Sometimes unforgettable destinations emerge, following their own timeline to greatness. They don’t explode on the scene or take the world by storm. They don’t aim to be a flavor of the month or a blazing trend that quickly flames out. Sometimes spectacular sneaks up on you; what was once a diamond in the rough now glitters with a style and energy uniquely its own. Every once in a while a city so engaging, yet so loosely familiar does just this; it springs to life and invites you along for the ride. Where you might ask? Why Dublin, of course.

Preferred Boutique invites you to explore the Irish capital, one of Europe’s most exciting, irresistibly charming destinations. The best trip you’ve never had is being tailor made right now – Dublin by Design.

Dylan
No one here has ever seen a leprechaun. Effortlessly juxtaposing Victorian architecture with elegant modern design, charismatic service and the latest in plugged-in amenities, the Dylan was recently awarded “Best New Hotel of 2007” by Hospitality Ireland…and the Irish know a thing or two about hospitality. As a culture they celebrate the gift of storytelling, applaud the excessive use of laughter, and promote bonhomie like its nobodies business. It would be hard to have a bad time in Dublin, especially once you’ve checked into the Dylan.

A chic urban retreat discreetly located on historic Baggot Street, the hotel is just a short stroll over the Grand Canal from the bustling city center known as St. Stephen’s Green. Guestrooms stand out for their clean lines and sumptuous appointments. Snowy pillows crown beds made irresistible with thick duvets and rich fabrics. Bathrooms showcase sculptural vanities, plush robes, and heated floors. The overall effect is invitingly cool, never cold or hard.

Downstairs, there’s a party going on and you’re invited. Dylan Bar is an intimate space with a big personality. Candlelight dances across the mirrored walls and signature cocktails are sipped in style at the chrome bar. Next to the lounge is Still Restaurant, one of Dublin’s hottest restaurants. Using only the freshest ingredients, Chef Padraic Hayden serves modern Irish cuisine in a glamorous environment of white on white design for an evening you won’t soon forget.

If you can pull yourself away, there’s a whole city to be explored. Don’t miss Grafton Street, acclaimed for its world-class shopping sans attitude. If it’s culture you’re after, then there is a multitude of museums and galleries to be explored including The National Gallery of Ireland, which has a particularly fine modern art wing. The National Museum of Ireland houses a rare collection of antiquities and historical artifacts including the Tara Brooch and Cross of Cong. Crossing the River Liffey on the Ha’penny Bridge leads you to the gem that is The Morrison.

Morrison
Where you stay makes a statement and the Morrison speaks volumes about sophistication. It says you’ve got the pulse on the latest in fashion, music, and the arts. That you’re a traveler, not a tourist and appreciate authenticity in equal measure to audacity. Designed by John Rocha, it was the first boutique hotel in the city to seduce guests with a suave “East meets West” motif. Luxuriously tranquil, the Morrison is an intimate epicenter of calm right in the heart of the city center, overlooking the River Liffey.

In many ways the property is a testament to Dublin’s emergence as one of Europe’s leading capitals of cool, albeit one refreshingly free of pretension. The expert staff welcomes guests with a warm confidence that perfectly complements the polished décor, creating an atmosphere of casual elegance. Appointed with every amenity you need to mix business with pleasure from Frette linens, iPod docking stations, flat-screen TV’s, and sunken bathtubs, spacious rooms say, “We’ve thought of everything.”

Downstairs you’ll want to make time to lounge at the Café Bar. Of course you can get a Guinness, but doesn’t that martini look tempting? A cosmopolitan cast of characters is sure to revive even the most jet-lagged of souls. Don’t linger too long because Halo beckons. Newly renovated, Halo exemplifies Dublin dining at its best. Chef Richie Wilson has fashioned a fusion menu of modern European cuisines with an emphasis on the best local ingredients – complex, but not complicated.

One of the many great aspects of the city is its size. Perfect for walking, Dublin bristles with an eclectic energy and the city center is the perfect place to start exploring. Just a two minute walk over the Millennium Bridge, Temple Bar is an area famous for its numerous bars and restaurants has played host to millions of pilgrims in search of the quintessential Irish experience. Art galleries and boutiques share space with edgy lofts and cozy coffee houses. Hipsters hobnob with debonair decision-makers, making for a lively social scene in all neighborhoods. Most of all, it’s fun. Before you know it, Dublin has you under its spell.