2020 was the year we all became staycationer experts, and while Donegal, West Cork and Connemara are great and all, there's a LOT to be said for staycationing in your own city. There's something particularly luxe about holing up in a plush Dublin hotel and acting like a tourist in your hometown, and it's ideal for when you can't afford to take an extended break from work, or have small children you can't leave for too long. With Dublin currently devoid of tourists, this summer is the perfect time to take advantage of one-off offers in some of the city's best hotels, many with dinner included so you don't even have to leave your hotel. Here's some we'd like to treat ourselves to before summer's over.
The Shelbourne, St. Stephen's Green
Every self-respecting Dubliner needs to experience a stay in The Shelbourne at least once in their lives. Situated at the top of Grafton Street overlooking St. Stephen's Green, it's one of the top hotels in the city, with dining options including the very well-regarded Saddle Room restaurant, the No. 27 Bar which is now serving an all-day dining menu, or for something more casual you can also dine on their mezzanine-level terrace, which is made for curling up with a bottle of Champagne, a cheese and meat platter, and knowing our weather, a blanket.
Their 'Escape' package includes an overnight stay in a deluxe guestroom for two people, a full Irish breakfast in The Saddle Room, and overnight parking for €299, and you'll be glad to hear that the residents bar is open for a pre or post dinner drink, as is the spa. Check availability and book through their website.
The Devlin, Ranelagh
Press Up have some really greats deals on until the end of August. A one-night stay in any of their Dublin hotels will get you a €50 voucher to be used in any of their restaurants, bars, cinemas or pubs, while a two-night stay will get you a €100 voucher. They've also just launched a midweek deal in The Devlin in Ranelagh where you can stay "9-5 for €95" - that's checking in at 09:00 and out at 17:00 the following day - so much time to lounge around. Outside of that rooms start at €159 per night (with The Dean, The Clarence, The Mayson from €179), and if you stay three nights you'll get one free - five nights and you'll get two free. All the offers.
They're also encouraging people to discover more of Dublin and have arranged complimentary access to IMMA's Bharti Kher exhibition, and 30% off tickets to the Guinness Storehouse. You can also add on experiences like their 'Picnic in the Park' - grab a bike from the lobby and set off with a picnic basket, blanket and a sweet and savoury picnic - or the 'Netflix & Chill' - freshly popped popcorn, cocktails from Sophie’s, a box of Stella Cinema sweets and your choice of dessert delivered straight to your room. Rooftop restaurant Layla's is open for dinner, the Americana cocktail bar on the ground floor makes peanut butter and jelly cocktails, and Dime coffee bar serves coffee and pastries, so there's literally no reason to leave. Check out all of their offers and book here.
The Radisson Blu, Golden Lane
Another lovely deal just for ATF readers from the Radisson Blu Royal on Golden Lane, who've just opened their new Dyflin garden terrace at the top of the hotel. They've put together a summer 'Picnic in the Sky' experience, with overnight accommodation for two, breakfast and a picnic box to be enjoyed in the rooftop garden, with all the fun of a picnic and none of the hassle. They're also serving cocktails with herbs grown on the terrace, as well as wine and spirits.
The Radisson is just off George's Street meaning you're right in the centre of a lot of food and shopping action, or if you want to eat in the hotel and retire to your room The Chancery Grill serves flambéed chicken livers, Clogherhead crab and steaks, with the Horseshoe Bar there for your pre or post-dinner cocktails. The 'picnic in the sky' offer is available exclusively to ATF readers from €205.00 per room per night. For more details and to book, visit www.radissonblu.com/royalhotel-dublin, select your dates and enter promotional code ROYAL, or you can call the hotel on 01 8982900.
The Intercontinental Dublin, Ballsbridge
The Intercontinental Dublin in Dublin 4 is another hotel that should be on your five-star bucket list. They have a few offers on at the moment, including their 'Come Dine With Me' package, which includes breakfast, a three course meal in Seasons restaurant, access to their 14m heated indoor pool and complimentary car parking, from €302 per night for a deluxe King room, or €392 for a Queen room which sleeps three.
If you're feeling flush there's also the ‘Suite Escape’ from €448 per room per night, including a night in a luxury suite with separate living area, a chilled bottle of Perrier Jouet Champagne on arrival, breakfast served in your room or in Seasons restaurant, access to the pool and a late check out at 14:00 the next day. Don't miss their secret garden - an inner courtyard terrace ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail or general oasis-style lounging (if the sun co-operates). See their offers and book here.
The Westin, D'Olier Street
The five-star Westin on D'Olier Street has been drawing cocktail-loving Dubliners to the Mint Bar for years, but their summer reopening offers allow you to get the full hotel experience, and there are few more central locations for exploring the city's museums and galleries (or blowing them off and going shopping and eating).
Their 'Capital Dining' offer includes overnight accommodation in a deluxe room with a king sized bed, a three course dinner in Morelands Lounge and Grill, and breakfast the next morning from €309. They're also offering a reduced accommodation rate of €177 per night to 'healthcare heroes', including local health authorities, medical personnel and frontline responders - ID is required. See their offers and book here.
King Sitric Howth
Does the sea appeal more than the city? Head for King Sitric restaurant and rooms in Howth, where B&B starts from €130 per night. It includes breakfast in the dining room overlooking Balscadden Bay, and there's always fresh fish and smoked salmon on the menu.
The eight nautically decorated guest rooms have sea views, and the restaurant downstairs (King Sitric and the more casual East Café have merged for the time being) is the ideal place for outdoor dining - but there are indoor tables too in case of a downpour. A post-breakfast Howth cliff walk will be just what you need to burn off all that food, and if you get lucky with the weather, beautiful Balscadden beach is one of the most under-rated n the city. Book on their website or email reservations@kingsitric.ie.
This is a promotional article paid for by the hotels featured, but always chosen by us.
