Dublin, Ireland
In the heart of Dublin’s city centre, The Merrion comprises four adjoining Grade I listed Georgian townhouses – all sympathetically restored, a full service spa and two-Michelin star dining
Our review
This is an elegant, historic Georgian hotel in the city centre.
It is approached via a narrow flight of stone steps, then through a solid black door with potted bay tree either side to the black and white tiled lobby.
There are several lounges with real wood fires and sofas and armchairs arranged around coffee tables. Rooms are filled with antiques and wonderful paintings; the hotel has the largest private collection in Ireland.
We stayed in a traditional style Merrion suite in the main house. It comprised two rooms; the main salon had a bow window and overlooked the gardens. The woollen carpet was a soft lilac. Distinctive curtains graced the windows with Chinese style characters in red and green on a cream background. The furniture was French style, white edged with gold. There were several ornate gold mirrors and solid ceramic bases on the numerous table lamps. A huge bed in the adjoining room had a padded headboard with the ‘Chinese’ material and matching bedcover, providing a contrast to the crisp white sheets and sumptuous pillows. There were plug sockets either side for charging devices and Bluetooth radio.
The grey marble bathroom had separate shower, heated towel rail and Asprey toiletries. The bath filled quickly and the shower was easy to use.
The original small Jack Yeats oil paintings (brother of the more famous poet) were wonderful. There were also some of his framed book illustrations in full colour. Complimentary mineral water and a daily newspaper were appreciated. The Irish Times is an interesting read.
Wi-Fi connection was quick, easy and complimentary.
In the evening, we ate in the cellar bar, rather than the two-Michelin starred restaurant next to it. This, as the name hints, is a converted wine cellar and has been repurposed very well, with odd nooks and crannies to retreat to, or a sit up bar if you are feeling more congenial. I had a really delicious meal here; very simple but so well put together: open ravioli with artichokes in a thyme butter. Paul had very fresh fried fish with his usual mash. Overall we had a most enjoyable evening.
Obviously we see and stay in many hotels, but this was one I really liked. Service was excellent.
Rooms
The Merrion offers approximately 140 rooms and suites across four restored Georgian townhouses and a contemporary garden wing. Accommodations feature classic proportions, Italian linens, marble bathrooms and refined interiors, with many rooms overlooking the hotel’s landscaped gardens or historic city streets.
Food and Drink
Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud holds two Michelin stars and is regarded as one of Ireland’s finest dining destinations, serving modern French cuisine with Irish influences. The Garden Room provides relaxed all‑day dining overlooking the gardens, while No. 23 Cocktail Bar offers an intimate setting for classic and contemporary cocktails. The Cellar Bar, set in historic vaults, is known for its atmosphere and traditional Irish fare.
Wellness
The Merrion Spa and Health Club includes an 18‑metre indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna, treatment rooms and a fully equipped gym. A range of treatments and wellness therapies are available in a calm, contemporary setting beneath the hotel’s garden.
Facilities
- Luxury spa and health club
- Indoor swimming pool
- Two Michelin‑starred fine dining restaurant
- Bars, lounges and garden dining
- Private landscaped gardens
- Meeting and event spaces
- Concierge and business services
- On‑site parking
Location
Located on Upper Merrion Street, the hotel sits opposite Government Buildings and close to St Stephen’s Green, the National Gallery, Grafton Street and Dublin’s key cultural attractions.
Getting there
Address: Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Arriving by air: Dublin Airport- Located 9 miles (15 Km) – 20 minutes by car.
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.