Hotel review: The Merrion offers superior service and a joyful escape from reality 

In reality, the celebrated five-star only turns 30 this year.

Fashioned from four adjoining Georgian townhouses, built in the 1760s as the homes of nobility and notable merchants, the handsome heritage property looks across to Government Buildings and is a saunter to St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street.

• 10/10

Style and design

The four listed townhouses have been meticulously restored and connected inside, with an added garden wing around formal gardens. 

Inside, a genteel world of opulence unfolds, from the cosy Drawing Rooms with deep sofas and notable Irish artworks to crackling fires and sparkling chandeliers to the atmospheric No 23 Cocktail Bar and Cellar Bar. 

Comfortable and elegant, it offers a stylish cocoon away from the city centre’s busy-ness.

• 10/10

Service

One of the nicest check-ins in the country, Robert, the liveried doorman greets guests and guides them through the lobby to reception where beaming staff welcome you.

We are walked to our room with a little tour of the property and given a thorough introduction to the suite and its amenities. 

This attention to detail sets us up for a stay where everyone is attentive and friendly. 

Guests are extremely well looked after across the whole property, from the pool to dining.

• 9/10

Guest rooms

As you’d expect, the guest rooms are both sumptuous and spacious. 

Rooms in the Main House are the real stars, all high ceilings, sash windows and, in many cases, with glorious views.

Generously proportioned, with comfy seating, good lighting, and ample sockets you’ll find everything you need, from crisp embroidered bedlinen to quality Asprey Purple Winter toiletries. 

White marble bathrooms are large and well designed, with the fluffiest towels and robes.

• 10/10

In-room perks

A quality mini bar includes Listoke and Gunpowder gin and Chateau de Fieuzal wine (owned by one of The Merrion’s founders), a signature candle, Keogh’s crisps, house nuts, and M&Ms.

Tea and coffee facilities come with lovely china cups and mugs. 

From a QR code for free digital newspaper access to a custom cloth to clean your glasses and a handy number to dial should you require tea or coffee refills outside of normal housekeeping hours, The Merrion has perfected the art of anticipating guests’ needs.

• 10/10

On the menu

Tea in the Drawing Room is a treat, all silver teapots, china, and fresh blueberry friands. 

Breakfast and dinner are served in The Garden Room, an elegant all-day restaurant overlooking a leafy garden that does a great job of changing from a breakfast buffet space to smart dining room for lunch and dinner (2-Michelin stars Guilbaud’s is also part of the hotel).

Breakfast is an appealing buffet of jewel-like pastries, Irish yoghurts, charcuterie, cheeses, fruits, and dishes cooked to order. Dinner includes a tasty seabass dish with Jerusalem artichoke and the Irish cheeseboard is both excellent and generous in size.

• 9/10

Activities and amenities

The ideal place to lounge and slouch in style, The Merrion has a lovely 18m pool in the basement complete with a small sauna, streamroom, and gym. 

There are treatment rooms and a hair salon too, and the staff are excellent.

• 9/10

• The Merrion Hotel, Upper Merrion St, Dublin 2 
• merrionhotel.com
• The Hotel Examiner was a guest of The Merrion Hotel