Discrete Luxury at the Five Star Merrion Hotel Dublin
The Merrion Hotel Review
The Merrion is Dublin's 5 star hotel where the service is so good that it feels like there's more staff than guests, but they are impeccably trained to not be intrusive. You would do well to find a more luxurious place to stay than The Merrion.
What is The Merrion?
The Merrion is discreetly fabulous. They combined four Georgian townhome building to create The Merrion and it might just be Dublin's most luxurious 5 star hotel.
Its location is in a quiet area of Dublin, away from the busy bar areas. Merrion Square park, St Stephen's Green, the National Museum are all very close neighbors but the closest neighbor of all is Ireland's Taoiseach or Prime Minister. His offices are directly across the road as is the Irish Senate. You're in the best part of Dublin at The Merrion.
The Rooms: The rooms are in two locations. The main house with rooms from 400 to 800 sqft suites, and the garden wing overlooking the garden where they have rooms going up to the 3 bedroom 2200sqft penthouse suite.
The Spa: The spa and 18m pool are where you recover after your flight or sightseeing.
The Lobby & First Impressions
The building from the outside is unobtrusive, you could pass it by without knowing it's there except for the Irish flag outside, but that really tells you a lot about The Merrion. The Shelbourne is the classic five star hotel in Dublin just around the corner but you can see it from a block away. It's a superb place to stay too, but it's more showy. The Merrion is for the private.
The Local Honeymooners
I was meeting some walking tour guests at The Merrion and got there early as I always do. I was walking around the garden when I got talking to a couple from Dublin who were staying here on their honeymoon. Lovely people in their 50s. They were drinking champagne and had a cake with congratulations written on it. They said they had only mentioned in passing to a staff member why they were there and next thing, all the staff were congratulating them and they were given the champagne. They mentioned how they loved that even though they were in the city, because they were in the garden, next to the water feature, they felt like they could have been in a country retreat.
Restaurant & Bar
The Cellar Bar is set in the original 18th Century wine vaults of the Main House. More than a few political deals have been finalized in the cellar bar rather than the senate.
Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is the fine-dining experience. It was the first restaurant in Ireland to hold 2 Michelin stars. Book well ahead to get a table here!
No. 23 is the Merrion's cocktail bar. You know that private club feel that you get in this type of luxury hotel. Order an old whiskey and savor the day!
The Garden Terrace is lovely on a nice Irish day. The doors are opened to the garden and Irish society finds their way here. It's also the breakfast spot.
The Drawing Rooms with their open log fires, are perfect for Afternoon Tea. Old paintings are on the wall. You could be in a period drama here.
The Local Bars of Baggot Street: I want to add in a special mention here for the bars on Baggot Street. Go for a short stroll and a few drinks in the classic Dublin pubs that are on your doorstep. This is not Temple Bar, no touristy stuff here. Toners, what a bar! Doheny & Nesbitt loved by the upper class rugby crowd. O'Donoghues has trad music.
Location & Getting Around
Everything you could want to see in Dublin is on its doorstep. Merrion Square park, St Stephen's Green, the National Museum are all very close neighbors. Don't bother with a rental car when you're at The Merrion.
I lead walking tours both in Dublin City and in the gorgeous coastal villages of Dublin too. My Jetlag Buster tour is perfect for those who just landed.
Darragh
Airport Access & Transfers
The Merrion is 14km from Dublin Airport.
Taxi will take 30 minutes.
Private Airport Transfer: Skip the long airport taxi lines and have someone waiting for you instead. Book your private transfer.
Who Should Stay Here?
Those who appreciate quiet luxury: Unobtrusive elegance over flashy displays.
Business travelers: Being next to government buildings adds to the gravitas.
Special occasions: The staff will make your celebration memorable.
Who it's not for: I never see many kids when I'm here. It's got that older feel so maybe that's why. I'm not saying they are not very welcome though!
Bottom Line
If you are looking for the best & most luxurious hotels in Dublin, The Merrion is one of them.
Similar 5 Star Hotels in Dublin
The Fitzwilliam Hotel - Contemporary boutique hotel directly on St. Stephen's Green with a rooftop bar offering city views. More modern design than The Merrion's classic elegance. They just finished a huge renovation and it's gleaming
The Conrad Dublin - Just on the other side of St Stephen's Green near the National Concert Hall. It's more modern and visually impressive hotel from the street, but it doesn't have The Merrion's intimate garden setting and historical character. Pros and cons to both!
The Shelbourne - The grand dame of luxury hotels in Dublin is just around the corner, but it's more showy than The Merrion's discreet approach. Presidents stay here.
All my Dublin hotel recommendations
Darragh
What To Do In Dublin
Darragh
