Harrington Hall

Well situated adjacent to St. Stephens and Grafton Street shopping, the National Concert Hall and within walking distance of city-centre museums and galleries, this former guesthouse is now an hotel in the Manor House marketing group and it offers comfortable accommodation in well-preserved Georgian surroundings.

The former home of a Lord Mayor of Dublin, it has been sympathetically and elegantly refurbished, retaining many original features. Fine fanlighted doorways, original and renewed plasterwork, chandeliers and fireplaces identify the house as an oasis in the busy city and there is a 'Luas' tram stop about 100 yards from the front door.

Although there are some smaller, more practical bedrooms at the back, the main guestrooms are spacious and relaxing with king-size beds, sound-proofed windows, and well-appointed marbled bathrooms. All are ensuite with TV, telephone, tea & coffee hospitality tray, bathrooms, armchairs and trouser press. Bespoke hotel furnishings include dressing table and full-length mirror with Vettriano prints on discreetly yellow walls, heavy drapes on floor-to-ceiling windows, sky-blue carpets and generous lighting: central light with fan plus several lamps. All floors are serviced by lift and narrow stairs.

Wi-fi facilities are available in the public lounge with a welcoming olde worlde feel accentuated by the marble fireplace, large cushioned couches, golfing prints, pictures and portraits and in one corner a piano upon which sits a glass case housing an elderly stuffed pheasant.

Reception is unfussy and housekeeping is to a high standard.

The basement Breakfast Room is unexpectedly bright - with strong primary colours and natural light through ample windows. In this lovely room, good breakfasts - usual cereal, juice, fruit, yogurt, cold ham and cheese as well as the traditional 'fry' - are served with excellent coffee on linen napery. Here also are some eye-catching features, for instance an artificial but striking recessed Bonsai and an antique brass dustpan and brush hanging on the wall in a corner of the room

Although a nearby nightclub may be disturbing to guests in front bedrooms on Saturday nights, all round this is an excellent place to stay in the city centre.  Offering comfort and good value, it's handy to the Luas (tram), and with the huge advantage of guest parking behind the building; luggage can be stored for guests arriving before check-in time.