Arrival/Check-In: Getting to the 5-star Westbury, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, requires noodling the one-way roads in Dublin’s city center, but the reward is a primo location that puts most of the city’s attractions within footsteps. This Doyle Collection property tucks behind the flower vendors on Grafton Street, Dublin’s shopping hub, between St. Stephen’s Green and Trinity College.

A doorman greeted my taxi upon my mid-morning arrival, directed me to the registration desk and swiftly transferred my bags to the bellman. Despite the hour, my studio suite was available, always a plus. The bellman showed me where the Nespresso machine, teakettle, safe and hair dryer were kept, and explained how to use the heat/air-conditioning and TV.

Guest Quarters: A hallway with plentiful closets ushered me into the nearly 540-square-foot room, distinguished by a comforting yet toney, classic yet contemporary décor comprising soothing gray tones, color accents and original artwork. On one end was a living area furnished with a table and chairs; a large, flat-screen TV; and two club chairs sharing an oversized ottoman and reading lamp. A nice selection of current magazines and a bowl of Butlers toffees topped the tables. Against the interior wall was a long desk with plentiful outlets, including one for U.S. plugs, eliminating the need for an adapter. A king-sized bed — luxuriously encased in Lissadell Irish linens and bookended with bedside lamps, headboard-mounted reading lamps and master lighting switches — anchored the other end of the room. Privacy curtains and heavy drapes dressed the wall of windows overlooking a back street.

The spacious marble bathroom included a dressing area with double vanity and a floor-to-ceiling trifold mirror. A separate area offered a soaking tub with shower, heated towel bars, toilet, bidet, TV and phone. Crystal glassware and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries, including shampoo, body wash, conditioner and soap, were provided.

Services/Amenities: Service was not only friendly but also stellar. When I asked about various sights, the concierge shared insider information; when I requested directions for a road trip, detailed maps were delivered to my room. I awoke each morning to The Irish Times at my door and returned every evening to turn-down, with bottled water, Butlers chocolates and robes and slippers laid out.

Like the rest of the hotel, the Gallery lobby lounge blends tradition and modernity in a chic, sophisticated style that’s equally luxurious and inviting. Selections from the hotel owner’s museum-quality artwork collection pepper the space, which provides an elevated view over the to-and-fro bustle of the street entry and registration areas. Especially during afternoon tea, it’s the place to see and be seen. The swanky yet sophisticated Art Deco-style Marble Bar opens off the Gallery. At night, Wilde offers fine dining, while the street-level Café Novo is a casual bar and brasserie.

The Experience: I loved the walk-to-everything location, and I appreciated the free WiFi and the guest-focused service, but the hotel won me over with a smart and savvy ambience and an ease that welcomed me whether I was spiffed and polished for a meeting or bedraggled after a long day of sightseeing.

GT CHECKLIST

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
• Turn-down service

The Westbury Hotel Dublin

Grafton Street
Dublin 2, Ireland
tel 800 745 8883
lhw.com