Hotel Tour: Dublin's The Mont Hotel's designer-led refurbishment is out of this world

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Just a 10 minute stroll from bustling Grafton Street, Dublin's The Mont Hotel is the ultimate location for a city break escape.

Previously known as Mont Clare, the 4-star hotel, which is part of the O’Callaghan Collection, underwent a renovation in 2018 and re-opened its doors in August 2019.

The 2019 House and Home Interior Influence Awards were held in The Alex Hotel, The Mont's sister hotel across the road, and we were invited along for a tour to check out the final results of The Mont's refurbishment.

Award-winning interior design maestros 21 Spaces had a hand to play in the re-design of this classic Dublin hotel.

Stepping inside The Mont, the reception is a stand-alone experience that's a juxtaposition against the Georgian streetscape just outside. Think charcoal grey bricks, a lacquered red ceiling and terrazzo reception desk along with colourful and stylish furniture which mixes traditional 18th century design with more contemporary pieces.

The Mont reception area: the terrazzo desk is a stunning statement feature in the entrance lobby.

Statement stairs: Take a walk down to the Core Fitness Club and admire how luxe and chic is space is.

With a focus on craft and fine detailing, the space showcases curated artwork, and vibrant furniture and accessories - all of which contrast beautifully with the textured materials seen throughout the hotel.

Guest Relations Pawofficer, Monty

Walking into the lobby, you're sure to be greeted by the hotel's French bulldog, Monty. Referred to as the Guest Relations Pawofficer, she is a permanent resident of this pet-friendly hotel - The Mont has a range of canine-friendly rooms comes with a dog mat and toys for your pet.

Dream house: The Mont even built a replica of the hotel as a doghouse for Monty. How cute!

Speranza Restaurant

To the right-hand-side of the main entrance and reception and through floor-to-ceiling window panelled French doors, you'll find Speranza restaurant. 21 Spaces designed an open, airy space that utilises a restrained palette of materials, letting food take centre stage.

The space also features a buzzing bar area and large bay windows which boast views out onto Merrion Square.

The name Speranza, which translates into hope, was given to the restaurant after Oscar Wilde’s mother, Jane Wilde. This was the alias she used as an artist when writing poetry.

Portuguese artist, Margarida Fleming, created the stunning mural of Jane which can be found on one of the walls in the restaurant. This mural beautifully ties into the location of the hotel as Wilde's historic statue is situated just a stones' throw away on Merrion Square, and the American College opposite, at No1 Merrion Square was also his childhood home.

The restaurant doubles as a breakfast room and Italian dining space and even has its own wood-fired oven for the hotel's extensive pizza menu, alongside delicious pasta dishes.

Check out the full Speranza restaurant menu here.

The Winter Garden

On your way to the hotel's main bar, The Sin Bin, you'll pass the pretty covered outdoor space known as the Winter Garden.

This space feels cosy and the botanical-inspired scheme is like an oasis in the centre of the city.

The Sin Bin bar

We love discovering new places for a pint, and The Sin Bin's definitely one to add to your list for the next time you're visiting Dublin city centre.

Sports is the name of the game here in this stylish space. You can enjoy a range of snacks as well as delicious drinks from The Mont's signature cocktail and craft beer menu.

The design of The Sin Bin takes its lead from the bar counter itself, a meticulously-detailed smoked oak counter and gantry.

To represent the history of the site, which was formally referred to as a meeting place during the 1970s, the bar balances traditional design aesthetics with touch of '70s flair.

The glazed red subway tiles and dark oak furniture bring a homely warmth to the space.

The layout of the room has been devised to create varied seating options: high level seating directly at the bar, booths for more relaxed settings, and smaller intimate two-person seating areas, so no matter your party size, you can enjoy the best the bar has to offer.

There are plenty of cosy snugs which give privacy from the rest of the bar area

This fun corner area is the perfect space to rent for group gatherings

Cocktails and craft beer are the pillars of The Sin Bin. Choose from a wide range of Irish craft beers, signature cocktails, or classic spirits and whiskeys. Serving pub-inspired food such as chicken wings, ribs, burgers and focaccia, it's open from 3pm on weekdays and 12pm on weekends.

The Sin Bin bar cocktail menu - the Bordello cocktail is calling our name!

Picture perfect: Just before you head into the downstairs bathrooms in The Sin Bin, make sure you get your picture taken on this hidden gem!

The Bedrooms

The bedrooms are a decent size and perfect for city breaks

Forget what you know about hotel bedrooms: The Mont's designer-detailed rooms are the perfect spaces to unwind and relax.

The bedrooms are compact but cleverly designed, with an open wardrobe space to make unpacking a breeze.

Featuring a range 50-inch Smart TV with Chromecast connectivity, a rain forest walk-in shower or bath (you choose!), a Nespresso machine, a spacious work desk, hairdryer, iron and ironing board and access to state-of-the-art gym, you'll be able to switch-off and re-charge without any hassle.

From Roomy King rooms to Cushy Suites, all bedrooms feature a King Koil mattress so you can ensure you'll have the best sleep of your life!

The Mont has incorporated Irish design into each room. The Irish tweed cushions and throw on the beds are from Foxford Woollen Mills

Irish designer Paul Costelloe's Linen body products can be found in the hotel bathrooms

Core Fitness Club

Guests from all three of the O'Callaghan Group hotels - The Mont, The Alex and The Davenport - have full access to the 24 hour Core Fitness Club gym which is located in the basement of the hotel.

Core Fitness Club is a fully equipped fitness centre which offers guests a wide range of cardiovascular and weight-training equipment, perfect for those who want to stay on top of their training and fitness regime.

To find out more, or to book, visit www.themonthotel.ie.