Number 31

"Ask someone who’s stayed at Number 31, a downtown Dublin house-hotel, what it’s like and he or she likely won’t get past the breakfast: the pears poached in vanilla syrup, Wexford strawberries, eggs scrambled with smoked salmon from the west coast, and slices of zesty cranberry loaf. Such homey food served in a sunlit dining room is part of what makes Number 31 feel less like a hotel and more like the pied-à-terre you’ve always dreamed of. Comfortable rooms and unobtrusive staff add to the urban townhouse vibe; the hotel owners, Noel and Deirdre Comer, manage to be warm and welcoming while also leaving guests to make themselves at home around the peat fire in the sunken lounge. A wild garden separates the hotel’s two buildings, a Georgian terrace house and the coach house, and the overall modernist-meets-classic design owes to architect Sam Stephenson, who lived in the house as he renovated it in the 1950s. Number 31 is a favorite of Dublin insiders, from artists to architects to the designer John Rocha."

"Ask someone who’s stayed at Number 31, a downtown Dublin house-hotel, what it’s like and he or she likely won’t get past the breakfast: the pears poached in vanilla syrup, Wexford strawberries, eggs scrambled with smoked salmon from the west coast, and slices of zesty cranberry loaf. Such homey food served in a sunlit dining room is part of what makes Number 31 feel less like a hotel and more like the pied-à-terre you’ve always dreamed of. Comfortable rooms and unobtrusive staff add to the urban townhouse vibe; the hotel owners, Noel and Deirdre Comer, manage to be warm and welcoming while also leaving guests to make themselves at home around the peat fire in the sunken lounge. A wild garden separates the hotel’s two buildings, a Georgian terrace house and the coach house, and the overall modernist-meets-classic design owes to architect Sam Stephenson, who lived in the house as he renovated it in the 1950s. Number 31 is a favorite of Dublin insiders, from artists to architects to the designer John Rocha."

"How did it strike you on arrival?In an unassuming location, Number 31 is an under-the-radar property that consists of a stunning Georgian townhouse and a modernist mews linked by a beautiful private garden. Its legendary breakfast, which frequently wins awards, is served family-style at a communal table and consists of fresh breads (including a to-die-for cranberry-orange nut loaf) and preserves, plus cooked-to-order classics like eggs Benedict. Nice. What’s the crowd like?There are only 21 bedrooms, so you might not see many other guests; that is, unless you find them enjoying a whiskey in the sunken lounge. Number 31 tends to attract architecture fans who have heard about how the building was converted. Speaking of that conversion, tell us about your room.The rooms in the original townhouse are the most impressive, with ornate stucco ceilings, smart lighting, and thick blankets on the beds; even the windows—almost as high as the ceilings and bordered by thick velvet drapes—are a lovely sight to behold. Four of the bedrooms in the townhouse have fireplaces (though none are in use) and the hallways are just as lavish, with elaborate gold mirrors and crystal chandeliers. How about amenities—anything to note there?There isn't a staffed bar per se, but there's an honor bar in the lounge. Food and room service: Worth it?The only meal served here is breakfast, and no—having it in bed isn’t an option. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.There’s free parking, but it’s very limited and available on a first come, first-served basis. There’s also plenty of metered street parking nearby. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Number 31 is the best boutique hotel in the city, hands down." - Nicola Brady

"Situated in an unassuming location, Number 31 is an under-the-radar property that consists of a stunning Georgian townhouse and a modernist mews linked by a beautiful private garden. Its legendary breakfast, which frequently wins awards, is served family-style at a communal table and consists of fresh breads (including a to-die-for cranberry-orange nut loaf) and preserves, plus cooked-to-order classics like eggs Benedict. This is the best boutique hotel in Dublin, hands down." - Nicola Brady