There are many different hotels out there, and it is quite a job to find one that
There are many different hotels out there, and it is quite a job to find one that just does it all, and I have been extremely privileged to visit some truly outstanding hotels.
The Savoy in London, Grand Lakes Resort in Florida, The Ritz Carlton off Michigan Ave, the Baglioni in London and Bologna, the Ritz Carlton, Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, the Shelbourne and the Westbury in Dublin.
Having worked in the hospitality industry, I know how hard it is to produce a great product.
As a younger man, I worked my way through most disciplines in the industry.
In the Culloden Hotel, Cultra, I started as a night porter, then day porter, junior barman, restaurant waiter, function waiter, commis chef, and second chef and finishing as a porter to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, who at the time lived there. I have run a house and cooked for an “A list celeb”, so I know how demanding clients can be and also what clients expect.
So forgive me if I say I have a fair idea how a 5 star service should be and what such a product should deliver.
Sitting on an exclusive Victorian neighbourhood just off Baggot Street, Dublin, the Dylan Hotel is Dublin’s leading five star boutique hotel. What they offer is something really special.
Opulent contemporary comfort, in a unique landmark property, in a peaceful and tranquil neighbourhood located in one of the most fashionable areas of Dublin.
The hotel is housed in what was formerly the nurse’s home for the Royal City of Dublin Hospital.
At the Dylan the whole team take immense pride in the history and character of the unique building and this is shown in the well-written narrative that is available on the in house entertainment system.
The Ross family, owners of the Dylan say “you make the Dylan your home while you are in Dublin”. This statement is so honest; from the front of house team managed by Niambh Doorly to the kitchen and housekeeping team, they all do their level best to make you feel at home whilst away from home.
The hotel is beautifully decorated and no expense has been spared. Boutique furniture, hidden spaces, rich colours and wonderful furnishings make this a very nice space where you can while away the hours.
The Bedroom experience
All the Dylan’s king, queen and twin bedded deluxe rooms are Irish designed and individually styled. At an average of 280 sq ft they are spacious and many incorporate the original design features of the Victorian nurse’s home including vaulted ceilings & portholes.
Here are just some of the statistics that await you:
- Room averages 280 sq ft
- King/Queen/Twin seventh heaven bed with memory foam
- Percale high count cotton linen
- Manually controlled air-conditioning
- Flat screen High Definition TV
- Complimentary WIFI
- Bose Docking Station, with Dylan Ipod & historical walking tours
- Laptop compatible personal safe
- Spacious working desk with built in international adaptors
- Cordless Bang & Olufsen telephone with direct dial
- Movies on demand
- Fully stocked mini bar & box of Irish goodness
- Nespresso Coffee Machine & Tea making facilities
- Complimentary bottles still & sparkling water
- Professional hair dryer
- Robes & slippers
- Italian marble
- Underfloor heating and heated towel rails
- Monogrammed luxury towels
- Rainfall showerhead
- Handmade Soap Co. designer bathroom amenities
My bedroom was simply stunning, Room 216 was a king size room, which was beautifully decorated, grey walls, gold bedding and subtle delightfully blended colours made this a delightful place to rest.
An amazing bed bedecked with beautiful Egyptian linen of the finest quality made you want to dive in straight away. A Nespresso coffee machine, mini bar, a tray of Irish goodies (should you need them).
Mood lighting and bluetooth blue, touch sensitive switches to control your environment. Oh what fun!
The bathroom.
This is a room that can cripple a hotels reputation, because if there is dirt in here you will never go back. I can tell you my bathroom gave the appearance of a room that had been built and finished just hours before my arrival.
You could eat off the (heated) floor or in fact any of the surfaces in there.
Stunning black marble, bright lights, spotless and highly polished chrome taps, rainforest showers, a walk-in shower that would house the Irish rugby team and a beautiful bath. An amazing make-up mirror and soft close loo seats. Sumptous white fluffy towels and a glorious bathrobe and slippers .
Does it get any better?
Dining in the Tavern
The Tavern is an intimate dining experience. The dining experience is warm, open, friendly and their menus are fun, healthy and bursting with freshness.
My meal started with a selection of Tomato bread, oil, butter or freshly prepared pesto. Then came fresh crab with melon balls and seaweed, Oh that that seaweed was delicious. A delightful fillet of cod topped with a Parmesan crust and celeriac puree followed.
All washed down with a glass or port and some local Irish cheese.
Dining in the Dylan is wonderful. Head Chef Mark Bodie’s passion for seasonality, sustainability and traceability can be seen and tasted in every dish.
Mark’s food is complimented by a service which is attentive but unobtrusive and their wine list has been carefully selected to offer the best flavour, body and vintage.
Breakfast
After a wonderful nights sleep, I went down for breakfast and I can honestly say I had the best and most wonderfully presented breakfast I have ever eaten.
Everything was perfect.
Beautifully presented on the plate, clearly this was done with flair and style. What a way to start your day!
Then came the complementary prosecco. 
I have never ever had that for breakfast but what a way to kick start the day. (As I came down on the train I did not need to worry) breakfast-menu-current
The Tavern service is as follows
Breakfast
Monday to Friday
6.30am – 10.30am
Saturday & Sunday
7.00am – 11.00am
Brunch is served every Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday
11.00am to 4.00pm
Lunch
Monday to Friday
12.00pm – 3.00pm
Dinner
Tuesday to Thursday 6.00pm – 10.00pm
Friday & Saturday 6.00pm – 10.30pm
Sunday 6.00pm – 9.00pm
*Extensive Bar Food Menu available 7 days a week*
Welcoming spaces.
The Dylan’s location is a short walk to the Aviva Stadium, RDS, St Stephens Green and Grafton Street. This luxury 5 star hotel is only steps away from the top restaurants in Dublin, shopping and night life
Concierge
In one of the most dynamic cities in Europe knowing the inside track can be priceless. The concierge team doesn’t just understand the Dublin scene, but is also a part of it. From the latest restaurants to the best clubs, chic shops to new art exhibitions, tickets to the most exciting shows, you can bet that if it’s recommended by the Concierge team, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Dylan Babies
Dublin city isn’t just for adults. For guests traveling with newborns, babies, and toddlers, the complimentary Dylan Babies program makes stays much more enjoyable. The unique program allows parents to have their guest room specially customized with cribs
Dylan Kids
Sometimes Dublin is all about the kids. For guests traveling with older children (ages 3-12), the Dylan Kids program focuses on the needs of our younger travelers, as well as their parents. Ask Concierge for details on theatre, shopping & outdoor activities for children. Dylan can provide roll out beds for the little residents.
iPod Walking Tour Program
Like any capital city, Dublin is defined by it’s culture and history so is Dylan. Their signature iPod provides guests with a selection of walking tours of Georgian Dublin. The iPods are also pre-programmed with a variety of music and playlists.
Dylan Dogs
Humans aren’t the only guests treated to all the luxuries that the city provides.
The dog-friendly Dylan Hotel has designed a program of amenities and services to ensure its four-legged guests feel right at home, including pet beds, treats and water dishes. The supplement per night per dog is €100.0