You’ve probably seen the headlines about Dublin's hotel scene exploding lately. It's crowded. But tucked away right off Merrion Square, there’s a place that feels less like a corporate franchise and more like a wealthy friend's art-filled townhouse.
The Leinster Hotel Dublin isn't just another bed to sleep in. Honestly, it’s a bit of a maximalist fever dream in the best way possible.
Opened in early 2024, this 55-room boutique hotel has quickly become a magnet for people who are bored of beige. From the moment you walk past the Damien Hirst hanging behind the reception desk, you realize this isn't a place that does "subtle." It’s bold. It’s colorful. It’s very, very Dublin.
The Vibe: Art, Velvet, and Japanese Toilets
Let’s get into the rooms. They range from the compact "Standard" at 16sqm to the sprawling "Rico Suite" which basically feels like a private apartment.
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Design-wise? It’s a lot. Think plush velvets, brushed gold accents, and cherry red sofas. The headboards are embroidered with floral patterns, and the carpets have a Dalmatian-spotted vibe. If you prefer minimalism, you might find it a bit overwhelming. But for anyone who loves a "Zoom background" worthy room, it’s perfect.
Small details actually matter here. They didn't just throw in cheap kettles. You get Dyson hairdryers and Nespresso machines. The bathrooms are tight—some guests have mentioned they’re a squeeze—but they make up for it with high-end Brooks & Co. toiletries and Japanese-style toilets.
"The rooms are too beautiful to leave," as one recent guest put it.
The hotel features over 300 pieces of original art from more than 80 Irish creators. It’s basically a gallery where you can sleep.
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Jean-Georges Hits the Rooftop
The big news when this place opened was the dining. Specifically, Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
The world-famous French-American chef chose The Leinster for his first-ever Irish venture. Located on the top floor, the restaurant—aptly named Jean-Georges at The Leinster—offers panoramic views of the city’s "hotchpot" roofs and the Dublin mountains in the distance.
The menu is a weird, wonderful mix. It’s French-accented, Southeast Asian-inflected, but uses local Irish ingredients.
- Egg Toast with Caviar: A signature dish that’s as decadent as it sounds.
- Tuna Tartare: Served with avocado and a spicy radish-ginger marinade.
- Parmesan-Crusted Chicken: Paired with artichokes and lemon butter.
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower: For the vegetarians, this comes with turmeric tahini and pomegranate.
Executive chef Ross Bryans runs the day-to-day operations, making sure the Irish beef and wild-caught turbot are up to the Michelin-star standards Jean-Georges is known for. It’s pricey, but for a celebration, the atmosphere—with its pink marble bar and glass walls—is hard to beat.
The Collins Club: Not Your Average Lobby Bar
If the rooftop is for dinner, the ground floor is for the "wee hours." The Collins Club is named after the late, great Irish interior designer David Collins.
This place is moody. Crimson-drenched bar, dimmed lighting, and Georgian glamour. They have a "cocktail lab" in the basement where they prep ingredients for drinks like the Palo Santo Paloma—a grapefruit concoction infused with the scent of South American wood.
They also do a brunch event called Cha Cha on the last Saturday of every month. It’s got live swing jazz, cocktail trolleys, and a high-energy vibe that’s a far cry from a quiet Sunday morning.
Location and Practicalities
Location-wise, you’re at 7-12 Lower Mount Street. You are literally steps from Merrion Square and a short stroll to Trinity College or St. Stephen’s Green. It’s the quieter side of the city center, which is a relief if you’ve ever tried to sleep near Temple Bar.
What you need to know before booking:
- Space is premium: Some rooms are intimate (read: small). If you're traveling with heavy luggage, look at the Superior or Corner rooms.
- The Gym: It’s run by the experts behind POWER, and there’s a thermal suite with a sauna and steam room.
- Noise: Since there’s a popular bar and a rooftop restaurant, the hotel has a "vibrant" energy. It’s not a library.
What Most People Miss
Most visitors don’t realize how much the building itself is a blend of old and new. The original part of the facade was kept, but the interiors were reimagined by O’Donnell O’Neill Design to feel "cultivated over time."
The "Six Seats of Discovery" at The Collins Club is a hidden gem. It’s a front-row seat at the bar where the experts walk you through experimental ingredients and drinks that haven't even hit the menu yet. It’s the ultimate move for cocktail nerds.
If you’re heading to Dublin and want a stay that feels authentic to the city’s modern, creative energy—rather than its "leprechaun and Guinness" cliches—this is probably your spot.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Calendar: If you want the jazz brunch, book specifically for the last Saturday of the month.
- Book the Rooftop Early: Jean-Georges fills up fast, especially for weekend dinner slots.
- Choose Your View: Request a room with a balcony overlooking Georgian Dublin if you want that classic "Old Dublin" feel from your window.