Gleesons Townhouse in Booterstown opens its doors today
Image courtesy of Zomato
The word August, according to the dictionary, means ‘impressive’ or ‘high ranking’. It is fitting then that Dublin’s newest townhouse hotel, Gleesons Townhouse, on Booterstown Avenue in South Dublin opens today – 1st August. I was given a quick preview peak yesterday evening at the new rooms and they are impressive, particularly the Suite which has a view all the way down Booterstown Avenue and across Dublin Bay. The rooms have been decorated in contemporary classic style and will stand the test of time very well. The two brothers John and Ciaran Gleeson have undertaken this brave new venture adding 16 rooms to their very successful gastro pub (and shop). It is after all my local for picking up my newspaper, coffee and scone most mornings so I was very keen to see the results of their labours. During the building phase there was so little disturbance that regulars would have been hard put to know the extent of changes to the building. Trying to work that one out!
Whilst there are still lots of finishing touches to be put in place, including a roof garden for resident guests and revamping of the car park area, it is almost there. There are three categories of rooms, classic, de luxe and superior and one very elegant Suite. I was very pleased to see that the softer elements were all of a high standard such as brand toiletries. Not all the rooms have spectacular views but the Gleeson brothers have cleverly managed to ensure 
maximum light with a glass walled corridor surrounding the roof garden area. Tourists will find it a great place to stay; only 5 minutes walk to the Dart station and 4 minutes to Rock Road which has a very good bus service into the city centre. It is also ideal for anybody coming for work because of its proximity to the Blackrock Clinic and UCD and it is only a short bus ride to the Embassy belt of Ballsbridge.
It is fantastic to see a new hotel opening that is owner managed in these days when most hotels are part of large chains and with a boring formulaic feel to them. The Gleeson family have owned this popular pub for 64 years so it is pretty obvious that they are there for the long haul and no doubt the regulars will support them with recommendations to visiting relatives and friends. I am just glad that the status quo remains so I can still saunter over to buy a small ice cream (baby blob!) for my visiting grandchildren as I relax with a coffee. Online bookings can be made on their website with more information on what’s happening on their Facebook page.
