This is Dublin’s hidden secret. An elite eircode, overlooking St Stephen’s Green, you arrive to be greeted by a printed sign taped on the front door — ‘residents only’.
It feels so exclusive, your own little oasis in the heart of a bustling city.
It’s the garden though that really makes Stauntons on the Green something special.
A key at reception can grant access to the Iveagh Gardens, the pathway lit by outdoor chandeliers hanging from the trees. It’s exquisite, like wandering through the pages of a fairy tale.
The Luas is right outside, the Museum of Literature next door, and St Stephen’s Green is literally a stone’s throw away. There is no better location.
The garden at Staunton’s on the Green
This renovated Georgian building is sprawling, with 64 rooms scattered across three adjoining townhouses on the Green’s southside — numbers 82, 83 and 84 — yet it still feels intimate and cosy.
Again, there’s a wonderland feeling, as each weaving corridor reveals another unexplored corner of the hotel.
We stay in room eight, adjoining the breathtaking Harry Clarke stained glass feature.
The late owner, Richard H Driehaus, had a keen eye for art, and amassed a notable collection for his hotel including Clarke’s ‘The Blessed Julie and Two Children’, created by the artist in the mid-1920s.
Illuminated from behind to showcase its vibrancy, it’s worth checking in to see this masterpiece alone.
The décor — in keeping with its vintage — is classic and luxurious, with high ceilings, cornicing and original windows, but it is never imposing.
There are two connecting communal rooms, where guests can sit and chat, or enjoy a tea of coffee.
There’s little natural light here — but seating at the brightly lit reception area offers a floodlit alternative.
The third floor of the building was renovated last year, the second and ground floors completed in March.
From new bathrooms to carpets, new beds to TVs, it was an extensive overhaul.
From reception to breakfast service, the team at the hotel is attentive and welcoming.
Check-in is flawless and a request to remove feather pillows because of allergies was followed up immediately — five-star hotels have kept us waiting longer.
A room at Staunton’s on the Green
Muted greens, vintage furnishings, elaborate mirrors, oriental-effect wardrobes, Georgian windows and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling — this room feels five-star.
The bed is sumptuous, the temperature pitch perfect and thick curtains to block morning light ensure everything is right for a good night’s sleep.
Screens offer privacy from the busy Dublin street outside, but still allow natural light to illuminate the room.
The bathroom is small but feels bright and spacious with white tiling. The Voya products are a welcome addition.
There’s a Nespresso machine with glass espresso cups, but with no fridge in the room, there’s no fresh milk.
A little box of four complementary Staunton’s-branded chocolates awaits guests, and a relaxing Voya pillow spray feels wonderfully indulgent. A classy finishing touch.
Afternoon tea is an option at Staunton’s though there’s no dinner service here, making this an upmarket guest house.
Breakfast is an experience. Seated at the brightly lit tables close to reception, you dine with a view of the park.
Fresh fruit and yogurt is delivered to every table on arrival, with good homemade brown breads and pastries.
Scrambled eggs are impeccable, the only slight downside the filter coffee.
The Luas is right outside, St Stephen’s Green directly across the road, The Museum of Literature next door.
In the heart of the city centre.
Rates start at €199 based on a double room with breakfast.
A fair price when location and boutique experience are taken into account.
- Vickie Maye was a guest of Staunton’s on the Green.
An ideal base for business or leisure, with no option of a dinner menu though, the guest house is working at a disadvantage.
As with all the Georgian buildings on St Stephen’s Green, there are steps at the front door and in the hotel, and the building does not have a lift. The townhouse is not wheelchair friendly.
Four family rooms, each fitting four guests. Two have been newly refurbished and one has two bathrooms.
No.
Staunton’s on the Green does not have its own car park or chargers, but has a discounted 24-hour rate of €27 at the nearby St. Stephen’s Green Q-Park, two minutes away by car or seven minutes by foot.
- Staunton’s on the Green
- 83 St. Stephen’s Green South, Dublin 2, D02 HD86
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- Tel: 01 4782300
- Our rating: 8.5/10
- A boutique guesthouse on St Stephen’s Green, check-in for the art collection and good value in the centre of Georgian Dublin.
