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Ariel House

This fine family-run establishment occupies three seamlessly adjoined Victorian houses beside the famous old rugby ground in leafy Ballsbridge. It makes a good impression from the outset, with tarmacadamed parking (plus extra parking to the rear), gardens laid out in lawn and shrubbery, making a pleasant place to sit with a book on a summer's day, and a sweep of granite steps leading up to the entrance.

Inside, you'll find an elegant hallway, reception and a bay-windowed residents' lounge with antique furnishings, open gas fire, TV and a supply of daily newspapers.

The 37 bedrooms are spread throughout the three storeys, including some at garden level, and at the time of the Guide's early summer visit in 2007 a major refurbishment programme was discreetly under way; this has since been completed, and the house re-launched with some fanfare.

Bedrooms offering a combination of period décor and modern comforts (all have TV and tea/coffee making facilities) vary in size - deluxe rooms and junior suites have four-posters and brass beds, and special attention is paid to the quality of beds in all rooms; bathrooms vary, standard rooms having compact, tiled bathrooms with bath and shower, heated towel rail, toiletries and hairdryer.

Breakfast, served in an extended conservatory overlooking the garden, is a most pleasant experience: attentive staff, fresh flowers on white linen table cloths, clematis trailing outside the window and carefully cooked full Irish fry as well as an array of fruit and cereals.

Under the management of Jennie McKeown, a daughter of the house and a professionally trained young hotelier, this is a well-run establishment.

Children welcome (under 6s free in parents' room, cots available free of charge); free broadband wi/fi; parking (25). Rooms 37 (3 junior suites, 10 executive, 3 family, 1 shower only, 10 ground floor, all no smoking). B&B €60 pps or €99-150 for a single room. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

On Lansdowne Road off Ballsbridge