The Emerald Isle’s capital city is full of attractive hotels, many of which have significant history,Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
but the Westin’s business-friendly location across from Trinity College and its conversion from the former Allied Irish Bank building to luxury hotel is quite appealing. Plus, Grafton Street’s numerous shopping outlets are just a few minutes’ walk away.
Once past its historic 19th century façade, the visitor will begin to notice familiar Westin touches such as the white tea scent ever present in the public spaces (as it does in any Westin around the world) and the sophisticated, modern, décor. It soon becomes apparent that this is no Old World hotel. Instead, it is a reincarnation of a nationally protected historic building that is now enjoyed by both tourists and business visitors to Dublin.
I stepped off the rainy Dublin street and through the glass doors to be greeted by a large display of flowers and smiling doormen who whisked my luggage to the reception area. To one side were decanters of fruit-scented water and on the other were small seating areas in leather for guests to relax. I barely had time to enjoy either as reception was quickly accomplished and I was on the way to the room without delay.
THE ROOM
On the top floor and through a winding series of hallways (the hotel is comprised of several interconnected buildings), I quickly arrived at my Deluxe category room. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The dormered ceilings gave it a charming character drawing me into one of the nooks to peer out the window onto the bustling street below. Dublin’s unique yellow double decker buses were winding through the traffic, skirting passing cars and lamp poles so close that it seemed miraculous that they avoided touching them.
Older hotels are often known for smaller guest quarters. However, the conversion from bank to a hotel maintained a respectable room size . Based on the emergency egress floorplan on the room’s door rooms all vary in shape and size, no doubt due to the building’s historic register status, which dictates that nothing structurally may be substantially modified.
The soft grey carpeting and velvet fabric on the armchairs gave the space a clubby look. While the chairs were not positioned for enjoying window views, they still provided a comfortable lounging space to read or watch TV. The Classic guest rooms overlook the interior Atrium with no city views available.
Westin is famous for its Heavenly Bed,Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
a pillowtop mattress covered with high-thread count linens topped off with a soft duvet and piled high with stacks of pillows. The iPod docking station on the nightstand allowed me to charge my iPhone while I indulged in a short cat nap.
The dresser supported a large flat-screen cable TV, and next to it a luggage rack made it easy to quickly unpack into the spacious closet.
The bathroom was clad in marble and had a pedestal sink next to a glass enclosed shower stall that was supplied with ample water pressure. A deep soaking tub and thick cotton robe for lazy lounging rounded out the offerings.
