Opened sixteen years ago after a major renovation linking three multi-story downtown buildings, the five-star Westin Dublin stands proudly right next door to Trinity College and Temple Bar, a quaint district of restaurants, bars and cafes.

Some of the Irish capital city’s main attractions are within a ten-minute walk of the hotel, including the National Museum, the all-pedestrian shopping area along Grafton Street and the quirky Little Museum of Dublin.

Photo courtesy of Westin Dublin

With one of the three buildings upon which this Starwood hotel was created being a bank, a financial theme threads its way through this opulent property that features Waterford chandeliers. Its nine meeting rooms, including a large ballroom, have been given names such as ‘Guinea,’ Shilling’ and ‘Florin.’ The largest, the ballroom, named the ‘Banking Hall,’ caters for 150 people dinner-style and 270 for cocktails and is accessed privately through an ornate 19th century pillared stairway.

Photo courtesy of Westin Dublin

The hotel’s main restaurant and bar continue this theme. The former, entitled ‘The Exchange,’ will undergo a name and menu change within the next few months. Relaunched with a new grill concept, the Morelands Grill will be open for lunch and dinner and will have as a center piece the Josper Grill, allowing cooking of premium Irish meats at 350 degrees. This is where we enjoyed delicious eggs Benedict and eggs royal (the salmon option) as a highlight of breakfast, in addition to a fine buffet spread.

Photo courtesy of Westin Dublin

The bar, named ‘The Mint,’ is located in the basement and was the former vault of the old bank. This is where guests can enjoy creative signature cocktails such as a ‘Smoking Old Fashioned’ presented dramatically by mixologist Santhosh M. George with a cloud of…yes, you’ve guessed it. The Irish version of a Manhattan is also an excellent choice.

Of the hotel’s 172 bedrooms including four suites, the deluxe category offer street views and the classic ones face the interior. A special area known as ‘The Atrium,’ in the epicenter of the hotel features, impressive balconies either side and a high, glass-roof, filling the space with natural light. Here, beverages and lite-bites are served, as well as traditional afternoon teas. Special teas with an Alice in Wonderland theme take place in a private room nearby for group gatherings, including birthdays.

Photo courtesy of Westin Dublin

Limited basement parking is available but occupying such a central location, a car is hardly needed to explore the downtown area. The hotel has a gym, and personal spa and private treatments can be provided in-room.

Our room, 535, named ‘The Writers Room’ granted views over the inner courtyard buildings of Trinity College the alma mater of such literary icons as James Joyce, Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde.

Photo courtesy of Westin Dublin

Thick carpeting, a large bed with hefty leather back padding and cozy armchairs contributed to a sense of elegance. The marble-floored bathroom featured separate shower was designed by Kohler.

Tired from a long day of activity walking the city’s streets and exploring its attractions, plush feather and down pillows, crisp cotton sheets and a fluffy duvet helped make our sleep a most restful one.

For a plush hotel in the European City of Literature, the Westin Dublin is an exceptional choice especially if you choose one of its special writer’s rooms.