Revamped Conrad opens its new doors

GUESTS received a warm welcome from staff with champagne as they were invited to explore the interior of the transformed Conrad Dublin on Earlsfort Terrace last week 

The luxury hotel unveiled its new look following a €13m refurbishment programme that was heavily inspired and influenced by Dublin’s rich literary culture and local heritage.

The renovation programme featured a stylish new design for all 192 guest bedrooms and suites, a full makeover of the Presidential Suite and the opening of a new, all-day brasserie together with a new ground floor lounge and bar. Guests were also impressed by the smart and welcoming new lobby area.

Martin Mangan, general manager at Conrad Dublin, said: “There is a significant contrast between the old and the new-look Conrad Dublin and every guest room and suite will have its own story to tell. Inspiration comes from all quarters – sights and sounds, people and places – and our vision was to create a storyboard that celebrates Dublin. We hope that it will, in its own way, pass on to our guests.

“From the moment guests walk through the doors of the redesigned Conrad Dublin, they will notice the new, sophisticated touches and how they reflect some of Dublin’s fine geographical, historic, and cultural touchpoints.” 

 The nearby Iveagh Gardens, once known as the Coburg Gardens, were once again the inspiration for the design of the new brasserie, which pays homage to the former event headquarters of the legendary Royal Horse Bazaar.  Materials used include leather, marble, porcelain and brass, which complement the equestrian theme that is subtly woven into banquette seating, mirrors, light fixtures and artwork.

At the glittering launch last week, guests were invited outside where the amazing Fidget Feet performed a mesmerising aerobatic aerial circus show, before abseiling down the front of the building.

Once inside, Fidget Feet also entertained guests with stilt walkers, hoop acrobats and aerial champagne pouring.

 Enjoying the event were newlyweds Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick, RTE’s Blaithnaid ni Chofaigh, Xpose’s Ruth O’Neill, Triona McCarthy, model Sam Homan, Sean Musanje, TV3’s Tommy Martin, 98FM’s Luke O’Faolain, Rebecca Shekelton and Thomas Crosse of Spin1038.

 Taking less than 10 months and at a cost of €13m, one of the capital’s leading luxury hotels is almost unrecognisable following its make-over.

As guests were brought through the hotel they were shown the lobby, the redesign of which was inspired by the work and vision of Ninian Niven, the architect of Iveagh Gardens.

It has been designed to illustrate the beauty of the garden’s rosarium and features an abundance of flora and natural, indigenous materials, which have been used to marry historical influences with a modern finish.

Lemuel’s is Conrad Dublin’s new ground floor lounge and bar and is named after Lemuel Gulliver, the fictional voyager, and pays tribute to the magic and curiosity of Gulliver’s Travels. 

The chic new bar provides a refreshingly alternative setting for Conrad Dublin’s afternoon tea offering.

Guests and visitors to Lemuel’s can also enjoy a light food menu throughout the day and a stylish cocktail bar where mixologists have created bespoke cocktails, each of which has its own story to tell such as Monkey See, Monkey Do and Writer’s Block.