On a mission to reignite my love for studying (and hit my Goodreads goal), I spent final summer season galivanting round literary festivals, together with Eire’s well-known Dalkey E-book Competition, which has lengthy been on my bucket checklist.

With James Joyce’s Ulysses taking on loads of hand baggage house, I departed from Heathrow to Dublin with the easiest of mental intentions. And look, if you are going to hunker down with the 736-page epic, you might as nicely achieve this within the centre of Dublin, ideally inside putting distance of the novel’s most well-known places – together with Grafton Road, the Nationwide Library of Eire and the Sandymount Strand.

The truth that The Westbury – a five-star boutique lodge – occurs to be one of the vital luxurious spots within the metropolis centre? Properly, that does not damage one bit. It is also considered one of eight prestigious inns owned by The Doyle Assortment, which is a headline sponsor of the internationally famend Dalkey and Borris Literary festivals. If, like me, you are hankering after a little bit of tradition, this should certainly be the place.

First impressions

A simple 40-minute automobile journey from Dublin airport (and solely barely longer by way of bus), the doorway to the lodge is nestled between The Westbury Procuring Mall – extra on that later – and Balfes Bar & Brasserie – once more, extra on that later.

The Westbury’s exterior is a slick black-and-gold affair, with an art-deco theme that runs all through the six-story constructing. The higher deck of the foyer is adorned with completely landscaped greenery, whereas the doorway itself is between two giant planters brimming with flowering leaves – an encouraging signal of interiors to come back.

A concierge swiftly handled my baggage – Ulysses and all – earlier than directing me up the steps (a ramp can be obtainable), by way of the revolving door, and into an achingly trendy lodge foyer. The aesthetic touches – together with loads of flowers, gold ornaments, and paintings – by no means infringe on the expansive, liberating really feel of the house.

Ascend the double grand staircase (a raise is on the market – and what a raise it’s…), and you will be greeted with an impressive floral show, modified weekly to make sure most freshness and vibrancy, which adorns John Lavery’s 1912 oil portray of Miss Haslam; her palms, encouragingly, curled round a e book.

After checking in and chatting with the sociable, educated employees on the reception desk, it was time to move for my room, situated on the fourth ground. The lodge’s raise is small, however boy, does it have character. Should you’re out there for a selfie, the raise comprises no less than 18 separate mirrors panelled on the polished wooden partitions. And if you must catch your breath? There is a couch… within the raise. Who says luxurious and novelty cannot go hand in hand?

The room

I arrange camp in considered one of The Westbury’s front-facing basic rooms, full with a king-size mattress, lavish cream and taupe furnishings, and a view of Balfe Road.