Puerto Vallarta
Wellness in Tochigi: Hot Springs, Spas, Zazen, Yoga & Vegan Cuisine
Viking Cruises - River, Ocean, and Expedition cruises
Tuscan Dream - Immerse Yourself in the Tuscan Villa Vacation Experience
Sofitel Paris - Experience the Sparkling City of Light Four Ways
Step Off the Plane and Right Into Comfort: An Exceptional Hotel Experience Connected to Tokyo Haneda Airport Terminal 3
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach - Sunny Isles, Miami, Florida
Atlantis Dubai - An iconic entertainment destination comprised of two world-class resorts that bring you extraordinary experiences.
Blue Waters Resort & Spa - Antigua - A hidden gem nestled in a private bay on Antigua's northwestern coast with sunset views
Cabo Platinum - Cabo San Lucas Luxury Villas, Yachts & Concierge Services
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa - Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii - Beachfront Resort
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa - Rancho Santa Fe, California - One of the West’s most sought-after five star resorts
The St. Regis Deer Valley - Park City, Utah - Exhilarating activities in the summer and the winter
Villa Firenze - Costa Rica Luxury Villa Rental