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I had just turned into the side street from Dublin’s famous Grafton Street to the Westbury when I saw it. I instantly recognised the life size statue of Dublin-bred Phil Lynott. I was still humming “The Boys are Back in town” when I got to the reception desk on the first floor. “A fan of Thin Lizzy are you?” asked Eddie, the concierge in a charming Irish lilt. “To be sure” I replied”.
It’s unlikely the rock star would have ever stayed here as he died a year after the Westbury opened 30 years ago. And before that this sprawling hotel was a convent, yet there’s no hint of austerity anywhere.
The stately Gallery room, with its huge windows, stretches out from the reception in hues of cream and grey with wood pillars. The furniture is designed by George Smith and Waterford crystal chandeliers hang from the high ceilings. And all around the hotel are works of mainly Irish artworks that when clumped together are worth more than two million euros. It’s a fabulous place to take their locally famous high tea menu.
My room was gloriously spacious with five star amenities plus a handy salon-strength hairdryer and a Nespresso machine. Oh and a soft Sealy bed with soft to touch Irish Lissadell linen.
One day I took breakfast in the Wilde restaurant (named after Oscar Wilde), The dark wood walls, floors and furniture reminded me of a library so I reached for my complimentary copy of the Irish Times.
The next morning’s breakfast was at their Novo restaurant. After an indulgent night sipping champagne cocktails at Westbury’s plush Marble Bar I craved their light healthy breakfast. Coloured dots depict low fat, gluten free, high protein or superfood.
I opted for the Oat Protein Pancakes which had all four dots. I’ll bet that the Guinness I had later at a pub around the buzzy Temple Bar area undid the good, but who cares, like the boys, I’ll be back in town soon.
RATES: From 190 euros
www.doylecollection.com