The Merrion Hotel

Upon first glance, one might not guess that this unassuming row of four Georgian townhouses houses Dublin's most luxurious hotel. And because the block The Merrion sits on is dominated by the Edwardian Government Buildings, where Ireland's prime minister has his office, it's even more understandable that the hotel might get overlooked. But this only enhances The Merrion's appeal: The hotel is quietly exclusive and utterly discreet.

The nearby Shelbourne, by contrast, makes its icon status known. It has a grand entrance right on bustling St. Stephen's Green, a couple of hot spot bars, and a movie reel of the hotel's many famous guests playing on a wall in the lobby. The Merrion certainly sees its fair share of famous names, but the staff here won't name-drop (though it is public knowledge that Barack and Michelle Obama made The Merrion their home base when they visited Dublin in 2011). So while The Shelbourne may be a place to see and bee seen, The Merrion is a haven for public figures who value their privacy -- the Dublin media didn't even know the Obamas had been to the hotel until after they departed.

Several separate entrances contribute to the hotel's exclusive feel. Mornington House, the townhouse where the Penthouse Suite is located, has its own exit (which public figures such as Obama can make use of to avoid attention). The popular Cellar Bar and Cellar Restaurant draw plenty of loyal locals, but they are accessed through a separate door, which prevents overcrowding in the lobby.

One may expect a certain level of pretension from a hotel of this caliber, but at The Merrion, there's not a whiff of it. The service is truly first-class, and every guest -- whether notable or not -- is treated like a VIP. The fact that there are 275 staff members for a hotel with 142 rooms is telling of the level of personal attention guests should expect to receive.

The hotel's gracious Georgian interiors have classic details such as chandeliers, picture molding, elegant fireplaces, and gilded mirrors. The hotel's private collection of works by famous Irish artists is museum quality.

The Merrion Hotel is located across the street from the grand, Edwardian Government Buildings, where Ireland's Taoiseach (prime minister) has his office. This street gets far less foot traffic than the nearby St. Stephen's Green or Grafton Street, which makes it attractive for those who want to be within walking distance of tourist sights but removed from the crowds.

• 1-minute walk to the National Museum of Natural History
• 3-minute walk to St. Stephen's Green
• 6-minute walk to the National Museum of Archaeology
• 6-minute walk to the National Gallery of Ireland
• 10-minute walk to Trinity College and the Book of Kells
• 11-minute walk to Grafton Street, a popular shopping destination
• 20-minute walk or 7-minute drive to St. Patrick's Cathedral
• 21-minute walk or 5-minute drive to Christ Church Cathedral
• 8-minute drive to The Old Jameson Distillery
• 9-minute drive to Guinness Storehouse
• 13-minute drive to the Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison that's now a museum
• 2-hour drive to Belfast

Rooms at The Merrion have classy decor that reflects the 18th-century Georgian history of the townhouses. Decor varies by room type, but most rooms have charming features such as crown molding, picture frame molding, delicate white wood furniture, and handsome cushioned armchairs. Italian marble bathrooms have bidets as well as separate showers and tubs.

Rooms are split between the contemporary garden wing and the main house, and most are decorated in soothing colors such as cream, gray, and slate blue. Rooms in the main house incorporate Irish fabrics (such as plaids or toiles), and some have original details such as marble fireplaces (now decorative) or Rococo plasterwork.

• Italian marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs
• Flat-screen TVs; some rooms have iPod docks
• Robes and slippers
• Views of gardens or Government Buildings
• Stocked minibars
• Turndown service
• Free bottled water
• Free morning newspaper delivery
• Free shoe shines
• 24-hour room service
• Bathrooms have electrical sockets for shavers only (typical in Ireland); compatible with two-pronged U.S. electronics

Tethra Spa offers massages, body treatments, and facials, as well as a lovely Roman-style indoor pool and small fitness center.

• Full range of treatments offered, including a signature hot stone therapy massage using hot oils
• Fitness center with cardio machines, strength training machines, free weights, exercise ball, and mats
• Huge Roman-style indoor infinity pool with white columns, a neoclassical mural, and an eco-friendly ozone filtration system
• Steam room

• Cribs available upon request
• Rollaway beds available for most rooms types
• Indoor pool
• Kids-size robes available
• Babysitting services
• Kids' room service menu; sample menu items include pigs in a blanket and grilled cheese toasties
• Coloring books available in The Cellar Restaurant

The Merrion's most famous restaurant offering is unquestionably Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, the only restaurant in Ireland to receive two Michelin stars. Prices are predictably high, and menu items change daily; sample dishes include pea tortellini with crispy chicken and roast duck breast with foie gras. An ornate private dining room (where many distinguished guests have dined over the years) is available.

The Cellar Restaurant, as the name suggests, is below ground, and has white tablecloths as well as a vaulted roof and thick arches. At dinnertime, low lighting and candles create a romantic ambiance. The breakfast (included in some rates) is also served here, and features fruit, cereals, yogurt, meats, cheeses, breads, an extensive selection of pastries; hot items can also be ordered. Two- and three-course prix fixe options are offered at lunch.

Cellar Bar is the most casual of the three options and has phenomenal ambiance, with stone and brick walls and brick vaulted ceilings. Tables are spread out between an assortment of different rooms (including tiny private nooks) which makes for an intimate feel. Though fish and chips are a staple, the food is a far cry from standard pub fare; the menu focuses on rustic dishes and the gourmet options may include chicken liver and foie gras parfait or garganelli pasta with braised rabbit. The Italian prosciutto plate is not to be missed.

The Executive Chef for Cellar Restaurant and Cellar Bar, Ed Cooney, goes to great lengths to include authentic ingredients on the menus. He studied salami making in Italy, and some of the salamis served are house-made; the hotel even offers a signature chocolate that he helped craft after studying with chocolatiers in France. Popular pantry items created in the Merrion kitchen -- such as jellies, chutneys, and of course, the chocolate -- are for sale through the hotel (and make great souvenirs).

The Garden Terrace, open in warm weather, serves a special salad menu. Afternoon tea can be served on the Terrace, in either of the drawing rooms, or in guest rooms.

The Merrion has two bars: the popular cellar bar, which has a loyal following of locals, and the clubby No. 23.

Cellar Bar is housed below ground in the original 18th century wine vaults, and has stone and brick walls, vaulted brick ceilings, candlelight, and tables set in multiple rooms and private nooks. The wine list is extensive, and the hotel even has its very own wine.

No. 23 has a gentleman's club atmosphere, with green walls, crown molding, gilded picture frames, and cream leather chairs. An extensive selection of whiskeys is offered at the wooden bar.

• Valet parking available (for a fee) in underground lot
• Porter service
• 24-hour front desk staff
• 24-hour room service
• Dedicated concierge
• Currency exchange
• Doctor on call