Merrion Hotel

Created from four Georgian townhouses, The Merrion Hotel is ideally located in a quieter part of the city centre, directly opposite the Government Buildings and many major museums.

In keeping with the classic elegance of the area, The Merrion maintains a low profile - you might even stroll past without realising it. No bright lights or flashy signage here, just 5-star restrained grandeur.

Despite the somewhat sedate atmosphere of the immediate surrounding neighbourhood, a short walk leads to some of Dublin's most highly regarded (and best loved) pubs, plus all the shops and restaurants ranged around St Stephen's Green. From there, Grafton Street is only a brief stroll away.

The Merrion was restored to the highest standard with the utmost care and attention to detail. The designers' brief was straightforward: 'To create a space with sensitivity to the 18th century heritage of the building, with light and airy bedrooms.' To that end, the hotel's interior also uses Irish fabrics and antiques to reflect the architecture and original interiors of townhouses of its vintage. Many of the bedrooms and suites overlook period landscaped gardens.

On warm days the Garden Terrace, surrounded by those period gardens, is the perfect place to while away an hour or two with a drink, afternoon tea, or a light lunch. Guests at The Merrion can choose fine dining in the renowned two star Michelin Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, impeccable cuisine in The Cellar Restaurant or more informal fare in the Cellar Bar - set in the original wine vaults.

In addition to drinks in the oak-lined ambience of the Cellar Bar, The Merrion offers the intimate No 23 cocktail bar - a great place to sip a Cosmo or glass of Champagne in charming surroundings featuring stunning artworks. Speaking of works of art, don't miss the chance to indulge in the unique Art Tea by the log fires in the Georgian Drawing Rooms (or on the Garden Terrace, if the weather cooperates). The Merrion also offers six private dining and meeting rooms.

To relax and truly unwind to the full, you can take advantage of The Merrion's well-appointed Tethra Spa with its pool, steam room, gym and treatment rooms.

The Merrion welcomes younger guests with open arms, and every effort is made to ensure that they have a wonderful stay - from special room amenities, to arranging exciting daytime activities, to providing fluffy mini bathrobes on request at the Tethra Spa (where younger swimmers can kick back after taking a dip in the pool, whilst the bar managers shake up a mean 'mocktail').

If it's good enough for President Obama, who chose The Merrion as his Dublin base in May 2011 - then it may just be good enough for you!