Possibly the most conveniently situated of all the central Dublin hotels, The Westbury Hotel is a very small stone's throw from the city's premier shopping street and has all the benefits of luxury hotels - notably valet parking (limited, €20 per night) - to offset any practical disadvantages of access to the location.
Unashamedly sumptuous, the hotel's public areas drip with chandeliers and have accessories to match - like the grand piano on The Gallery, a popular first floor meeting place for Afternoon Tea, and frequently used for fashion shows. Also appreciated by locals as well as hotel guests, The Sidecar Cocktail Bar has a resident mixologist to create the perfect cocktail to kick off an evening on the town.
Accommodation is similarly luxurious, with bedrooms that include penthouse suites and a high proportion of suites, junior suites and executive rooms.
While residents may have the option of breakfast at Wilde, for Dubliners or out-of-towners up for meetings or a day’s shopping, Balfes ticks all the boxes. There’s a great weekday breakfast menu offering a range of ‘Bodybyrne’ fitness dishes alongside more conventional favourites like organic porridge various ways, a range of egg dishes or frankly indulgent morning pastries. And then comes the weekend brunch, when the options widen to include an aperitif cocktail menu and other drinks, bigger dishes like burgers and fish & chips, or open sandwiches…Whatever the day or time, it’s one of the coolest spots in town for breakfast or brunch.
With conference facilities to match its quality of accommodation and service, the hotel is understandably popular with business and corporate guests, but it also makes a great base for a leisure break in the city.
Wilde The Restaurant:
Elegant, stylish and atmospheric, this Dublin restaurants a hotel restaurant with its own unique personality. The revamped space includes a fabulous garden room overlooking Harry Street below. With lush, hanging vines, comfy wicker chairs, leaf print cushions and soft throws you’ll stay cosy on days when the windows are thrown open to enjoy the fresh air.
This green space opens onto a smart main room with Art Deco sensibilities. Here green velvet meets dark wood creating a calm and welcoming palette throughout.
Executive chef Sandeep Singh has created a menu with broad appeal that is served all day.
Offering sophisticated takes on classics, you’ll find plenty of spice adding originality and fragrance. A great choice of seafood, including lobster with tomato jam and Dover sole meunière, sits alongside a full steak menu and grilled lamb with harissa. An original sides menu includes charred sweetcorn, chilli and feta and the irresistible cauliflower with pomegranate.
The wine list at Wilde is extensive and the superb sommelier will ably offer suggestions, even if it’s just a single glass you fancy. We especially love Wilde’s signature Gin and Tonic menu which showcases many Irish gins mixed with interesting tonics, herbs and fruits. It’s clear much love has gone into this. Every little detail impresses, including the outstanding service: Warm, engaged, informed and charming the staff set this place apart.
Given the quality of the cooking, impressive staff and beautiful dining room, Wilde is perfect for any occasion, from a romantic date to a family celebration or business lunch.
*On the ground floor Balfe's offers a cross between Parisian chic and New York cool; with direct access from the street and outdoor seating, it is more independent café/brasserie than hotel restaurant (see separate entry).
