Clayton Hotel, Dublin

The hotel is in the south city in the upmarket district of Ballsbridge, away from the city buzz. It's a 30-minute walk (or ten-minute drive) to the city centre.

You can get the Dart (commuter rail) or bus to the city centre. The hotel is also on the Aircoach route for a direct bus to Dublin Airport.

By plane: Manchester, Birmingham or London to Dublin takes around an hour, after which, it's a 20-minute drive to the hotel. Paid on-site parking available. Book flights to Dublin.

This Victorian red-brick building was originally built as a Masonic girls school. The exterior is striking and it retains some original features, with more modern extensions being added over the years. It has a mix of design styles, but the lovely glass-covered atrium leads to the bar and restaurant.

Facilities include a small gym, barbershop and the restaurants and bars. There is parking on-site and the hotel has lovely grounds. Well-suited to families, there are plenty of rooms, many of which are interconnecting.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Gym
• Family-friendly
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are all classic in style. Rooms in the old building have original windows, while rooms in the newer wing have luxurious touches like Sky TV and Nespresso machines. Book a Junior Suite for a separate lounge area.

Room types: Double, Superior, Executive, Family, Junior Suite, Thomas Prior Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

The Grandstand Bar and Restaurant serve the same all-day menu, although you can get breakfast in the restaurant. Other options include the Red Bean Roastery coffee bar and 1880, a private dining space. We loved the slow-cooked lamb shank with fondant potato, vegetables and lamb mint jus.

Grandstand: restaurant and bar, locally sourced produce. All-day dining, open daily.

Red Bean Roastery: coffee shop, serving pastries, soups and salads. Open Mon-Fri, 7am-3pm and Sat, 8am-3pm.