The Leinster, Dublin, Hotel Review

I may have been tired, jet lagged, and depleted of energy, but the moment I stepped inside the lobby of The Leinster, I was completely charmed. The space had an artistic whimsy that seamlessly blended modern sophistication with comfort—a common theme throughout the property, from the bar and restaurant to the hallways and guest rooms. As it turns out, this aesthetic has been carefully curated.

“The Leinster’s interior is inspired by the rich heritage of its historic surroundings, designed to celebrate the enchanting Georgian heart of Dublin that adjoins Merrion Square,” Melanie Nocher, general manager of The Leinster, told Travel + Leisure. “We are proud to house over 300 curated pieces of original painted art from more than 80 accomplished artists. From the captivating works of Melissa O’Donnell and the artistry of Paris-based Irish artist Colette Riet to the distinctive pieces by Irish artist Domino Whisker and the renowned Damien Hirst, the art collection vividly reflects the vibrant tapestry of Ireland and the international contemporary art scene.”

The hotel sits in a quiet part of town, just a short walk from Dublin’s bustling city center, providing an ideal balance of tranquility and convenience. I could get anywhere on foot, but I didn’t have to be kept up at night by the commotion of nightlife.

“The Leinster provides a completely new hospitality offering to Merrion Square—cementing its position as Dublin’s first luxury lifestyle hotel, with a focus on stunning design, artwork, wellness, and delicious dining with Jean-Georges at The Leinster, marking Jean-Georges’ first foray in Ireland,” Nocher added.

Dublin is a city where history, culture, and charm come together, offering travelers everything from medieval castles, the literary legacy of James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, lively pubs, and a stunning coastline. The Leinster, which opened last summer, both celebrates the historic city and adds to its charm.

Here’s what it’s like to stay.

The Rooms

The four-story hotel has 55 guest rooms, which range in size and can accommodate couples, families, and solo travelers.

The smallest room is The Nook, a 75-square-foot space with a single bed, an en-suite marble bathroom, and all the essentials a solo traveler might need. The largest suite is the 430-square-foot Rico Suite, which has a private balcony with city views and a super king bed. No matter which of the 55 rooms you’re in, there’s a common design element tying the spaces together: floral headboards, mirrored tabletops, art-forward decor, and green-tiled bathrooms.

I stayed in The Superior, which fell somewhere in the middle. I had the comforts of a king-sized bed, a minibar, and a sitting area with a velvet sofa. The night I checked in, the sitting area served as my dining table, and the mornings after, it was my personal workspace.

Food and Drink

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Jean-Georges at The Leinster, is a rooftop dining spot under the helm of celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Ross Bryans, the head chef, told T+L the menu “fuses traditional French gastronomy—Jean-Georges’ unique style—with local Irish influences.” It features international dishes like tuna tartare, butternut squash soup, parmesan-crusted chicken in lemon butter, mushroom walnut bolognese, spiced pumpkin crème brûlée, and cinnamon apple pie.

“Dublin is a city that I’ve wanted to discover and explore. It has such a rich history and expansive cuisine, culture, and amazing ingredients that I’m so happy to celebrate,” Vongerichten explained. “At The Leinster, we bring a taste of Asia, France, and New York to the rooftop whilst working with local Irish producers to create a unique dining experience for all guests.”

As for his standout favorite dish, Vongerichten said it’s the signature Jean-Georges appetizer egg toast, which has a halved confit egg yolk sandwiched between slices of toast and a layer of greens, topped with a heaping serving of caviar.

Vongerichten added that his restaurant offers “familiar yet different dishes” to visitors and locals alike. He wasn’t wrong.

Long-time Dublin resident Niall Fitzgerald told me his dining experience was fabulous. “I do think Jean-Georges at The Leinster is valuable to the local dining scene—it’s unique,” said Fitzgerald, who recommended the fillet steak and apple pie.

On the ground floor is The Collins Club, a glamorous cocktail bar and supper club. It has a Saturday “Champagne Cha Cha” brunch featuring Mumm Champagne and brunch plates like Nduja steamed mussels, spinach and feta omelet, and Turkish-inspired eggs. At night, patrons can order small plates that include lemon chicken picatta Caesar salad, wild mushroom and truffle gnocchi, and a house marrow burger.

“Guests at The Collins Club can expect an experience that goes beyond just sipping a cocktail,” Milan Ormanovic, the hotel’s food and beverage manager, told T+L. “They will embark on a sensory journey, where each drink tells a story, crafted with meticulous care and passion, with the help of the latest gadgets available to help extract pure essence from each ingredient. It’s an unforgettable experience for every guest.”

The hotel’s room service menu is a selection from both The Collins Club and Jean-Georges at The Leinster.

Amenities

The hotel has a thermal suite with an outdoor plunge pool, an indoor sauna, and a steam room. There’s also a fitness experience called Power at The Leinster. “It offers guests of The Leinster a fitness journey that blends state-of-the-art facilities with a personalized approach to health and wellbeing, consisting of exercise scientists, personal trainers and physical therapists,” Nocher said.(At the time of my visit, these amenities weren’t open.)

Accessibility and Sustainability

The Leinster has a handful of eco-friendly initiatives: the property doesn’t use single-use plastic products, it has recycling and waste-saving services, and all toilets are water-efficient.

As for accessibility, three suits have grab rails, emergency cords, and adapted bathrooms. Nocher explained that other than the outdoor jacuzzi, the entire hotel is wheelchair accessible, and there are disabled refuge areas on all bedroom floors, along with a hearing induction loop at reception.

Location

The Leinster sits on the edge of Merrion Square Park in Dublin. It’s a 15-minute walk from Trinity College and a short hop away from an array of galleries and museums like the National Gallery of Ireland, the Museum of Literature Ireland, and the Oscar Wilde House. “Stepping outside the hotel, Dublin’s rich cultural offerings are at guests’ fingertips,” Nocher said.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

The Leinster offers 15 percent off for stays that are three nights or longer. It also has a variety of packages: the “Morning with Jean–Georges” has complimentary breakfast at the Jean-George Rooftop Restaurant; “That Leinster Life” offers a cocktail at The Collins Club, and breakfast and a three-course dinner at the Jean-George Rooftop Restaurant; and there’s a seasonal package with a shopping experience at Kildare Village, a local boutique mall. To get the most up-to-date information on deals, visit the “Offers” page on the hotel’s website.

Nightly rates at The Leinster start from $350, and you can book your stay at theleinster.ie.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.