The Hotel Examiner: College Green Hotel, Dublin 2 is a five-star with a fresh identity

With Temple Bar across the street, Trinity College to one side and the Liffey to the other, College Green Hotel enjoys a prime location for a central stay in Dublin. A wealth of handsome architecture on Westmoreland Street is somewhat masked at street level by a proliferation of fast food outlets and cheap shopfronts, but the Luas runs past its door, as do dozens of bus routes and the Air Coach, making it a cinch for checking-in and exploring the capital. Despite the busy thoroughfare, the sound- proofing is impressive and bedrooms are as peaceful as you’d hope.

9/10

Design spec

Opening as The Westin in 2001, incorporating a dramatic 19th century Banking Hall and two neighbouring buildings, the property was taken over by Irish hotel group MHL in 2013. A recent €20m refurb and new name has reinvigorated a hotel that never really felt a part of Dublin’s heritage. New art, from the Liffey map on the wall at reception, to the Georgian doors images and prints of architectural features from the Banking Hall, seeks to redress that balance and give the Autograph Collection property a new personality. Factor in a warm palette of creams and greys with muted gold accents, a hint of Art Deco glamour in the restaurant and bedrooms plus striking carpets referencing the Liffey, and it all feels luxurious, smart and modern.

9/10

Service and facilities

A forest of glistening Christmas trees currently greets guests upon check-in, making an opulent and welcoming first impression. The lobby was refurbished during covid, a welcome change that makes the hotel feel more inviting. Check-in is swift but not as personable as we expected and we aren’t given any information about breakfast times or location. There’s no information shared about the hotel’s others facilities such as the Mint Bar or Atrium Lounge. It would be a real shame for guests to miss out on the latter, a beautiful space for drinks and afternoon tea, with a cosy new library. There’s a small gym on the first floor without a pool, but guests can use the Trinity College pool, although hours seem quite limited. Valet parking is available at €30 per night.

7/10

Guest rooms

With 191 rooms, including 19 new ones, the style is understated luxury. Housekeeping is immaculate and crisp white 300-thread count Indian cotton sheets feature a chic muted gold trim. The mix of brass, silver and gold handles and hinges reveals the refresh story of our attic room which has a lovely sloped wall, big windows and egg and dart coving.

We’d have preferred a central light but lamps illuminate the room well; a comfy seating area, Deco-style headboard and good storage complete our double-double. The bright, luxurious bathroom offers an excellent shower, separate bath, great lighting and plush Amouage toiletries. The potted succulent on the sink is a nice touch.

9/10

In-room perks

Signature College Green tea, a delicious custom blend of lemon verbena, elderflower and Darjeeling (created by Irish company, Solaris) awaits in each room served with classy gold-rimmed china cups and a card explaining its significance. Hotel branded water cartons, Irish shortbread, Nespresso machine, kettle and other Solaris teas complete the complimentary offering. Lily O’Brien chocolates are your turndown treat.

On the menu

Dinner is served in the Morelands Grill, a large, elegant Art Deco-accented room overlooking Westmoreland Street. We enjoy warm service and while the Josper grill makes steaks a specialty, seafood dishes prove especially strong, such as seared king prawns with mango chili chutney and seared stone bass with chorizo rosti. Mid-week dinner is quiet as there’s too much competition in the neighbourhood. Breakfast works well in this room too, with a decent buffet that includes quality breads and a nice cheese selection. Dirty dishes remain for a long time on our table and there is some confusion about the pricing of the buffet.

7.5/10

Value for money

The Opulent Oasis experience includes overnight accommodation, breakfast and a signature cocktail from €405 per room available until 29th Feb 2024.

• Jillian was a guest of College Green Hotel.

Room to improve? Service needs to be more consistent and polished to embody the five-star standards of other hotels in the capital.

Access for guests with disabilities? Excellent facilities.

Family-friendly? Plenty of guest room options. Children’s afternoon is especially well conceived.

Dogs welcome? No.

College Green Hotel, Westmoreland St, Dublin 2. thecollegegreenhotel.com