Prevue March/April 2013 - (Page 89)

Opposite: The Merrion Below, from left clockwise: The Westin Dublin; “Temple Bar”pub district; The Merchant Hotel The guest rooms look really smart with tall chocolate leather-tufted headboards and seating, all white linens, weathered wood furniture and a butter/cream palette. The most in-demand guest rooms have views of Trinity College next door, Ireland’s most important cultural landmark. buttermilk fried chicken with Schezuan powder and lime. The residential environment exudes a welcome sense of uncompromised peace and tranquility. Guest rooms are a little more on the traditional side, but fresh and bright with large working windows and balconies in the suites. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DUBLIN The stately 197-room Four Seasons Hotel Dublin is located in the quiet Ballsbridge residential/embassy area, about two miles from the city center and nine miles from the airport. The lobby area and huge lounge were remodeled last year with sleek furniture from France, Italy, Spain and Thailand. While we were there, tall red amaryllis bloomed on every table. Off to the side, there’s a small anteroom with a fireplace, and the overall vibe feels a lot more like a private estate than a hotel. The Four Seasons has great flow because everything group-related is located on the ground floor. The lounge area and 15,000 sf of meeting space open out to a large leafy terrace through tall French doors. That’s especially nice in the main/junior ballrooms with Irish crystal chandeliers, separated by a banquet kitchen. So it’s a bit of a planner’s dream to have events running simultaneously, both indoors and out, without having to walk far. The new ICE Bar is effortlessly modern just off the port cochere. It’s open for private rental on Mon/Tues for 160 pax. There’s a great app menu serving bites like crisp THE MERRION When President Obama visits the government buildings in Dublin, he stays at The Merrion across the street. The 142-room hotel is tucked inside four Georgian row houses from the 1760s with only a little plaque alerting passerbys to its existence. The country’s largest private art collection graces the walls inside the many different public rooms, which feel a little like a maze with new surprises around every corner. It has a slight Irish county appeal in terms of furnishing and decor, except for the marble lobby with thick columns and a graceful staircase. There are 32 rooms in the main historic wing starting at 430 sf, with Waterford crystal bedside lamps, and 110 rooms in the modern garden wing separated from the main house by a 3/4-acre garden. About half come with balconies. Eight junior suites come with 16-foot ceilings. Ask about mini Oscar Wilde theater performances in the garden. The Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napolean, was born in this house. Hence the aptly named Waterloo Ballroom with tall windows and fireplace, hosting 100-pax receptions. There are also six breakout salons. prevueonline.net | 85 http://www.prevueonline.net

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