Hotel review: The Leinster is a new contender in Dublin 2
At Georges The The Jean Restaurant Leinster
- The Leinster
- 7 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.
- theleinster.ie
- Our rating 9/10
Seconds from Merrion Square, overlooking the wide Georgian strip of Upper Mount Street, this impressive new-build is well placed for a city-centre stay or stroll to the Aviva for a sporting showdown or concert.
There’s good public transport options nearby but discounted parking is only available at Setanta Q Park by Trinity College, a 10-minute walk away.
Once a rather unremarkable building, housing a nightclub, the plain Jane has been transformed into an understated contemporary build with startlingly beautiful and whimsical interiors.
Developed by The Dean Hotel Group (formerly PressUp, whose Dean, Mayson and Devlin are known for their clever design), The Leinster doesn’t follow the blueprint, but rather takes things up a notch with a high-end Alice-in-Wonderland interior and knock-out design.
A mix of architectural styles marries Art Deco luxury with playful contemporary flourishes and brass features. Modern patterns, vibrant colours, sumptuous fabrics and a striking collection of Irish art make this a destination for aesthetes and sybarites.
Forget anything you thought you knew about Press Up group’s patchy service.
The Leinster’s staff are well trained and efficient, all trying very hard to please.
From a charming check-in to brilliant bar and breakfast experience everyone seems delighted to be working here.
The restaurant team are on point, with good knowledge, enthusiasm and attentiveness. This is five-star service in a four-star+ hotel.
As one of its first guests to check-in, the new Power gym was still being installed but looked pretty good, with top equipment as per their other properties and nice planting and painting to soften the industrial edge.
An outdoor area leads to a hot tub and thermal suite. The destination bar and restaurant are the real draw here, with everything else you could need on the hotel’s doorstep.
The walk from reception to the bedroom is a joyful experience with dotted carpets, graphic wallpaper, mirrored ceilings and original art.
Each room is elegant and appealing, luxuriously tricked out with super king beds, oversized embroidered headboards, tasseled bedside lamps, Frette bedlinen (en route, we’re told) and comfy seating areas.
Bathrooms are exquisitely designed though small - our shower access would certainly be a squeeze for the larger guest.
Bespoke cabinetry looks great but once the hangers are in use the full-length mirrors become useless. Bathrooms with automated Japanese toilets feature hand-carved basins and dazzling bonsai wallpaper. (Despite the mention of London on the label the Brooks & Co toiletries are an Irish brand with English heritage.)
As hotel rooms go, The Leinster’s are indulgent and gorgeous.
A cocktail shaker, kettle and coffee machine cover all angles with beautiful stemware, large selection of herbal teas, Irish snacks, signature batch cocktails and fresh milk in the fridge.
Dyson hairdryers, glossy coffee table books and a potted plant elevate things nicely.
Don’t miss drinks in the ultra-glam Collins’ Club, named for influential Irish design genius David Collins. White jacketed waiters fix great cocktails, from the classics to house specialties, and the vibe is fun and chic (Lunch will be served her eventually). The lift will take you to the fifth floor rooftop restaurant, named for Jean-Georges Vongerichten, one of the world’s most successful fine dining chefs with over 60 restaurants globally. (Expect wonderful views when the two terraces open.) He has trained up the team here, leaving his legacy in the capable hands of head chef Ross Bryans who is doing a top job with the vibrant France-meets-Asia signature dishes. Egg toast with caviar, wild turbot crusted with nuts and seeds and the chicken parmesan are all stand-out dishes. Breakfast is served here too and offers fresh pastries from Bread 41.
Rooms start at €300.
- Jillian Bolger was a guest of The Leinster
Despite the well-equipped drinks bar with large selection of herbal infusions there was no bottled water or regular tea. A call to reception saw Barry’s promptly delivered. We’d also like more wines by the glass at Jean-Georges.
Three accessible suites. Hearing induction loop at reception. All areas are wheelchair accessible except the outdoor jacuzzi.
The hotel feels very grown-up, even with its playful décor. Save this one for the adults!
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