The Leinster

The Leinster, Dublin: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis of Style and Exceptional Service

The Leinster, a Michelin Key Selected property in Dublin, Ireland, has quickly established itself as a beacon of luxury, artistic design, and unparalleled hospitality since its opening in 2024. Guests consistently praise its sophisticated ambiance, prime location, and outstanding culinary offerings, contributing to an overwhelmingly positive sentiment.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Leinster consistently garners "Excellent" to "Very Good" ratings across various platforms, with average scores ranging from 8.9/10 to 9.0/10. Reviewers frequently describe their stays as "exceptional," "stunning," and a "truly remarkable" experience, highlighting a strong sense of satisfaction and a desire to return.

Key Highlights

Guests are particularly enchanted by the hotel's cutting-edge design, which marries Art Deco luxury with playful contemporary flourishes and a vibrant collection of over 300 artworks from Irish artists. The impeccable service, strategic location, and unique amenities, such as the rooftop restaurant by Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and The Collins Club cocktail bar, are frequently cited as standout features. The presence of an outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam room, and a well-equipped gym also adds to the luxury experience.

Room Quality

The 55 rooms and suites at The Leinster are celebrated for their comfort, elegant design, and thoughtful amenities. Ranging from cosy 16sqm standard rooms to 40sqm suites with copper bathtubs and balconies, each space features plush velvets, brushed gold accents, and unique art. Guests frequently commend the "beautiful facilities," "big and very comfortable" beds (often super king-sized), and luxurious touches like floral embroidered headboards. In-room amenities typically include Nespresso machines, Dyson hairdryers, portable phone chargers, and well-stocked minibars with curated cocktails and wines. The bathrooms, though sometimes described as small, are lavishly designed with Japanese-style toilets, hand-carved basins, and high-quality Brooks & Co toiletries.

Dining Experience

Dining at The Leinster is a significant draw, primarily due to the rooftop restaurant, Jean-Georges at The Leinster, led by world-renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The restaurant offers imaginative menus that blend French, Asian, and Irish influences for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with breathtaking views of Georgian Dublin. Breakfast, often included and described as "exceptional," "delicious," and "amazing," receives particular praise for its quality and extensive selection. The ground-floor Collins Club is equally popular for its "impeccably balanced" and "world-class molecular cocktails," alongside a more casual dining atmosphere.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at The Leinster consistently receive glowing reviews. Guests describe the team as "phenomenal," "exceptional," "friendly," "professional," and "attentive," often noting that they "went above and beyond." The staff's genuine warmth, helpful recommendations, and upbeat demeanor contribute significantly to the overall positive guest experience, making stays feel special and memorable.

Location & Accessibility

The Leinster boasts a prime central location on the edge of Merrion Square, nestled in the heart of Georgian Dublin. This puts guests within easy walking distance of major attractions such as Trinity College, Grafton Street, the National Gallery of Ireland, and the Oscar Wilde House. The area itself is described as a "quiet oasis" in an affluent part of town, offering a balance of calm and accessibility. Public transport options are readily available nearby, and Dublin Pearse train station is a short 10-minute walk away. Dublin Airport is approximately a 22-minute car ride (13.7 km).

Value & Pricing

While The Leinster is considered a luxury property and "won't suit every budget," many guests find it to be "worth the splash-out" and offering "extreme value for money" given the exceptional quality of its design, amenities, and service. Room rates have been observed starting from around US$188-199, with other sources indicating prices from €166, €300, or around US$329.73, and up to €434 depending on the room type and booking period.

Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor recurring issues have been noted by guests. Some reviews mention that the shower access in certain rooms can be a "squeeze for the larger guest," and the outdoor hot tub might get "squeezy at peak times." There have been isolated instances of a steam room being out of order, initial lack of bottled water or regular tea in rooms (though promptly resolved upon request), and occasional inconsistencies with breakfast items being cold or bar staff knowledge regarding specific cocktails. Parking information for partner car parks has also been cited as not always being immediately clear on the website.

Sources

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13. lesboutiquehotels.com