Hotel review: Dublin 4's Dylan Hotel sets the standard for the city-centre

Location

An exceptional address in the heart of Dublin 4. Just off Baggot Street, it’s within walking distance of Grafton Street – a straight 20-minute stroll – and conveniently close to buzzy Baggot Street, the Aviva and Dublin 4’s restaurants and amenities. 

Set back from the main thoroughfare, the hotel is secreted away in a chic Georgian neighbourhood.

• 9/10

Style & design

Built in 1900 to house trainee nurses, this handsome building opened as Dublin’s first boutique hotel in 2006, beginning with 42 bedrooms it expanded to 72 in 2017. 

Last year, a full refurbishment, including the original bedrooms and guest corridors, seamlessly matched the design of the new 28-bedroom wing. 

The dark interiors of the original hotel iteration have been stripped back; the new Dylan is bright and airy, a breath of fresh air, with Bloomsbury vibes, bold accents and Irish design pieces.

On arrival, guests emerge to Italian marble and parquet wood flooring, forest green and jade furniture ensuring a gentle, relaxing welcome. 

To the left, there’s the restaurant, bar, terrace, and private resident’s cocktail bar — and glimpses of the deep red walls that create a cosy sense of intimacy.

Rich in textures, The Dylan Bar has a speakeasy atmosphere with a dark, den-like vibe — the centrepiece its walnut-fronted bar. 

The adjoining Eddison restaurant echoes the bright lobby with lush greens and high white walls. 

A moss installation, designed by Bronagh Harte of Ginkgo Flowers, hangs from the ceiling. The Ruby Room, a cocktail bar for just 30 guests, is all velvet panelling in rich jewel tones with bespoke silk lamps. 

This is something very special indeed.

The striking choice of Irish artwork throughout the ground floor is reason to visit the Dylan alone.

• 10/10

Service & amenities

Check-in is flawless — a warm professional welcome, and my early arrival proves no issue. My room is ready and waiting.

There’s no pool at the Dylan, though one is available nearby for guests. The gym, the hotel’s exclusive workout area, is a four-minute walk down a laneway directly across the road. 

It’s far from ideal, but the equipment is brand new and attentive staff walk guests directly to the door.

• 7/10

Guest rooms

The double room is sublime, with a lush custom-made king-size bed, and crisp white sheets layered with luxurious goose down and Irish-designed fabrics. 

It feels bright with white walls, a feature wall with patterned wallpaper and a painted blue ceiling creating a sense of character. 

The Experience Suite has a sumptuous velvet seating area, and the underfloor heating in the bathroom is luxurious and cosy. Bathrooms feature Hopal toiletries.

• 10/10

In-room perks

A complimentary sweet plate of four homemade desserts welcomes guests celebrating special occasions. 

The mini-bar is extensive (with a good selection of treats) but priced as you’d expect in a five-star. 

Only water, tea and Nespresso coffee are complimentary.

• 8/10

On the menu

Tempura prawns for starters are exceptional, served with spiced carrot, daikon, cabbage kimchi and wasabi dressing (€20). 

The main, spiced monkfish fillet, vegetable and chorizo ragu, with sundried tomato and Dublin Bay Prawn (€38) was served exactly as described but the combination of spiced monkfish and ragu didn’t quite merge effortlessly. 

Full marks though for one of the best brownies this writer has been served in years. Melt in the mouth.

Breakfast the next morning saw pastries, granola, fruit and yoghurt brought to the table on a serving plate that could double for afternoon tea. 

It was a simple touch that made this meal a standout. The coffee was the perfect strength for a gentle morning kick, the orange juice freshly squeezed. 

Bacon and scrambled eggs were served to the table - no buffets here. 

The bread though - a brown sliced pan toasted - was disappointing. 

We requested soda bread and toasted slices of homemade bread were brought to our table immediately. Perfection.

• 7/10

Value for money

Romantic, chic and intimate, this Dublin hideaway is one for a special Dublin occasion. 

A unique offering in a world of design-by-numbers hotels, rates start at €300 B&B per room.

• Vickie Maye was a guest of Dylan Hotel.

Room to improve?

Soda bread at breakfast seems like a minor gripe when it comes to a unique offering like the Dylan.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Very accessible for guests with mobility needs. All food and beverage facilities are located on the ground floor. 

There are accessible rooms with adapted bathrooms on each floor, including the ground floor. 

These bedrooms are especially useful for guests with mobility needs or more elderly guests.

Family-friendly?

Yes, with larger family rooms and interconnecting rooms. At check-in children are welcomed with their own custom Dylan teddy.

Dogs welcome? 

3 balcony rooms are suited to canine companions, and St Mary's Road park beside the hotel, Herbert Park and Merrion Square Park are all easily accessible for dog walks. On check in dogs receive a bed, bowl & doggy treat in their room. 

Dogs must be pre-booked. The cost is an additional €100.