Escape the city
Champagne on the Merrion Terrace. Photo courtesy of The Merrion Hotel, ©Mark Reddy, Trinity Digital Studios.
by Julie-Ann Sherlock
For the world's most prestigious hotels, life after the pandemic requires innovation, hard work and a commitment to a higher level of customer service. Ireland's The Merrion Hotel has introduced a range of new measures to safely accommodate their guests in a time of transition.
Located in the heart of Dublin, The Merrion Hotel is the epitome of luxury. The converted Georgian townhouses of the five star landmark are also home to well-regarded eateries, a world-class spa and an enviable collection of Irish art.
With the Fáilte Ireland COVID-19 Safety Charter and the GBAC Star Facility Accredited Certificates in place, The Merrion has implemented new steps to ensure the safety and comfort of its guests. Along with the introduction of contactless check-in and out, the hotel also offers on-site PCR testing for international visitors and a bespoke airport chauffeur service called the Sweet Suite Access package.
The Merrion Terrace. Photo courtesy of The Merrion Hotel, ©Mark Reddy, Trinity Digital Studios.
The hotel has also commissioned six bespoke outdoor cabanas — each with its own garden view — as a creative way of hosting guests, with individual heaters, sanitised blankets and seating for up to five people. Meanwhile, The Garden Room restaurant also has outdoor tables and its terrace areas have parasol-covered tables for fine weather dining.
Art plays an integral part of The Merrion Hotel's story; so much so that in 2019 it introduced The Merrion Plinth competition for artists of all disciplines. The winner receives a bursary award and has their piece showcased at the hotel.
"Artist Orla Whelan was our inaugural winner and has since joined our Art afternoon tea pastry collection with a pastry inspired by her winning piece Chaos Bewitched," explains Merrion Hotel Marketing Manager Niamh Molloy. The competition returns in 2022.
"Storytelling and sharing our unique history and sense of identity is hugely important to The Merrion," she explains. That identity comes across in informative blog posts, beautifully maintained Rococo plasterwork and an impressive art collection that adorns the walls.
As pandemic-induced restrictions begin to recede, holidaymakers and business guests are once more indulging in the quiet escape the hotel offers. If refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city is a priority, there are few better places in Dublin to relax than in The Merrion's Spa.
"We see our spa as an urban retreat in which to reboot, relax and revitalise. Our six treatments rooms, steam room and sauna, complete with our relaxation suite, offer a silent space to truly switch off," explains Merrion Hotel General Manager Peter MacCann.
While escaping the buzz of the city may be a priority, the hotel's eco-friendly initiatives have led to three beehives finding a home on its rooftop, which “contribute to our ecosystem and flourishing gardens”, adds Peter.
With a silver award by Green Hospitality Ireland under its belt, The Merrion Hotel is responsibly playing its part for sustainability. According to Peter, the hotel's philosophy can be summed up in six short words: "The guest, the guest, the guest!"