A Review of The Merrion

From the moment we arrived at The Merrion, it was clear this was no ordinary five-star hotel. Stepping through its doors, we were immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of refinement; the kind that doesn’t need to try too hard because it simply is.

The warmth of the staff, the hushed elegance of the interiors, and the sense of stepping into a piece of history made for an intimate yet opulent arrival.

The Merrion is an architectural masterpiece, a perfect marriage of heritage and sophistication. The hotel is housed within four meticulously restored 18th-century townhouses, and every detail, from the sweeping staircases to the intricate plasterwork, tells a story of Dublin’s Georgian past.

Yet, despite its grandeur, it never feels imposing. Instead, there’s a wonderful sense of ease here. Perhaps it’s the soft lighting, the carefully curated Irish art adorning the walls, or the deep sofas in the Drawing Rooms, which seem to invite us to sink in and lose track of time.

Our suite was a sanctuary. Spacious yet intimate, with impossibly high ceilings and views overlooking the hotel’s private gardens, it felt like stepping into an era where elegance was effortless.

Every detail was designed for comfort: the crisp Italian linens, the plush upholstery, and the perfectly balanced colour palette, which whispered of old-world charm without ever feeling outdated.

There was a sense of restraint in the décor, an understanding that true luxury is about quality rather than excess. Even the smallest touches, the fresh flowers, and the handwritten welcome note added to the feeling that this wasn’t just a place to stay, but a place to belong.

Dining at The Merrion is an experience in itself. The crown jewel is Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, where each dish is a masterpiece.

The precision, artistry, and seamless blend of French culinary technique with the finest Irish produce were nothing short of extraordinary. Every bite was a revelation, from the delicately plated to the indulgent, deeply satisfying desserts. It’s the kind of place where the memory of a meal lingers long after the last forkful.

For something more relaxed but equally refined, The Garden Room was a delight, serving beautifully executed modern Irish dishes in a setting bathed in natural light.

And then there’s The Cellar Bar, intimate, atmospheric, tucked away in the hotel’s 18th-century wine vaults, where a glass of whiskey felt like the only logical way to end the evening.

Of course, no visit to The Merrion would be complete without Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Rooms, where delicate pastries, inspired by the hotel’s extensive art collection, arrived on tiered stands alongside a perfectly brewed pot of tea or a chilled glass of Champagne.

Beyond its impeccable service and extraordinary dining, The Merrion understands the importance of retreat. The Spa is a haven of calm, where the world's stresses seem to dissolve with each tailored treatment.

The infinity pool, bathed in natural light, offers a rare moment of serenity in the heart of the city. Even the gym, discreetly tucked away, ensures that wellness is seamlessly integrated into the experience.

Location is everything, and The Merrion’s is enviable. Just a short stroll from Trinity College, the National Gallery, and the city’s finest shopping streets, it offers the perfect balance, close enough to Dublin’s cultural heart, yet cocooned from the bustle. There’s a quiet dignity to this hotel, an assurance that comes from knowing it doesn’t need to shout to be noticed.

Some hotels impress with extravagance; The Merrion captivates with its ability to make every guest feel like they are exactly where they belong. It is, quite simply, the pinnacle of refinement in Dublin, and once we had experienced it, nowhere else quite compared.