It’s good to know the hospitality scene is thriving with the addition of these new hotels offering access to sites, affordability and some appetising new dining options …
Townhouse on the Green, Dublin 2
This fine building has been overlooking St Stephen’s Green since 1790, and could not be more central, surrounded as it is by theatres, galleries and restaurants and shops. You may have been inside the hotel during its former iteration as the Cliff Townhouse. Since then, it’s had a posh redesign by Albert Noonan of Noonan Architecture & Interior Design. Noonan was inspired by St Stephen’s Green – the maximalist decor combines lots of lush textures, multiple shades of green and botanical wallpapers.
Guest rooms, named after statues in the Green including The Fusiliers, The Joyce, The Yeats and The Ardilaun, are on the third and fourth floors and vary in size and position, each blending historical detail and contemporary comfort. Key details include king size beds, air conditioning, smart TVs and Bitter End amenities from Irish-owned Roads Fragrances (it’s a lovely scent of bergamot, moss, cedarwood, jasmin and more).
Guests don’t have far to travel for some sustenance after a day’s shopping or sightseeing. Downstairs, Cellar 22, has an interesting wine list which complements the all-day menu and a cosy Veuve Cliquot terrace for sunny evenings. Just launched is its swish new restaurant Floritz at reception level, which has been inspired by the townhouse’s former owner, Thomas Lighton who travelled to India and the Far East before settling at 22 St Stephen’s Green.
Chef Matt Fuller’s menu of small and larger plates invites diners to travel far via exotic flavours. From crudo and sushi to skewers, wagyu and dishes from the hibachi grill, the menu is full of punchy, bold flavours, complemented by a wine list created by Victor Nedelea, which includes sake and Japanese whiskey from Jain Ananth. The flamboyant decor, by Project Orange, includes a new central bar, with mirrored elements, lush plants and botanical patterns.
An overnight stay with breakfast for two adults starts from €259. To celebrate the hotel opening, guests staying from June to August 31 will receive a complimentary glass of the sommelier’s favourite wine from 5pm-6pm each day in Cellar 22.
Townhouse on the Green, 22 Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2; www.townhouseonthegreen.ie.
Ruby Molly Hotel & Bar, Dublin 7
This is the first Ruby Molly in Ireland – for those familiar with the group there are 18 hotels in Europe – offering 272 rooms located just off Capel Street in Dublin 7. The property where Ruby Molly now stands was originally part of the grounds of St Mary’s Abbey, founded in 846. At its peak, the abbey was one of the largest and wealthiest in all of Ireland, playing a significant role in the founding of Dublin. Later, this site transitioned to a bustling market quarter, where the Smithfield Fruit Market still stands. This atmosphere has inspired the hotel’s interior where the contrast of urban chic and rusticity is reflected in a mix of fabrics, marble and glass juxtaposed with worn leather, tiling, and black steel. Comfortable seating areas and nooks have been created between cartwheels and baskets.
There are five room categories from snug Nests to Cosy, Lovely, Loft and Wow which all align with Lean Luxury principles – excess is eschewed in favour of affordable and indulgent experiences. Key features include open vanities, glass rain showers, plush pocket spring mattresses and Ruby Care aromatherapy products.
Pop in to have a look and enjoy a coffee, a Mediterranean-inspired snack or a cocktail. Expect to see some local up-and-coming bands playing which adds to the lively ambiance. There’s also a dedicated library showcasing archaeological discoveries from the surrounding area.
Ruby Molly Hotel & Bar, 26-33 East Arran Street, Dublin 7; www.ruby-hotels.com.
The Chancery, Dublin 8
The new Irish-owned hotel The Chancery is in the heart of an area once known as “Little Italy” because of the Italian migrants who settled around the area in the 1800s. Now it’s surrounded by historic landmarks, local artisan food producers, fashion designers and artists.
The design-led hotel is very much inspired by this creative neighbourhood and features 150 bedrooms with Philippe Starck furniture and gorgeous Connemara marble used throughout. Locally reclaimed stone, commissioned murals and artwork from National College of Art students, and biophilic design are other key features, which all add to the feeling of an opulent oasis. The hotel operates on a complete fossil fuel free basis and has been certified with LEED Gold Status which is the gold standard in rating systems for green buildings across the world and is Green Tourism Certified.
Do book the hotel’s Fawn Restaurant for lunch, which opens onto a pretty walled garden, designed by Jane McCorkell. Inspired by the River Poddle, she has created a unique garden creates that celebrates Dublin’s history and also shows how to maximise even the most challenging of spaces.
Bedrooms immediately create a sense of serenity due to their pared-back style with natural, sustainable materials used as well as handcrafted furniture and herringbone hardwood floors. Some of the skyline rooms and suites have great views across the city and of Dublin Castle. Other features include King Koil mattresses, blackout blinds, air conditioning, automated mood and functional lighting controlled by the futuristic but simple to use panels. Amenities are by Votary – the first time I’ve spied these in Ireland. Guests have use of a wellness hub that offers a hammam steam room, sauna, and gym. I recommend a cocktail in its elegant bar which has chic velvet sofas and more beautiful Connemara marble fittings and impressive lighting.
The Chancery, 21 Ship Steet Great, Dublin 8, offers a selection of rooms and suites starting at €230; www.thechanceryhotel.ie.
The Leinster, Dublin 2
There’s been a real buzz since the opening of The Leinster which is located just off Dublin’s elegant Merrion Square. Pitching itself as a luxury lifestyle hotel, it combines a glamorous bar, The Collins Club, a rooftop restaurant, Jean-Georges at The Leinster, an impressive event suite and 55 bedrooms.
It’s been designed by Henchion Reuter Architects and O’Donnell O’Neill Design and fuses classical architectural details with Parisian accents, where the use of colour, artworks and luxurious tactile fabrics are all aesthetically pleasing. It feels very fashion-forward too. Guests wear uniforms created by Irish designer Mairead Whisker while rooms are named after other local design legends – including Louise Kennedy whose flagship store is less than a five minute walk away.
The bedrooms feature botanical flourishes on the headboards, cherry red sofas, tasselled bedside lamps, with Brooks & Co toiletries, Dyson hairdryers, Toto toilets, deep-green tiling within the bathrooms and a copper bathtub in the suites. Guests will also find a selection of Assouline books and a hidden mini bar filled with batch cocktails and Château La Coste wines.
Art is a huge focus point throughout the hotel too; there are over 300 origins artworks with pieces from contemporary artists such as Domino Whisker, Melissa O’Donnell, Paris-based Irish artist Colette Riet and Virginia-based Irish artist Stephen Dunne. The piece de resistance is Damien Hirst’s H10-1 Wu Zetian, from his H-10 The Empresses collection, which greets guests at reception.
I loved The Collins Club, named after Irish interior designer David Collins, which has become a destination bar for cocktail connoisseurs. A pianist plays on a baby grand piano and guests can also enjoy a food menu serving up small plates and delicious bites.
For gourmets, Jean-Georges at The Leinster by Jean-Georges Vongerichten enjoys a rooftop setting and terrace, and is a real coup for Dublin. (There’s a Jean-Georges at The Connaught, London as well as in other elegant outposts globally). Dinner highlights include his signature dishes: Egg toast with caviar, grilled lamb chops with a smoked chili glaze and roasted asparagus, wild turbot crusted with nuts and seeds and a decadent warm chocolate cake paired with Tahitian vanilla ice-cream. If visiting, leave any decisions about wine pairing to the hotel’s Sommelier, Milan Ormanovic. He recommends the Wild Strawberry as a playful take on the timeless gimlet, the Ginger Margarita, a Jean-George twist on the spicy margarita and The Passion Fruit, the perfect alcohol-free cocktail.
Even if you aren’t staying, there’s a lot to enjoy about this eclectic and exciting space.
Room rates at The Leinster, 7 Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2, start from €300 per night; www.theleinster.ie.