2017 Award Winners GUESTHOUSE OF THE YEAR 2017

Number 31, Dublin 2

Competing with cut price hotels has been no joke for the owners of guesthouses and B&Bs in recent years, but the best have USPs that allow them to thrive regardless of any such challenges.

“Behind a tall creeper-clad wall and a discreet plaque you will find…” Noel and Deirdre Comer’s introduction their Hidden Ireland guesthouse in a pair of Georgian mews buildings is mysterious and very accurate.

The coolest of city centre destinations, it is perhaps the happiest legacy of controversial Dublin architect Sam Stephenson, who once lived here and created the modernist setting that guests enjoy today - the famed sunken lounge, a charming garden and even a rooftop conservatory.

The combination of spacious and supremely comfortable accommodation, warm hospitality, an exceptional location - and of course a great, seasonally-led, breakfast - has made this a destination of choice for many a discerning traveller over the last fifteen years.

As one of our team said after staying here: “You don't expect too many surprises when you book into a guesthouse, but No 31 delivers surprises aplenty: country house hospitality in an architect designed building in the heart of Georgian Dublin - this is as surprising as it gets.”

While no other property can match the unique credentials of this one, Dublin badly needs more quality alternatives to hotel accommodation and aspiring hosts would do well to stay here and see how it’s done.