Number 31, Dublin – A Winter Stay in the City
Number 31 can be found at 31 Leeson Close in Dublin 2. It’s a beautifully original and unique boutique hotel that consists of not one architectural delight, but two, because Number 31 is in fact two very different buildings.
From 31 Leeson Close, Number 31 is a modernist mews, once the home of Dublin Architect Sam Stephenson. Across the adjoining courtyard and Number 31 is a newly renovated and restored Georgian townhouse that can be access from Fitzwilliam Place.
If driving to Number 31, there is a small car park opposite the hotel on Leeson Close, otherwise the nearest place to park is at Q-Park in St. Stephen’s Green.
Tip: Just before you arrive at the hotel, phone Number 31 to check if there is a car park space available at Leeson Close.
Walking through the front door and passing Room 14 on the right, which is highlighted as once being the late Sam Stephenson’s room, you are greeted with a wonderful example of open plan modernist design, complete with sunken lounge and open fire place.
The modernist mews of Number 31 has kept its 1960’s charm structurally and as soon as I set foot into the lounge I imagined myself stepping back in time to a cocktail party, complete with bell-bottoms and my afro peeping through a multi-coloured headscarf.
Upgraded with Art Deco artworks and mid-century modern furnishings, the Interior Designers Nigel Howard and Michele Kennedy have kept the Jazz theme in tune throughout both buildings of the hotel. This piece in the Irish Times by Elizabeth Birdthistle is a great read for fellow design lovers, as it gives a great synopsis of the interior design highlights of the hotel.
After check-in, check out the ‘Honesty Bar’ in the lounge, and enjoy some fruit-infused water, or something stronger should it tickle your taste buds. Then take a stroll out to the veranda and make your way down the steps to the courtyard, and enjoy this special spot in the city.
In our case, the courtyard was en route to our room in the Georgian building of Number 31, so we didn’t spend much time there during the day – I was too eager to see our room.
The Georgian building of Number 31 has Jazz written all over it, literally. From the Art Deco lighting to beautiful shell-designed carpet.
In fact according to Interior Design Nigel Howard in the aforementioned Elizabeth Thistle article ‘one seamless image between the corridor and landings’ is actually an artwork created from panels that once adorned the walls of the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York – now that’s dedication.
The Ella Fitzgerald Room at Number 31
I couldn’t have been happier sleeping in a room named after the amazing Ella Fitzgerald. And I’ve a feeling she would have slept soundly here, had she stayed here back in 1964 when she first came to Dublin.
The amalgamation of Georgian architectural features with the Art Deco styled furniture complimented each other greatly … a plush eclectic dream.
From the rich shade of green velvet throw and cushions on the bed to the shell-shaped headboard. The wallpaper adding depth and luxury and the beautiful golden ceiling light only Georgian height ceilings can carry off.
A nod to the roaring twenties in the shape of a bottle green flapper dress, alongside a wonderful teak drinks cabinet. Art Deco mirror and lamp on an antique dressing table completed the look in one corner, while in the other, a chest of drawers adorned with the Chrysler Building stood proudly, and you can’t get more Art Deco inspired than that. Not on your tall boy anyway!
An original fireplace with pretty vintage tiles and a lady that, for a split second reminded me of the ‘Lady on the Rock’ statue you often see in windows of homes around Dublin City. But it wasn’t.
In-room tea and coffee making facilities are always expected, and a coffee machine is a real winner – more than two capsules is even better though. I am on a little holiday after all.
The bathroom was spacious with a rain shower, power shower and pampering toiletries in the shape of the luxury and organic Voya. Who doesn’t love Voya?
Finally crisp white linens? Yes, and I wouldn’t have expected anything less.
Evenings at Number 31
Whether you make use of the ‘Honesty Bar’ and stay in your room, or head out on the town, the courtyard at Number 31 is open to residents both by day and by night. As darkness falls early during the winter months we got the chance to enjoy the courtyard in all its night-time-shadow and fire-lit glory, without staying up or out, too too late.
I do believe the bubbles in your glass stay bubbier in the moonlight.
And if you do decide to take an evening stroll and your carriage just about gets you to the door of Number 31 before turning into a pumpkin, feel safe in the knowledge that the entrance will be just as welcoming as when you first arrived.
Delia’s Breakfast at Number 31
Award-winning Delia’s Breakfast at Number 31 is served daily in the dining room and in the glass conservatory, both on the first floor above the reception and lounge. Cooked to order, you can take your pick from Kippers or Eggs Benedict to Frittatas, and of course the option of a Full Irish.
On arrival we were greeted and seated as warm as the freshly baked cranberry loaf and brown bread that was served moments later with butter and jam. Next to grace the table was a large bowl freshly cut fruit with a side of organic natural yogurt. Number 31 were winning at breakfast already.
For breakfast I ordered one of my favourite breakfast dishes, Eggs Florentine – ‘Two soft-poached, free-range eggs with smoked salmon and sautéed spinach, topped with homemade Hollandaise sauce on a toasted English muffin.’ It did have the wow factor when it was served, and all the tasty elements were there, but unfortunately the eggs hadn’t been strained of their water and so the muffins were soaked through and the plate very wet as a result. I still ate it though.
Patrick ordered Delia’s Full Irish – sausages, potato cake, grilled tomato, bacon and free-range egg, all cooked to order. He couldn’t fault it. And with a generous helping of tea and coffee we were set for the day ahead.
The staff at Number 31 were excellent, from check-in to check-out. Thank you Number 31 for the invite and a wonderful stay, we’ll be back to stay again some day.
To book or for more information visit: number31.ie. To connect: visit the Number 31: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
A Winter Stay at Number 31, Dublin – What We Got Up to in the City
Number 31 is only a short stroll into the heart of city, both north and south of the Liffey. Here’s what we got up to on our winter’s stay:
A stroll through the city to see the twinkling lights of businesses and bars, already in festive form. A drink was enjoyed too. Pictured is Grafton Street and Dame Court.
The ‘Winter Lights’ illuminating our way as we crossed the city. Pictured is the City Hall as seen from Parliament Street and the Millennium Bridge guiding us across the River Liffey.
Then on for cocktails, followed by dinner. Pictured are cocktails at Pennylane, and dinner at Arisu Korean Restaurant, both on Capel Street.
Further Reading: The Life of Stuff – Hotel & Getaways, Irish & International
PIN: Number 31 Dublin – Art Deco, Architecture, Jazz and Romance
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