The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast

If you’re unfamiliar with this bohemian bolthole, The Harrison Chambers of Distinction is a discreet townhouse located in Belfast’s museum and theatre district. Its owner, Melanie Harrison, has expertly woven past and present in each of the 17 rooms, which are divided into three categories – Aristocrat, Bohemian and Gallivanter named after literary figures and actors. The vibe is stylish and playful – huge bay windows, polished mahogany, rich velvet curtains, freestanding bathtubs and soundproofed rooms guarantee a great night’s sleep. Melanie’s sister Nola provides spa therapies for guests to book, from facials to massages. There’s also a lounge and a fully licensed restaurant on the ground floor. Adding an additional layer to any guest experience is a new collaboration with Gallery 545, for “Artists on the Rise” pop-up exhibition, which opens on Friday, November 5. The exhibition, in one of the rooms of The Harrison, features the work of six emerging artists Ronan Bowes, Karl Hagan, Janet Keith, Rachel Lawell, Joel Simon and Katherine St Angelo. You don’t have to be a guest to visit the exhibition which is on until December 5 but if you want to make a night of it, rates start from £120 sterling per room; www.chambersofdistinction.com 

Number 31, Dublin

This stylish address combines a Georgian townhouse with a distinctive modernist mews at the back. Rooms are eclectic and the décor runs the gamut from classic to contemporary with a nod to Art Deco too. A bonus is the hotel’s location (and privacy with its tranquil garden) close to so many of Dublin’s best restaurants. In fact, Number 31 has teamed up with two to create the perfect city break – taking the hassle out of booking restaurants in advance. Guests have the option of dining at Suesey Street (which is always a pleasure with general manager John Healy overseeing proceedings) or at the elegant French restaurant Dax. An overnight stay including dinner for two at Suesey Street with breakfast starts at €320, while and an overnight stay including dinner for two at Dax with breakfast starts at €350; www.number31.ie

Stauntons on the Green, Dublin

This discreet artistic gem is perfectly positioned beside MoLI for a cultural visit to Dublin. Drawings by Jack B Yeats and a Harry Clarke stained-glass window “The Blessed Julie and Two Children” (1926-1927) installed in 2020, are all part of the owner Irish – American philanthropist Richard H Driehaus’s plan to restore the building and update its elegant rooms. Do pop in for afternoon tea, from €35 for two and admire the art, or book a room, from €149. I recommend one of the garden rooms with their own patio leading out to the beautifully paved garden which has a private entrance to the Iveagh Gardens. Breakfast (order the French toast) overlooking St Stephen’s Green was another highlight of a recent stay; www.stauntonsonthegreen.ie

The Wilder, Dublin

Built during the Victorian era as a home for retired governesses, this townhouse is as dapper as its namesake (Oscar Wilde). Design lovers will find lots of inspiration throughout the hotel from its jewel-coloured velvet chairs, polished parquet flooring, original fireplaces, lovely artwork (by Irish artists including Roisin O’Farrell and botanical prints by Holly Somerville) to the Replica by Maison Margiela bath products. I stayed in the Miss Wade suite – one of Charles Dickens’ most enigmatic characters in Little Dorrit – though there is nothing enigmatic about my endorsement of this chic boutique hotel. “The Wilder Winter Warmer” package is perfect for sampling its charms and includes: overnight accommodation, mulled wine on arrival with a cheese and charcuterie board. There’s also a turndown stocking with a surprise gift. From €289 for a small double room; www.thewilder.ie

Trinity Townhouse, Dublin

Trinity Townhouse, set within three listed Georgian townhouse buildings, exudes an easy, welcoming charm bearing all the hallmarks of its sister property, Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, Co Kerry. The bedrooms, graded from Cosy to Superior King, are styled according to size and position in the house with original fireplaces, dado rails, ceiling roses, architraves on windows, and paintings by Irish artist Christine Bowen. Two colour palettes prevail – sunny golden tones and lavender hues – reinforcing the hotel’s tranquillity and comfort. I’ve stayed several times over the last two years and love the location, the friendliness of its staff, not forgetting the Rituals amenities and breakfast-to-go option. The “Townhouse Winter Experience” from €150 is an overnight bed and breakfast experience with lots of extra treats – from room upgrades, late checkout, chocolates on arrival and complimentary tickets to the Teeling Whiskey Distillery; www.trinitytownhousehotel.com 

Butler House, Kilkenny

“My design rationale was to return Butler house to its original purpose, a Georgian townhouse,” explains interior designer Orla Kelly (of Orla Kelly Design). “In doing so I was inspired by the Georgian’s interest in travel to the Orient and a fascination with decoration, chinoiserie and lacquer. In the Orient room I have used a rich gold wall colour and black chinoiserie lacquered furniture. As a contrast “The Botanical” room (above) has a chalky Georgian green wall colour and references botanical images and prints that connect with the French doors from this room to the walled garden and castle view outside. Another room references The Kilkenny Design workshops, which were established in Butler House in the 1960s. Inspired by Scandinavian design these workshops were established to introduce a design ethos to industry in Ireland. In this room I have used mid-century Danish furniture and a bold, dark colour scheme. Irish makers, artists and local producers have been used as much as possible.” With 14 unique and elegant rooms to choose from and an acclaimed restaurant, comfort, cuisine and history combine in a stay at Butler House. A one night stay with breakfast and dinner is from €270 based on two people sharing; www.butler.ie

The Merrion, Dublin

Though you may have been inside many times, did you know that the main house of The Merrion comprises four meticulously restored Grade I Listed Georgian townhouses and a specially commissioned contemporary Garden Wing is arranged around two private period gardens? Originally built in the 1760s by Charles Stanley Monck for wealthy Irish merchants and nobility, he lived in No 22, which became known as Monck House. The most important of the four houses is, however, No 24 Upper Merrion Street. This was leased to Garrett Wellesley, Earl of Mornington, in 1769, it has since been known as Mornington House. The house is remembered historically as being the birthplace of Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington. All four houses had been in use as state offices for most of this century. Sensitive to the past, yet contemporary at the same time – I love the hip bar serving killer cocktails – staying at The Merrion always adds an extra level of excitement (who will you see, what will you wear etc). “The Five Star Steal” offer includes bed, breakfast, chilled champagne on arrival, dinner in the Garden Room and is from €490 based on two people sharing; www.merrionhotel.com 

No.1 Pery Square, Limerick

Overlooking the tree-lined Peoples Park in Limerick’s historic Georgian Quarter, No.1 Pery Square is a luxurious boutique townhouse. Situated just a five minute walk from the city centre the house comprises 20 bedrooms all individually named and decorated. Residents have the luxury of private dining available at Sash Restaurant and a discreet Voya organic spa in the basement. Currently on offer is a one-night bed, breakfast and dinner offer from €318 total stay (based on two people sharing). Guests should check out the lovely lambswool blankets exclusively woven by John Hanly for the hotel, which are also on sale (€129) or available via the website for delivery nationwide (at a cost of €15 ) or for delivery outside Ireland (for €25); www.oneperysquare.com

The Mayson, Dublin

The current one night package at this boutique Georgian townhouse is worth investigating. It includes a three-course dinner and bottle of wine in Ryleigh’s – the rooftop steakhouse with a stunning outdoor terrace on the sixth floor of The Mayson. Then of course there are the rooms – think pretty, pastel décor from €139 per person, in a small double; www.themayson.ie

Dylan Hotel

Located off Upper Baggot Street this townhouse hotel has been a favourite haunt for stylish dinners, sophisticated drinks, and elegant parties since it opened over a decade ago. The hotel boasts 72 individually designed bedrooms and suites, with many incorporating the original design features (of this former Victorian nurses’ home) including vaulted ceilings and port holes. Check in and enjoy the current two-night mini-break from €215.10 per night, including breakfast. Loiter in the Library, or enjoy a cocktail in the opulent Ruby Room bar before dinner in The Eddison, all highly Instagramable; www.dylan.ie

And? Popping over to London for some pre-festive shopping then do consider  The Lost Poet, London – a new four-bedroom townhouse in Notting Hill. The design was inspired by the colour and curiosities of Portobello Road and its market, mixing the old and the new. Rates start from £200 per night and from £1,370 for the four rooms exclusively; www.thelostpoet.co.uk