American travelers never know what they’ll end up with when visiting a European hotel. There are centuries-old properties in various stages of development – some looking to keep their original architecture and features, and some eager to upgrade with 21st century technology and accouterments.
Along the path of my travel coverage, I’ve stayed in everything from an Elizabethan castle transformed into a hotel (fortress walls and all), a renovated business-style residence in Rome and a long-standing luxury hotel on the French side of Lake Geneva. In each case, the hotel was looking for a balance between its history and its place in the modern world.
The Brooks Hotel in Dublin’s city center hit that comfortable balance between centuries-old charm and modern comfort.
Located on Drury Street, The Brooks is an easy Dublin walk from many of the top attractions in a very walkable city. A few minutes stroll from the Brooks’ four-star boutique lodgings will take you to Temple Bar, Trinity College, literary tours, the Guinness Storehouse and the Quay.
The rooms have all necessary modern features, while the decor flirts with subtle Victorian-era decorations. The rooms might seem a notch on the small side to some American visitors used to more expansive stateside properties, but they’re competitively spacious compared to many similar priced European lodgings.
Those rooms come in three setups – Classic, Deluxe and Executive. While not ideal for larger gatherings compared to resort properties, the Brooks does have a banquet/meeting room that will hold 60 – enough for a modest wedding.
Unlike many European boutique properties, The Brooks offers a small, but modern fitness and spa facility. Francesca’s Restaurant off the lobby serves up a satisfying, traditional Irish breakfast every morning before transitioning to small, but locally popular lunch and dinner spot. The service has an international flair that’s formal, but attentive.
The Jasmine Bar combines modern decor with much more casual, friendly service from its rotation of local bartenders. It’s a long toss from a traditional Irish pub, but that doesn’t mean the interaction between you and your barman can’t have that traditional chummy, Irish charm..
Brooks Boutique Hotel Dublin offers pure luxury in the heart of Dublin City. The bedrooms at this4 star hotel accommodation in Dublin City range from classic to deluxe and executive suites in a range of styles.
There may be less expensive spots to stay while visiting Ireland’s greatest city, but there are few that offer as comfortable a rally point for exploring the town.
