Ideally located right in the heart of Dublin, The Westin Dublin is a luxury 5 star City hotel. Behind the historic 19th century hotel façade, lies spacious guest rooms and suites with characteristics of Irish décor. The hotel does boast a number of facilities but there was something missing. I didn't get that feeling of being pampered, which I normally get at most 5 star hotels... but I can't deny the fact that I loved how each room features a signature Heavenly Bed that ensure a good night's sleep.
Enter the hotel and be transported by a pleasant flowery smell that makes a great first impression. A floral decoration is changed twice a week, keeping it fresh while adding fine touches of luxury.
A description of the premises:
- Enter the hotel, pass the rotating door then climb a couple stairs to the reception
- Before reaching the square room constituting the reception, the concierge will be standing to your right and a door to the left hosts the Exchange Bar and Restaurant
- Six columns, sculptures and antique furniture constitute the reception area covered with real wood floor and lit by a dimmed ambiance
- To the right the stairs give you access to the Atrium lounge or continue straight ahead to another part of the lobby that takes you to the rooms
- To the left, The Mint bar is down the stairs and the rooms are up the elevators to the right
- A Georgian architecture combining old and modernism at the same time is relaxing and soothing
- The Atrium is the main lobby or seating area of the hotel open all day long as the Exchange closes during the day. A super high ceiling around four buildings welcome you for a drink or a quick bite in the heart of the hotel
- The Mint bar, on the lower level is a bit claustrophobic but is the place to watch your sports matches and have a real Irish drink
Unique dining options such as The Exchange Restaurant and The Mint Bar, offer satisfying meals and nourishing superfoods to help guests to re-energise.
The hotels different facilities:
- The Exchange Bar and Restaurant
- The Mint Bar
- The Atrium Cafe
- A small business center
- A big and impressive events area
- The workout area
- In room massage
The room:
- A contemporary, chic and sophisticated feel, with a deep-buttoned chocolate leather bed head, and furniture in delicate shades of cream, green and champagne. All Classic rooms have an overarching skylight.
- Westin Heavenly Bed
- Westin bathroom amenities
- 32" HD plasma televisions
- A USB plug in the wall can charge your phone
- Large working desk, phone with voicemail service
- A iPod dock
- High speed wired/wireless internet access (€15, 24hrs)
- The Deluxe rooms at The Westin Dublin are larger in size and flooded with natural light. Many offer inspiring views of Dublin's city center, including historic Trinity College.
The pluses:
- The rooms are nice, warm and spacious
- Water bottles were changed everyday
- The hotel is luxurious and relaxing
- Clean and well maintained, the hotel is a good choice for couple of days spent in Dublin
- The hotel location is perfect
The minuses:
- The shower is so small that you can't even bend down to wash your toes
- As for the bathtub, the shower hose is too short and can not reach your head
- In the rooms, or at least our room, noises are too strong specially from the next room's restrooms
- Bathroom amenities were not changed or refilled for four days. One single mouthwash for two and no more shampoo for the last day's shower
- We ordered an ice bucket on the first day which was not removed until we left
The needed fine tuning: It's a five stars after all.
- Isn't this a five stars? Ok, so why wasn't anyone always standing outside waiting to welcome new guests. I had to help myself with the luggage and no one approached to help. Oh! Sorry, the majordomo appeared by coincidence the last day
- There should be several staff members, each doing a specific job - a concierge, someone at the front desk, a bell boy... not one man doing all. Especially not in a 5 star hotel.
- The waitress at breakfast should better take care of her look at least brush her hair before work.
A must... missing:
Five stars hotels usually always offer night service where rooms are checked, fine tuned and prepped for guest's good night sleep. A dark chocolate and a note are usually left in the room to make you smile. An essential missing touch The Westin has to implement. It's The Westin after all not a three star hotel, right?
I enjoyed this hotel and all it's services especially it's cleanliness and tasty food, but much has to be fine tuned to deserve its name and ranking. The feeling of being pampered at a hotel is missing and this hint of professionalism that's needed to make your stay ultimately appreciated.
