We did tell them that it would be an honest review  otherwise what’s the point? So, what did we think??

The Westin Dublin is a luxury hotel in the heart of the city which opened its doors in 2001. A major feature of the hotel is its genuinely stunning Banking Hall which is used for wedding receptions. The hotel has 163 rooms with their now famous “Heavenly Beds” & believe me, there’s a reason why they’re called that!

If you really want to treat yourself (or himself!) you can always upgrade to one of their 16 suites. I strongly recommend the College Suite. I’m not going to spoil the surprise totally for you but suffice to say it has its own steam room !

The Westin’s Mint Bar is a firm favourite on a Thursday night out in town and serves some of the best cocktails – enough said about that! http://www.themintbar.ie That night we ate in The Exchange Restaurant and I can honestly say it was one of the best meals I’ve had out in town. There were four of us dining that evening and there was very little, if anything, left on any of the plates. FYI, The Exchange Restaurant & Cocktail Bar offers a fabulous Jazz Sunday Brunch.

My favourite spot in The Westin is The Atrium Lounge with a magnificent glass roof that seems to reach to the heavens. One could be forgiven for spending a full day there relaxing in one of those couches & watching the world go by. Of course, we were sipping on champagne (Green Point & Moet) and savouring some mouth watering canapés  which always helps. And, yes, you do pronounce the “t” at the end of Moet! Each evening, the Atrium transforms into the Dom Perignon Lounge, offering rare vintages of this beloved champagne by the glass or by the bottle. http://www.theatriumlounge.ie

A couple of points worth noting and not in any specific order:-

1. One complimentary room for every 15 guestrooms booked

2. Upon receipt of the issued contract from your Westin Weddings Specialist, you sign and return with the following deposit requirements: 10% on signing the contract, 50% 3 months in advance and the balance of 40% 1 month before the Wedding.

3. As part of your Wedding package you are invited to a pre-wedding menu tasting attended by their Executive Chef

4. Two complimentary car parking spaces

5. Only one wedding is conducted per day

6. Approximately 1 associate to every 15 guests plus two supervisors

7. Treatment room (opposite lifts) for manicure/pedicure/massage or facial (also in-room service available!)

8. Classical or jazz music is piped into the reception room – your choice

9. They do not provide flowers for the top table or a cake stand

10. Corkage €25 for wine & €45 for champagne

11. Complimentary bottle of champagne to celebrate the wedding night

The hotel has just been approved for civil ceremonies which can be held in the Banking Hall or in one of the smaller meeting rooms depending on numbers.

The only area is which I found The Westin Dublin lacking was that it doesn’t have a spa. I had assumed, and maybe one shouldn’t, but I did think that as a 5 star property it would have an amazing spa! Maybe down the road...... but yes, I would happily recommend The Westin Dublin for cocktails (The Mint Bar), dinner (The Exchange) and would I host my wedding reception in a building steep in history in one of the most fabulous banqueting halls in the country – Yes! I’m already looking forward to a return visit.

 http://www.thewestindublin.com