Why book?
For a sleek and sophisticated stay that puts you in the center of Dublin’s cosmopolitan city center—just off the buzzy Grafton Street, and between Trinity College and St. Stephen’s Green. The Westbury is the sort of five-star classic that feels subtly glamorous rather than ostentatious, with an energy that’s equal parts heritage and contemporary-cool.
Set the scene
Step off Balfe Street and ascend the grand central staircase—a cinematic entrance that lifts you straight from the clatter of city life into an atmosphere of soft lighting, plush velvet sofas, and lilting piano music. The lobby unfolds into The Gallery, a space that feels part-living room, part-art gallery, where locals sip afternoon tea beneath Irish oil paintings and travelers linger over Champagne from one of the property’s rolling trolleys. It’s Dublin refinement at its most inviting: a graceful portal between the buzz of shop-filled streets and the calm cocoon of luxury above it.
The backstory
The Westbury is the flagship of The Doyle Collection, an Irish family-owned hotel group led by Doyle Collection Chairman Bernadette Doyle Gallagher. The property’s art collection alone could fill a small museum—highlights include Miss Haslam by John Lavery, greeting guests at reception, Kitty by Daniel O’Neill, and Lake Scene with Swans by Norah McGuinness. More than mere decoration, the pieces throughout the property emulate a sense of Irish cultural continuity—and, quite like the hotel—blend heritage with modernity. (One of my favorite pieces was a glass-framed martini tower, built into the wall: a chic and subtle wink to the property’s stellar cocktail program.)
The rooms
There are 205 rooms—including 30 suites—and each feels like a serene city sanctuary. Expect a soothing palette of dove gray and cream, some Irish wool throws, and marble-clad bathrooms stocked with Malin + Goetz amenities (and in suites, Byredo).
Personally, I stayed in a Signature Suite, striking a balance between modern polish and classic warmth—where oversized windows overlook the street, plush carpets underfoot, a bed so cloud-soft it practically erased the day. Not to mention, a TV over the bathtub, to which I felt no guilt about switching on after all the nearby exploring. For those looking to splurge, the Terrace Suite is the show-stopper: a private heated terrace with views across Dublin’s rooftops, a sitting room made for entertaining, and a freestanding bath that invites even longer, indulgent moments of relaxation. Though if you’re in one of the top-tier suites, expect the royal treatment—complimentary airport transfers, curated Irish spirits, bottles of Champagne, and freshly cut flowers waiting on arrival.
Food & beverage
The Westbury's dining scene is one of local ingredients, flavor, and flair. At Wilde, sunlight filters through French doors onto a terrace dressed with greenery and black-and-white tiles. Especially when the sun sets, though, the inside becomes moody and candle-lit, like a warm hug with a Paris-meets-Dublin feel—both refined and relaxed. The menu is seasonal and ingredient-driven: find hand-dived scallops, Burren beef, and Irish smoked salmon served on handmade crockery. Not to mention, a professional sommelier is on-site to give you a taste—and a bottle—of whatever is recommended based on your preferences.
Downstairs, Balfes is The Westbury's cool younger sibling restaurant—a brasserie-style space with white subway tiles, leather banquettes, and a terrace that buzzes with locals and newcomers alike. Order the famous burger with guacamole and paprika-spiced sweet-potato wedges. Or, since you’re in the heart of Dublin, indulge in a crisp local beer and watch the city swirl by. When night falls, head to The Sidecar, a gleaming Art-Deco cocktail den where martinis are poured table-side on a silver trolley—a spruced-up mimic to the two Champagne trollies in The Gallery lounge, just outside its doors.
The neighborhood/area
The Westbury’s convenient location is one of my favorite parts of the property. Truly unbeatable for first-time visitors as well as those keen to get an essence of what its pulse is all about—guests can step outside of their base to a sweet little alleyway which leads to Grafton Street, or Dublin’s shopping artery, where quirky boutique shops meet street tap dancing performers. Less than a five-minute walk leads you to Powerscourt Townhouse Center, a grand Georgian townhouse carefully restored as a hub for local art and designer shops, vintage clothes and jewelry stores, and more.
The service
If the art and location are The Westbury’s bones, the service is its soul. Staff remember your name, your coffee order, and welcome you with a chilled water bottle upon check-in. When I asked about where to find the best Irish pub food nearby, the concierge circled it on the map and made sure that it was open and serving lunch. The gestures are warm, welcoming, and personal—the mark of a team that takes real pride in their city and in your experience.
Eco effort
At The Westbury, all electricity comes from renewable sources, cleaning products are biodegradable and low-VOC, and EV charging stations are available on-site. The hotel monitors its energy and water use in real time and even runs a “Proud to Be Green” training program for all staff. Weekly walking tours encourage guests to explore Dublin’s landmarks by foot—the ultimate low-impact sightseeing.
Accessibility
The property’s lobby, bar, and restaurant are all situated on the first floor and easily accessible by elevator. Not to mention, The Westbury’s two superior rooms and one suite are specially designed with accessibility in mind—equipped with lowered bathroom sinks, roll-in showers (with built-in bench, handrails inside and outside the shower, and hand-held shower with a hose), as well as emergency pull cords, should any guest require urgent assistance.
2 Balfe St., Dublin, D02 CH66
Ireland
https://www.doylecollection.com/
+353 1-679-1122