If you’re looking for The Westin Dublin, you might think you’ve got the wrong address when you pull up to College Green. It’s gone. Or rather, the name is gone. As of late 2023, this iconic spot rebranded to The College Green Hotel Dublin, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. It’s a big deal. For years, people just knew it as "The Westin," that massive, imposing stone building right across from Trinity College.
Dublin changes fast.
But some things haven't changed at all. The hotel still occupies that incredible 19th-century banking hall. It’s still where you go when you want to feel like you own a small shipping empire in the 1800s. Honestly, the rebrand was probably a smart move. It leans into the history of the site rather than just being another pin on a corporate map. You’re staying in the old Provincial Bank of Ireland building. That carries weight.
The Banking Hall and Why You Should Care
Walking into the Banking Hall is a trip. It’s probably the most famous room in the building. They spent a fortune—about €10 million recently—on renovations across the property. It didn't just need a "lick of paint." They had to preserve the Victorian heritage while making it not feel like a dusty museum.
Most people come here for the Afternoon Tea. It’s a Dublin institution. But here's the thing: everyone talks about the tea, but few mention the acoustics. Because it was a bank, the ceilings are cavernous. If you're sitting in the Atrium Lounge, which is the heart of the hotel, you’re under a massive glass roof. It’s bright. Even on a grey Dublin day, which, let’s be real, is most days, it feels airy.
The Atrium Lounge Vibe
It’s weirdly peaceful. You’re thirty seconds away from the chaos of Temple Bar and the literal thousands of people crossing O'Connell Bridge. Yet, inside, it’s quiet. They have this fireplace that basically everyone tries to snag a seat near. If you’re visiting in November or December, it’s basically the cozy-capital of the city.
The Atrium is where they serve the "Most Peculiar Afternoon Tea." They use Victorian-style teapots and serve Hendrick’s Gin cocktails in teacups. It’s a bit of a gimmick, sure, but it works because the setting is so grand. You don't feel silly drinking gin from a china cup when you're surrounded by mahogany and marble.
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Rooms That Don't Feel Like Cookie-Cutter Boxes
One of the biggest complaints about high-end hotels is that they all look the same. You wake up and don't know if you're in London, New York, or Tokyo. The Westin Dublin—now College Green—avoided this by leaning into the irregular floor plans of an old building.
The rooms are huge.
Well, most of them. The Heritage Suites are the ones you want if you're splurging. They have names like the "Writer Suite" or the "College Suite." They overlook Trinity College. Looking out your window at the Campanile of Trinity while drinking your morning coffee is a specific kind of luxury. You’re watching the students rush to lectures while you’re wrapped in a robe. It’s great.
- The Bed Situation: They kept the "Heavenly" beds. Even though they dropped the Westin name, they kept the signature sleep experience. If you've stayed at a Westin before, you know the beds are basically clouds.
- The Tech: They updated the rooms with US and European outlets. Sounds minor? Tell that to the person whose phone died because they forgot an adapter and the hotel only had "British" three-prong plugs.
- The Bathrooms: Think white marble and rainfall showers. The water pressure is actually good, which is a miracle in some of these older Dublin pipes.
Location: The "Center of the Universe" Argument
If you look at a map of Dublin, College Green is the literal center. You are equidistant from almost everything.
- Grafton Street is a five-minute walk for shopping.
- The National Museum and National Gallery are just up the road.
- Temple Bar is right behind you (close enough to visit, far enough to avoid the noise).
- The Luas (the tram) stops basically at the front door.
But being in the center has a downside. Traffic. If you’re getting a taxi to the hotel during rush hour, expect to sit there for a while. The city has pedestrianized a lot of the surrounding area, which makes it great for walking but a nightmare for Ubers. Just walk. Dublin is a walking city anyway.
The Mint Bar: A Literal Vault
You have to go to the basement. No, seriously. The Mint Bar is located in the old bank vaults. It’s dark, moody, and feels like a place where secrets were kept. Which, considering it was a bank, they probably were.
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They do a lot of live jazz. It’s not a "club" vibe; it's more of a "I’m wearing a well-tailored coat and drinking an Old Fashioned" vibe. The bartenders actually know what they’re doing. They don't just pour; they craft. If you ask for a recommendation, they won't just give you the most expensive thing on the menu. They’ll ask what you usually drink. That’s the difference between a four-star and a five-star experience.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think because it’s a "historic" hotel, it’s going to be stuffy. It’s not. Dubliners aren't really "stuffy" people. The staff are professional, yeah, but they’ll still have a laugh with you. There’s a distinct lack of that cold, robotic service you find in some Paris or London five-stars.
Also, a common misconception is that you can't eat there unless you're staying there. Morelle’s, the new signature restaurant, is actually becoming a bit of a local favorite for business lunches. They do a lot of Irish seafood and dry-aged beef. It's pricey, but the quality is there. You’re paying for the sourcing.
Why the Rebrand Actually Happened
Why drop a massive name like Westin?
Ownership. The hotel is owned by the MHL Hotel Collection. They also own the InterContinental Dublin and the Powerscourt Hotel. By moving to the Autograph Collection, they get to keep the Marriott booking engine (and your points!) but have more freedom with the branding. They wanted it to feel more "Dublin" and less "International Chain."
It seems to be working. The "College Green" name tethers it to the geography. It feels more permanent.
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Practical Insights for Your Stay
If you are planning a trip, don't just book the cheapest room. The internal-facing rooms look out onto the Atrium. They are very quiet, which is great for sleep, but you lose the view. If you can, request a room on a higher floor facing Westmoreland Street or College Green. The windows are double-glazed, so the noise isn't an issue, and the view is worth the extra few Euros.
Check the Event Calendar: Because of the Banking Hall, this hotel hosts a lot of weddings and corporate awards. If there’s a massive event on, the lobby can get crowded. Usually, they manage the flow well, but it’s something to keep in mind if you prefer a ghost-town vibe.
The Gym: It’s in the basement. It’s fine. It has what you need—treadmills, some free weights, Pelotons. But honestly, if you want exercise, just walk to St. Stephen’s Green and do a lap. It’s much nicer.
Breakfast: It’s served in the Atrium. The buffet is extensive, but the a la carte Irish breakfast is the winner. Don't skip the black pudding unless you're a vegetarian. Irish black pudding is a world away from what you find elsewhere.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify the Name: When searching for rates, use "The College Green Hotel Dublin" to ensure you are getting the most updated pricing and room descriptions, as some third-party sites still use the old Westin branding.
- Book the Vault: If you want a drink at The Mint Bar on a Friday or Saturday night, call ahead or drop by early. It fills up fast with locals, not just tourists.
- Walk Trinity: Since you are literally across the street, book your Book of Kells tickets for the earliest possible slot (9:00 AM). You can finish breakfast at the hotel at 8:30 AM and be the first in line.
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even though it’s "Autograph Collection" now, you still earn and use points. If you have status, you’re much more likely to get one of those coveted Trinity-facing upgrades.
The transition from The Westin Dublin to The College Green Hotel isn't just a marketing gimmick. It’s a return to the building's roots. It remains one of the few places in the city where you can feel the weight of Dublin's history without sacrificing modern comforts like fast Wi-Fi and a shower that actually works. It’s expensive, sure. But for a landmark stay, it’s hard to beat.