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Dylan Hotel Dublin

It feels as if it's in a peaceful backwater, yet this splendid Victorian building is just yards from one of Dublin's busiest city centre roads. Arrival at the gates of Dylan is an experience in itself, especially in the evening, when it is magically lit by old fashioned lamps outside the main entrance, where doormen greet you.

A modern wing sits comfortably with the original building and the lobby offers a foretaste of the edgy design beyond: leather padded walls, over-sized floral motifs and tactile wallpaper along with ultra-modern seating and creative lighting are just some of the quirky elements that create an atmosphere of decadent elegance.

The edgy look continues in the individually designed bedrooms, which are fitted to a very high specification. Standard rooms are laptop compatible and include a plasma screen TV, MP3 players, safes, cordless phones with voicemail and speakerphone, customised 7th Heaven Beds, Frette linen, air conditioning, under floor heated bathrooms, power showers, robes & slippers, Etro toiletries, mini bar and twice daily housekeeping.

Even the most demanding international traveller would be hard pressed to complain at this five star boutique hotel.

Not suitable for children. Business centre, secretarial services, free broadband wi/fi.

Rooms 44 (6 suites, 38 executive, 15 shower only, 1 disabled, all no smoking); Lift; 24hr room service. B&B from €395 per room for Dylan Luxury (€275 off peak, other rooms discounted depending on availability), Dylan Style €440, Dylan Experience €690, one Dylan Signature Suite €800. Lifts. Non-smoking hotel. Open all year except 25-26 Dec.

The Still

This strangely named bright, white dining room is filled with no less then nine glittering chandeliers, luxurious cream and white chairs, wildly curved furnishings, a pale padded wall and a baby grand piano. The ambience is lavish 1940s Hollywood decadence and there are always plenty of big Irish names to be spotted here.

Head chef Padraig Hayden was previously at One Pico and his classical discipline shows in menus that are indulgent, but always deliver. Specialities that are faultless, in the Guide's experience, include fresh lasagne with Dublin Bay prawns, white leek, salsify and roasted scallops; and roasted venison with pureed parsnip and root vegetable terrine.

The dessert menu includes some very dressy versions of classics - including pear tatin with Poire William ice cream, spun sugar, and vanilla syrup, perhaps.

An extensive wine list leans heavily towards classic super stars, with prices to match, although there is plenty of choice at more accessible prices.

Attentive service is a hallmark of this smart hotel - doors are held open for guests, and highly knowledgeable waiting staff explain each course. A champagne cocktail will set you back about about €20 but this is not a place people visit to count the pennies: Dylan is very much a place to be seen, so the prices match the opulent stage setting.

Restaurant: Seats 44 (private room, 12, outdoors, 20); air conditioning; L daily, 12.30-2.30pm, D daily 6-10.30pm ( to 11pm Thu-Sat); set 3 course L €38, also a la carte L&D. Average starter €21, main courses €35, desserts €15. Tasting Menu of 8 courses €110. House wine from €20.95. SC discretionary. Amex, Mastercard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Just off Upper Baggot Street before St. Marys Road.