The Sinnott family's discreetly luxurious Brooks Hotel Dublin is a gem of a place - an oasis of calm just a couple of minutes walk from Grafton Street.
A ground floor bar, lounge and restaurant all link together, making an extensive public area that is quietly impressive on arrival - the style is a pleasing combination of traditional with contemporary touches, using a variety of woods, some marble, wonderful fabrics and modern paintings - and, while a grand piano adds gravitas, there's a welcome emphasis on comfort.
All 98 bedrooms have exceptionally good amenities, including a pillow menu (choice of five types) and well-designed bathrooms with power showers as well as full baths (some also have tile screen TV), and many other features.
Francesca's Restaurant
Pre-dinner drinks are served in a lovely little cocktail bar, Jasmine, and the restaurant has a youthful contemporary look, and a welcoming ambience - an open plan kitchen has well positioned mirrors allowing head chef Patrick McLarnon and his team to be seen at work.
Seating 30, tables at Francesca's are elegantly appointed with classic linen cloths and napkins, and waiting staff, smartly attired in black, look after customers with warmth and professionalism.
Patrick sources ingredients with great care (wild salmon, organic chicken, dry aged steak, wild boar sausage), his cooking is generally imaginative - and there's a strong emphasis on fish and seafood.
The lucky winner of this free competition will get a short break for two people sharing (subject to availability), to include: