What's it like? Open since 1989 and just completing a refurbishment costing about E15 million, the Conrad is a modern property with all the international flavour and prestige you would expect from the luxury brand of Hilton Hotels.
Where is it? On Earlsfort Terrace, just off St Stephen's Green, also home to the famous Shelbourne Hotel and the Fitzwilliam Hotel, and overlooking the National Concert Hall.
Room Facilities: The 192 guest rooms (including 16 suites) have data ports, international sockets, three telephones, CD players, multi-channel TV, mini-bar, electronic safety locks and a safe. Bathrooms are spacious, with bathrobes and an array of personal amenities. Standard rooms include video check-out, individual temperature control, trouser press, bay windows which open, turndown service and bathrobes and slippers. Suites have sitting areas, and bathrooms have separate bath and shower.
Business Centre: Open 24 hours and has all the usual facilities, as well as very helpful staff during working hours.
Restaurant: Plurabelle Brasserie serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (two courses E29.50; three courses E37.50). The starter of tian of poached salmon and sauteed leeks, frizze lettuce, radicchio salad and dill sauce was delicious, while the marinated pork fillet with braised red cabbage, cider fondant and apple jus was so filling that the third course went untried. There's also the Lobby Lounge for light snacks, beverages and traditional Irish afternoon tea.
Bar: In the basement (though with natural light and terrace), Alfie Byrne's is designed like a classic Dublin pub with a distinctive central bar and great atmosphere, as well as a smokers' area outside (Dublin has banned smoking from restaurants and bars).
Fitness centre: Small but well formed. If you want fresh air, a jogging map is available and St Stephen's Green is good for exercise (only open during daylight hours).
Price: From E260 (room only) per night midweek and E240 (room only) per night at weekends. Price includes VAT, is subject to availability and valid until December 31.
Contact: Conrad Dublin, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, tel: 353 1 602 8900, email: [email protected]
Tom Otley
