by Neil Hegarty, The Telegraph, January 11, 2018
An insider's guide to the top spa hotels in Dublin, including the best places to stay for luxurious treatments, hot and cold plunge pools, infinity pools, saunas, steam rooms and more, in locations including St Stephen's Green, the Docklands and Dún Laoghaire.
The Merrion Hotel Dublin, Ireland
9Telegraph expert rating
The Merrion Hotel opens into a series of period drawing rooms fragranced by turf fires and adorned with Ireland's largest collection of private art. Spacious and light-filled Garden Wings to the rear enclose a pleasant half-acre quadrangle of fountains and manicured greenery. The very lovely 18-metre swimming pool in the Tethra Spa is especially worth experiencing: flanked by symmetrical columns and tiled in lapis lazuli-blue mosaic, this is as Roman as they come, and beautifully relaxing. A full range of spa treatments is available, with a choice of Espa and Darphin products, plus steam room, and gym with personal trainers. Read expert review. From £216per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
The Shelbourne Dublin Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
On the northern side of St Stephen's Green stands the signature red-brick Victoran façade of The Shelbourne Hotel. Its main bar and Saddle Room restaurant are popular fixtures on the city's social scene and afternoon tea in the Lord Mayor's Lounge is something of a Dublin tradition. Rooms are naturally very well appointed, and the south-facing options boast splendid views across the treetops of the Green to the distant mountains. You're just a few minutes’ stroll from a slew of the city’s finest attractions. Facilities include a gym and spa, as swish as they come, featuring seven treatments rooms, a serene relaxation room overlooking St Stephen's Green, and a lovely pool. Read expert review. From £169per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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The Marker Hotel Dublin Dublin, Ireland
9Telegraph expert rating
The Marker trades on style. You'll find comfy beds and hearty breakfasts, in an attractive Docklands location. The modern spa and wellness area is the big draw here, and it's extremely impressive: by turns spacious and enveloping, with a cool, smooth palette of greys to create a sense of intimacy. There's a fabulous emerald-green infinity pool, commodious whirlpool, plus a very extensive range of treatments and pair of hammock-esque 'retro-cocoons' that hang from the ceiling and promise instant and immersive relaxation. You’re likely to meet Dubliners in the hotel’s ground-floor and rooftop bars - taking advantage of its pre-theatre menu, offering three courses for €29 (£25). Read expert review. From £163per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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Royal Marine Hotel Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
The Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire is everything a landmark seaside hotel ought to be: handsome, grand, nicely maintained, a local focus point – and in a splendid setting: on rising ground overlooking picturesque Dún Laoghaire harbour, with views across Dublin Bay. The bustling public areas are grand in the Victorian style – think ‘heritage’ colours, pillars, cornicing and high ceilings – but there is certainly nothing stuffy about the place. The Sansana spa is good, featuring the usual range of treatments in enveloping surroundings, plus a spacious fitness suite and a swimming pool. There’s also tennis in the grounds. Read expert review. From £77per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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InterContinental Dublin Dublin, Ireland
9Telegraph expert rating
A handsome, friendly spot: come here for luxury, style and impeccable service in spacious surroundings. The InterContinental is a pleasant combination of international and local: think grand public spaces, luxuriously deep carpets, twinkling chandeliers and fresh flowers, plus a bold assortment of modern Irish art and sculpture scattered through the hotel and its grounds. The swish spa features a pool, hot tub and good gym. All rooms come with I’Occitane toiletries, marble bathrooms, turndown and excellent linen; standard rooms are spacious; executive rooms boast such delightful extras as Nespresso facilities; suites are luxurious, with balconies. Ask for an upper floor, for sweeping views of Dublin and its hinterland of sea and mountain. Read expert review. From £137per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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The Spencer Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
Smart, swish, youthful, and with an eye for modern design. The boutique Spencer Hotel adds a touch of verve to Dublin’s docklands, and enjoys a fine, south-facing setting on the banks of the river Liffey. Come here for a dash of energy in a city-centre location. In the basement you’ll find an impressive gym, complete with a pool, and a roster of exercise classes, while the Viola Spa – a most relaxing space – offers a full range of treatments. The small Zen garden offers outdoor seating, away from the bustle of the main entrance. Bedrooms are impressively luxurious: leather seating, walnut finishes, mood lighting, docking stations, large windows – and plenty of space. Consider upgrading for a balcony room, for expansive views across the city. Read expert review. From £109per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
This splendidly modern and noticeably friendly hotel is set in the very centre of Dublin’s shopping and entertainment district, overlooking the open spaces of St Stephen’s Green and offering sleek accommodation on an intimate scale. The glossiness of the atrium is offset by warm tones of purple and mauve, comfortable sofas, stone walls and a glowing fire. The spa offers a range of treatments, including hot and cold stones, and excellent aromatherapy treatments. The bedrooms are delightful. A small number of rooms look east across the treetops of St Stephen’s Green, and these come in elegant tones and with furnished balconies. The beds are firm, with duck-down duvets and pillows. The south-facing rooms in the main wing overlook the courtyard garden (there is no balcony), and are bright and bold. Read expert review. From £162per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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This article was written by Neil Hegarty from The Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.
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