Hilton Dublin

Overlooking the Grand Canal and set in well maintained shrubberies and seating areas, this attractive modern Dublin hotels located between Leeson Street and Charlemont Street bridges; with a Luas station just outside (and only a short walk from the city centre in fine weather), it caters well for both leisure and business guests.

Underground parking gets arriving guests off to a good start (€10 per night to residents, lift to reception), followed by prompt efficient and friendly welcome in a bright reception area with comfortable seating, fresh flowers and a sociable atmosphere.

Accommodation is generally very comfortable with kingsize beds, good desk space (with all the necessary technical items nearby) and work chair, safe, good lighting, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities iron and ironing board, all as standard, and well finished bathrooms. Regular maintenance and refurbishment is the norm, although some rooms may seem a little dated.

Public facilities include the Stil Bar & Lounge and a coffee shop (nice selection of freshly made sandwiches from 11 am to 3 pm), with main meals, including a good breakfast, served in Uisce Restaurant.

This is a lovely place to stay with excellent staff, who care about the customer.

Conference/banqueting (400/260), business centre, broadband wi/fi; underground carpark; children welcome (Under 12s free in parents' room; cots available, high chair, baby changing facilities, childrens menu). No pets. Lift. Fitness Room.

Rooms 193 (39 executive, 3 for disabled, 187 no smoking). Room rate €175-295 (max. 2 guests). Closed 25 Dec.

Uisce Restaurant:

Located just off the reception area, this well-appointed Dublin restaurants pleasant in the evening, when you can watch people strolling along the canal bank.

Menus offer a well-balanced choice of modern dishes including starters like seared scallops with a basil mash or smoked salmon on chorizo rosti, and tried-and-trusted main courses such as fillet of beef (with roast aubergine, plum tomatoes and black pepper sauce, perhaps) or braised shank of lamb with mashed potatoes.

Desserts are all homemade and tasty - a vanilla panna cotta with cardamom pineapple, perhaps, or deep apple pie with Chantilly cream; good coffee to finish.

Although the choices are on the safe side, cooking is sound and - as elsewhere in the hotel - lifted by lovely service.

A reasonably priced wine list is nicely laid out into sections of light, crisp, medium bodied and full flavoured groups.