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Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport

Although not actually in the airport complex, this purpose-built 4 star hotel is very close to it, and convenient to the M1 and M50 motorways and it is worth special consideration as, unlike most other hotels in the area, it aims to provide a dining experience (see Clouds restaurant below), rather than just offering food.

Just 200 metres from the entrance to the airport, it's a new hotel and is especially suited to the business traveller and for conferences and meetings; the bedrooms and suites all have oversized beds and bathrobes, clothes press and complimentary broadband.

There are 19 conference rooms (catering for up to 550 theatre style), fully-equipped with all the necessary ancillary technology including wired and wireless broadband, telephone and video conferencing and air conditioning.

There is secure parking for 250 cars, and a shuttle to the airport door every 10 minutes.

Conference/Banquets (500/300); Business centre, secretarial services, laptop-sized safes in bedrooms, free broadband wi/fi.

Rooms 100 (1 suite, 6 junior suites, 20 executive, 10 family, 13 ground floor, 7 for disabled); children welcome (under 12s free in parents' room, cots available free of charge); lift; all day room service.

Clouds at the Carlton:

The Carlton Hotel may be an ordinary looking building from the exterior but few locations can rival the stunning views from their rooftop restaurant. The dining room is decorated in a modern yet warm style which allows the dramatic views and smart clientéle to take centre stage.

The highly regarded chef Patsy McGuirk has been a consultant since opening, and it shows in many ways, including detail; your meal begins with an amuse bouche (perhaps a tiny cup of celeriac soup with white truffle oil), for example, setting a high culinary tone from the outset.

Menus are simply written and tend to be conservative, drawing on classic French and Irish influences - and rightly reflecting the coastal location with dishes such as Howth seafood chowder or delicious chilled crab cocktail with a Bloody Mary jelly. Main courses are smart versions of old favourites such as grilled fillet of Irish beef with button onions, wild mushroom ragout and chive mash, or (a well known Patsy McGuirk speciality) roast crispy duckling Grand Marnier with a potato and herb stuffing - and the unmissable Dover sole, simply served with parsley and lemon butter.

Stylish desserts might include a gingerbread parfait with a sweet port wine reduction, and you'll find a good selection of Irish cheeses.

An interesting wine list includes ten wines of the month and about a dozen half bottles.

Besides good food and a panoramic view of the city, this aptly named restaurant also boasts one of the capital's highest smoking areas, with dramatic views of landing aircraft.

Above-average informal fare is available elsewhere in the hotel, and includes a children's menu.

Seats 120 (private room, 60; outdoors, 40); pianist on Saturday evenings; children welcome before 8pm. D daily 6.30-9.30pm (6-9 on Sun), L Sun only, 12-3pm; set Sun L €29; house wine from €24.50; SC 10% on groups 8+; closed 24-26 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Close to Dublin airport on the Swords/Santry road: M50 exit 4 (Ballymun) or M1 - Santry exit.