Arrival/Check-In: Reaching the five-star Westbury, part of The Doyle Collection and a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, means navigating one-way streets in Dublin’s city center, but the location is worth it. Tucked just off Grafton Street between St. Stephen’s Green and Trinity College, the hotel places many of the city’s highlights within easy walking distance.
On arrival a doorman welcomed my taxi, directed me to the registration desk and had staff take my bags. Although it was mid-morning, my studio suite was ready, which is always a welcome convenience. The bellman explained the in-room amenities—Nespresso machine, teakettle, safe and hair dryer—and demonstrated the heating/air-conditioning and TV controls.
Guest Quarters: A corridor with ample closets opened into a nearly 540-square-foot studio suite, appointed in a calm, refined palette of grays with tasteful color accents and original artwork. One end of the suite served as a living area with a table and chairs, a large flat-screen TV and two club chairs sharing an oversized ottoman and reading lamp. Current magazines and a bowl of Butlers toffees added a warm touch. Along the interior wall a long desk featured plenty of outlets, including a U.S.-style plug, removing the need for an adapter. The sleeping area featured a king-sized bed dressed in Lissadell Irish linens, bedside lamps, headboard-mounted reading lights and master lighting switches. Heavy drapes and privacy curtains covered the windows that face a quiet back street.
The spacious marble bathroom included a dressing area with a double vanity and a floor-to-ceiling trifold mirror. A separate bathing area provided a soaking tub with shower, heated towel bars, toilet, bidet, a bathroom TV and a phone. Crystal glassware and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries—shampoo, body wash, conditioner and soap—were supplied.
Services/Amenities: Service throughout the stay was consistently attentive. The concierge offered insider tips on local sights, and when I asked for road-trip directions, detailed maps were delivered to my room. Each morning I found The Irish Times at my door, and each evening turn-down service included bottled water, Butlers chocolates and a robe and slippers laid out for the night.
The Gallery lobby lounge blends classic and contemporary design in an elegant, welcoming space accented with select pieces from the hotel owner’s art collection. Overlooking the hotel’s entrance and reception areas, it is especially lively during afternoon tea. Adjacent, the Art Deco-style Marble Bar offers a stylish setting for drinks. Evening dining is available in Wilde, while Café Novo provides a casual bar and brasserie on street level.
The Experience: The hotel’s walkable central location and complimentary WiFi were practical advantages, but what stood out was the polished, relaxed atmosphere and guest-focused service. Whether arriving for a business meeting or returning from a day of sightseeing, the Westbury felt both sophisticated and comfortable.
GT CHECKLIST
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
- Turn-down service
The Westbury Hotel Dublin
Grafton Street
Dublin 2, Ireland
tel 800 745 8883
lhw.com