The Grafton, Lower Stephens Street, Dublin 2

One of Dublin’s newest four-star hotels, The Grafton has opened after refurbishment with a sleek art deco-inspired design. Pop in to have a look, enjoy a coffee on the new outdoor terrace, dine in Bartley’s Restaurant or revisit the iconic Bartley Dunne bar which has been revived (try the Bartley Spritz with Martini Fiero and rhubarb topped with prosecco).

On a recent stay I was impressed by the sense of light and space – from the airy lobby to my room on the fourth floor which had great views of central Dublin (minus the noise).

In total there are 127 rooms from Deluxe Single to Super King and Bunk rooms as well as Terrace Suites with balconies. The art deco theme is echoed in geometric tiling, velvet sofas and chairs while the attention to detail in the finishes and accessories is impressive – I particularly liked the lamps, Rituals amenities and floor-to-ceiling windows.  More than anything though, it’s the superb location that makes The Grafton ideal for booking for a celebratory weekend with friends (no need for taxis) or exploring the city’s museums and galleries which are literally on the doorstep.

Currently on offer is a “Girlie or Guys OMG Getaway” for up to six friends or family staying in one of the spacious  Bunk rooms, priced from €459 to €509 per night. With upcoming sporting and music events at Aviva, Croke Park and 3-Arena, this sort of offer makes sense for between three to six sharing and includes breakfast, a welcome prosecco and nibbles in the bar on arrival, with early check-in and late checkout; www.thegrafton.ie 

The Samuel, North Wall Quay, Spencer Place, Dublin 1

Stylish, Instagrammable and accessible (to airport, bus and train stations), this new four-star hotel, part of the Dalata Hotel Group, was opened last week by Irish TikTok sensations Cairde, (who recently performed for President Biden), and they certainly created a buzz.

The hotel’s name pays homage to Nobel Laureate Samuel Beckett and there are subtle references to his work throughout the eight-storey hotel, which is home to  204 bedrooms. The executive rooms feature great views across Dublin.

While the hotel is in the perfect location for staycationers (there’s a Luas stop outside the door), it also provides business travellers with impressive facilities. There are four fully equipped meeting rooms on the dedicated Meetings and Events mezzanine level, with a breakout lounge overlooking the hotel ground floor. Meeting facilities feature Clevertouch presentation technology and seamless virtual and hybrid conferencing capability, with space for up to 48 delegates. There’s also a fitness suite.

As for dining, the chic Samuel Bar and Grill is overseen by head chef Daniel Byrne whose emphasis is on menus with contemporary, global dishes incorporating local produce. The bar is an ideal meeting point for after work drinks or before events in the 3-Arena or Bord Gais Theatre.  A Red Bean Roastery Coffee Shop is opening soon for breakfast and lunch, providing the opportunity to pop in and have a look at this €39m project. A double room with bed and breakfast starts from €160 per couple; www.thesamuelhotel.com 

Arthaus Hotel, Mercer Street, Dublin

If geometric shapes, clean lines, and graphic elements are the hallmarks of Bauhaus style, this art movement inspired the Arthaus Hotel on Mercer Street, designed by Yvonne Clarke of Clarke & Whiteman architects. Rooms feature jewel colours, brass detailing, elegant dark walnut cabinetry finishes with curved details and the spliced circle Bauhaus motif. These details are complemented by an impressive edit of over 100 artworks on view throughout the property. These include a special mural commission by artists Fran Halpin and Deirdre McClorey paying tribute to the works of Irish modernist artists Minnie Jellett and Mary Swanzy.

Having stayed recently this is a boutique beauty in all senses – there are 41 rooms in total (in three categories – Boutique, Superior and Executive featuring Field Day Company amenities) so it’s intimate and informal. The design team have seemingly left no surface unadorned with art or murals – from ceilings to lift doors. The entrance may be small, but the style quotient is there in the impressive lighting installation. As Paul Klee, one of the Bauhaus teachers, said, “Art does not reproduce what we see. It makes us see.”

In short Arthaus provides a lot of bang for your buck. Facilities include Lazlo’s bar and restaurant which is open for all day dining serving tasty, affordable entrees, (where residents have breakfast). A car park is also available to guests, as is a digital self-guided tour of the artworks. An overnight stay with three course dinner costs from €116.50 per person sharing in a Boutique room; www.arthausdublin.ie