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The Westin Dublin

Two Victorian landmark buildings provided the starting point for this impressive hotel, and part of the former Allied Irish Bank was glassed over to create a dramatic lounging area, The Atrium, which has a huge palm tree feature and bedroom windows giving onto it like a courtyard (effective, although rather airless).

The magnificent Banking Hall now makes a stunning conference and banqueting room, and the adjacent Teller Room is an unusual circular boardroom - while the vaults have found a new lease of life as The Mint, a bar with its own access from College Street.

It's an intriguing building, especially for those who remember its former commercial life, and it has many special features including the business traveller's 'Westin Guest Office', designed to combine the efficiency and technology of a modern office with the comfort of a luxurious bedroom, and the so-called 'Heavenly Bed' designed by Westin and 'worlds apart from any other bed'.

A split-level penthouse suite has views over Trinity College (and a private exercise area). Very limited parking (some valet parking available, if arranged at the time of booking accommodation).

Fitness room. Conferences/Banqueting (250/170); business centre, secretarial services, video conferencing, free broadband wi/fi.

Rooms 163 (17 suites, 7 junior suites, 19 for disabled). Lift. 24 hour room service. Room rate about €359 (max 2 guests). Children welcome (under 17s free in parents room, €45 for roll away bed, cot available at no charge, baby sitting arranged).

The Exchange:

An elegant, spacious room in 1930s style, the restaurant continues the banking theme and, with a welcome emphasis on comfort, it simply oozes luxury. Everything about it, from the classily understated decor in tones of cream and brown to the generous-sized, well-spaced tables and large carver chairs says expensive but worth it.

And, in the Guide's experience, that promise generally follows through on to the plate in well-executed menus - a fairly contemporary style, and confident, unfussy cooking endear this restaurant to visitors and discerning Dublin diners alike.

Friendly service from knowledgeable young waiting staff. There is live music on Saturday night and at Sunday Brunch, which is quite an institution and, like the pre-theatre dinner menu, offers good value.

The Exchange Restaurant & Cocktail Bar : Seats 70. Breakfast daily 6.30-10, L Mon-Fri 12-2.30, D Tue-Sat 6-10, Early D €22, 6-7pm. Sun Brunch 12-4.30, €42.50; live music (jazz) Sat D & Sun brunch; house wine €30. Restaurant closed L Sat, D Sun, Mon. Hotel open all year. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

On Westmoreland Street, opposite Trinity College