Fitzwilliam Hotel a chic, convenient option in Dublin

When it comes to urban hotels, it's not always just about location, location, location. But in the case of the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin, being on St. Stephen's Green, at the foot of Grafton Street in the heart of the city, certainly doesn't hurt.

During a recent visit to the Irish capital, I couldn't have asked for a better base from which to set out on my explorations than the five-star, boutique-style property, which was voted Best Business Hotel in Dublin in the Georgina Campbell Awards for 2010.

The Fitzwilliam, which recently completed its refurbishment of all guestrooms -- rendering them the newest five-star units in the city -- is just a short stroll from top attractions such as the Temple Bar area; Trinity College, home of the Book of Kells; the National Gallery; and the National Museum of Ireland. Not to mention all the shopping, dining and partying to be had on or adjacent to Grafton Street.

Given the proximity of the hotel to such draws, guests could be forgiven for spending much of their time off-site, but there are plenty of reasons to linger inside.

Foodies will appreciate that the Fitzwilliam is home to Michelin-starred restaurant Thornton's, where chef Kevin Thornton not only serves up top-rated lunch, dinner and pretheater menus but offers "master classes" in fine cooking.

Also on the premises: Citron, a brasserie serving what I found to be exemplary Mediterranean fare (as well as full Irish breakfasts each morning), and the Inn on the Green, for drinks by mixologist Matt Jupe.

The hotel is currently offering a Food, Glorious Food package in which guests get one night in an executive guestroom, a table d'hote meal at Citron, full Irish breakfast in the morning, Internet access, parking and all taxes and fees, from about $150 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.

The fitness-minded can avail themselves of the 24-hour gym, as I did, and those headed out to paint Dublin red, the Free Spirit salon. And then there are the rooms: striking and contemporary, with all the de rigueur "mod cons," yet still plush and comfortable.

All guests enjoy that free high-speed Internet access as well as complimentary mineral water and daily newspaper.

Designed, according to General Manager Fergal O'Connell, to be chic and contemporary yet still hearken to traditional Irish castle architecture -- witness the large fireplace and nods to a turret and drawbridge in the cavernous lobby -- the Fitzwilliam is just over a decade old. Still, in the dog-eat-dog world of modern hostelry, it was time for an update, O'Connell said.

"The extensive investment we have made in the refurbishment of the hotel at this time demonstrates our enduring commitment to maintaining a special and unique product and above all delivering a memorable experience to all of our guests," he said.