Prevue March/April 2013 - (Page 88)

Dublin [ON LOCATION] GREG OATES Y & Belfast ou can find yourself inside the most luxurious hotel in Dublin and feel relaxed and right at home. The Irish don’t put on airs. There’s no pretense or any sense of class structure. The reasons for this dating back to Ireland’s secession from the UK that caused the north/south divide, could fill a shelf of books. But suffice to say, Ireland is about the Irish. The people are incredibly warm, welcoming and good natured, and they seem surprised that we’re so surprised how congenial they are. That is a big plus for planners because attendees will feel at home anywhere in the two main cities of Dublin, the capital of Ireland, and Belfast just two hours away in Northern Ireland. Dublin is a compact city split by the River Liffey lined with Georgian buildings, many of which are private homes. For example, Number 10 is owned by John Lynch, an art collector of established repute who opens his extravagant home for private rental. Lynch escorted us through his townhouse, built in 1745, while describing the different rooms that guests can explore. 84 | prevue magazine Lynch pointed out exquisite antiques like his 1770 Baccarat crystal chandelier, an 1820 Russian marble fireplace and an elaborate, late 19th century serving table he found in County Fermanagh. He says the house remians much like it was when the original owner, banker David La Touche, lived here and hosted lavish parties. The dining room, grand salon and anterooms seat 72 max for dinner, and Lynch employs an exclusive caterer who once prepared meals for U2. “I’m a firm believer that if you don’t have the proper cuisine and service, you’re wasting your time,” says Lynch. THE WESTIN DUBLIN The Temple Bar district is regarded as “Dublin’s Cultural Quarter” with dozens of traditional Irish pubs lining the crooked medieval cobblestone streets. The main avenue in Temple Bar ends across the street from The Westin Dublin, originally built as a bank in 1863. Just off the lobby, The Banking Hall stopped the entire group in their tracks. There are four Waterford chandeliers, each with 8,000 pieces of crystal hanging from the 40-foot barrel arch ceiling, illuminating ornate Italianate-style walls. Down the middle, one long table was prepared for lunch. You know how when you’re running around a city doing site inspections, sometimes all you really want is some great comfort food without too much fuss, like fine dining fish ’n chips. The monkfish, plaice, oysters and prawns were fried in Irish ale beer batter, served with twice cooked handcut fries and homemade tartar sauce. Everyone in our group was so happy to enjoy such an incredible setting without a whole lot of hub bub. “We’re the first Starwood in Ireland and we cater to a significant amount of U.S. groups,” says Steve Fenton, sales account manager. “Our ideal size is about 85 rooms, and all of the rooms and suites will be completely refurbished in January [2013].”

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue March/April 2013

Planner's Pick: Miami
Fresh Meets: Renaissance Hotels
Bureau Buzz: Austin
Good Business: Washington, DC
Sea Shores: Cruising Sweden
Feelin' Good About Incentives
Special Section: California
On Location: JW Marriott Desert Springs
Caribbean & The Bahamas
On Location: U.S. Virgin Islands
On Location: Aruba
On Location: Omni Amelia Island
The South: Best of Golf & Spa
On Location: Fairmont Scottsdale
On Location: W Singapore
Austria
Ireland
On Location: Mexico City
On Location: Starwood Los Cabos
On Location: Universal Orlando
On Location: Villas of Grand Cypress, Orlando
Check Out: Alpina Gstaad, Switzerland
Club Med

Prevue March/April 2013