E&M Travel Division of EMCO Travel, LLC.                      Since 1993

 

Ireland

In Dublin's Outskirts
The Radisson SAS St. Helen's Hotel Dublin is a former country estate that offers a quiet retreat in a thriving city

In the wake of Ireland's economic and cultural renaissance, Dublin is booming. As a result, the city has seen many changes in its hotel stock over the last few years, from the opening of high-end boutique hotels such as the Merrion and Clarence, to the entrance of major North American chains, such as Four Seasons and Westin, which are both developing properties in Dublin.

A quieter entrant to the scene is the Radisson SAS St. Helen's Hotel Dublin, which opened two years ago. The property is outside the city center in the Blackrock area, not within walking distance of Dublin's main shopping and tourist sites. Although that gives the hotel a less visible presence than some competitors, the setting is fitting for what the property once was: one of Ireland's grandest private estates.

The estate, built in 1750, was converted into a hotel in 1998, when a block of 151 rooms and a conference center were added. Now the property combines interesting historic features with a lovely setting and modern facilities.

Clientele

The hotel's facilities make it a big draw for conferences and incentive groups. Some 60 percent of guests are on business. Most clients hail from the U.K. and Ireland, with 5 percent of guests arriving from the U.S.

Accommodations

The 151 rooms include 30 suites. The 11 penthouse suites have spacious balconies from which guests can see the beautifully tended formal gardens, Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains. All accommodations either have king-size beds (which separate to become twins) or two queen-size beds. Twenty rooms are specified as business-class; they are larger and feature a separate shower, morning newspaper, one free movie and handmade chocolates.

Rooms are decorated in gold, cream and rust tones. Each room features a desk with a two-line phone, fax machine, dataports, satellite TV with in-house movies, minibar, bathrobes, hair dryer, safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and trouser press. Extra features in a suite include a gas fireplace, spacious sitting area, and a separate shower and bathtub.

Public Areas

The hotel's history is displayed most prominently in many of the public areas. The lobby walls, pillars and floors are made of marble, while the vast ballroom lounge has an impressive marble fireplace. Another fireplace is across from the front desk, giving that area a warm, inviting feel.

The hotel has 11 meeting rooms, the largest of which holds up to 400 people for a reception (although the ideal size is 120). There also are a business center, beauty salon, billiard room, and a fitness room with 12 machines and a TV. For additional recreation, guests can walk the rolling lawns surrounding the hotel or try a game of croquet in the garden.

Dining

Le Panto, the hotel's fine-dining restaurant, is in the estate's original library room. The Talavera Italian restaurant, on the lower level, features an antipasto buffet in the evening. In the morning, it offers a vast breakfast buffet, featuring hot and cold selections. Adjacent to the restaurant is the Talavera wine bar, which can be used for functions, along with an outdoor patio and garden. The Orangerie bar is a popular gathering place, occupying the conservatory with views of the grounds. Drinks are also served in the garden during the summer.

Service: A conference manager is on hand to help groups plan meetings. Three-hour laundry and dry-cleaning service, and 24-hour room service are available.

Strongest Selling Point

The Radisson SAS St. Helen's provides clients with a quiet setting outside the hustle and bustle of central Dublin.

Price from $209 USD including breakfast (June 2002)