Dylan, Dublin, Ireland
Dylan 5 Stars
“Luscious, decadent and fun, this award-winning boutique hotel on the edge of the city centre is upping the style stakes in Dublin.”
Hotel Overview
Review of Dylan, by The TI Review Team
Set in a quiet cul-de-sac in a tree-lined, canal-framed suburb a ten-minute stroll from central Dublin, The Dylan is quite a find. A 44-roomed boutique hotel with a grand townhouse facade that belies a quirkily modern heart, from the very start, everything about it is intimate, even a little inward-facing.
The facilities
The ground floor revolves around an informal check-in area with a great selection of artsy (yet divinely comfortable) seating. A relaxed library, clad in a surprisingly well blended lime green and white leather, has a good selection of books, a plasma TV and a grand piano, that can be surprisingly difficult to pull yourself away from.
Elsewhere, the bar - popular with glamourous non-guests looking to indulge themselves with a superbly rendered cocktail in exclusive surroundings - and restaurant are similarly seductive. The bar opens on to an outdoor terrace, where on (rare) sunny mornings, you can also take breakfast surrounded by soothing water features.
The rooms
While there's plenty of evidence of a slightly obsessive attention to detail, it's manifested in a warm and personable way rather than a cold, hard fixation. The staff are all about the personal touch: professional and friendly, but extremely genuine with it.
After check-in, a red leather-padded lift whisked me up to the top floor, a large, bright red space, lit by a monochromatic Anish Kapoor-style skylight. I was then enthusiastically guided through the hotel's facilities, before being given an exhaustive five-minute tour of my room, a spacious twin with a light and airy feel.
And it's here, naturally, that the feeling of wilful detachment is strongest: down-tempo electronica was playing on the Dylan iPod that comes with every room; Dylan-branded chocolate brownies adorn the sideboard. Finally, a movie menu gives you the option of having popcorn and coke delivered to your room.
Together, they confirm the suspicion that had been building throughout my stay: that the Dylan is the very definition of a stylish urban hideaway that really doesn't want you to leave.
Facilities
Hotel Policies
Rooms
44Awards
"Hot List", Conde Nast Traveller 07
Who stays here?
Dublin's glitterati have adopted the Dylan and it's now the hotel of choice for all manner of famous names.
Come for...
- Decadent Dublin weekends
- Gorgeous, colourful, funky décor
- Lots of spoiling extras, from on-demand movies and iPod docks to 7th Heaven beds
Not Suitable for...
- The thick of things: located in an off-centre suburb
- Budgets: glamour don't come cheap
Eating in
Padraic Hayden’s modern Irish food in the chic Still restaurant; a hotspot bar for divine cocktails and people-watching. Last orders 10.30 in the restaurant, later in the bar; 24 hour room service menu.
The Press Say
"A leather-lined lift glides up to the 44 bedrooms, which have been the subject of a £18m makeover with the naked ambition of making The Dylan the Irish capital's glitziest hide-away." The Independent 08
Reviews
Review of Dylan, by Katherine Brodsky
The Dylan is a rather eccentric boutique hotel in Dublin. Its design echoes old-fashioned charm fused with a decidedly modern approach. With its youthful, friendly and helpful staff, Dylan feels like a luxurious private mansion. The five-star boutique hotel manages to feel very discreet, yet welcoming and personable.
The facilities
Located in an affluent suburb, The Dylan is surrounded by plenty of decent pubs and restaurants, but it is definitely a bit removed from the more "happening" parts of the city and the major tourist attractions. However, they are all within a short bus or taxi ride and a 15 minute walk to Grafton St and St. Stephens Green.
The Dylan is all about personality and subtle little touches. Delectable brownies await you on arrival at the boutique hotel and special goodies are left after the nightly turn-down. In addition to the traditional minty chocolate on your pillow, you can expect to find complimentary bottles of VOSS water and a unique aromatherapy "sleep well" spray.
Delicious buffet and a la carte breakfasts are served in the boutique hotel's breakfast room. The plush bar is popular with guests in the evening and there's a library for guests who suffer from sleepless nights.
The rooms
The boutique hotel's rooms are comfortable but not exceedingly large. Mirrors span one entire wall which makes them feel more spacious. Some come with terraces, but there are no real views to enjoy.
Room amenities are very well thought out. Large bottles of fine shampoo, hair conditioner and bath salts, heated towel bars, vanity kits and slippers are luxurious extras.Flat screen TVswi-fi and an iPod with Bose speakers which comes loaded with music and Dublin city audio guides bring the boutique hotel bang up to date.