October 2003

Dublin, Ireland - Whether the 2003 holiday season calls for a romantic winter escape or a festive family getaway, The Merrion's holiday packages provide something for everyone. Dublin's most stylish hotel also offers packages that include a traditional Irish trip to the races or the opportunity to 'detox' from the excesses of the holidays with a special spa package.

The Merrion Christmas Package offers a two-night stay, December 24-26, for €445 per person, based on double occupancy in a deluxe double or twin room, and includes full Irish breakfast each morning. Guests can extend their stay until December 27, to include a trip to the Boxing Day Leopardstown races on December 26, for a total price of €640, also based on double occupancy.

Merrion guests choosing to stay until December 27, but wishing to remain indoors, may exchange their two reserved tickets and coach transfers to the Leopardstown races for a one-hour treatment per person in the luxurious Tethra Spa. The Merrion Christmas packages also include a sumptuous Christmas lunch or dinner in the Cellar Restaurant, preceded by a champagne and mulled wine reception in the No. 23 bar. For younger Merrion guests, there is also the opportunity to meet Father Christmas on Christmas morning beside the Christmas tree in Mornington Hall.

For a shorter 'mini-break,' The Winter Escape Package offers guests overnight accommodation in an award-winning double or twin room, as well as full Irish breakfast the following morning, for €115 based on double occupancy. For families, the Winter Family Getaway offers two interconnecting double or twin rooms, with full Irish breakfast, for €450 per night. Both Winter packages are valid November through January, subject to availability.

Special after-Christmas stays, such as the Post Christmas Racing Break, for €140 per person, based on double occupancy in a deluxe twin or double room, include full Irish breakfast and two reserved tickets to the Leopardstown festival, held December 26-29. The Post Christmas 'Detox' Getaway allows visitors to relax and detoxify after the holidays with a one-hour treatment for each guest in the Tethra Spa. Valid throughout January and February 2004, the 'Detox' package can be enjoyed for €200 per person, based on double occupancy in a twin or double room, and includes one night's accommodation with full Irish breakfast the next morning.

The Merrion also invites guests to ring in the New Year with friends and family in style, with dining and accommodation options to suit the even most refined tastes. The New Year's Eve Dinner package offers a traditional Irish feast created by Merrion Executive Chef Ed Cooney. For €225 per person based on double occupancy, the Dinner package includes overnight accommodation for December 31, and full Irish breakfast the next morning. Guests can enjoy a longer stay with the New Year's Eve Dinner Gourmet Celebration, which includes two nights accommodation, December 30 to January 1, in a deluxe double or twin room, full Irish breakfast daily, New Year's Eve dinner for two and champagne upon arrival for €380 per person, based on double occupancy.

A wide range of other packages is also available at The Merrion. All packages are inclusive of a 13.5 percent value added tax and no service charge. For any holiday gift-giving needs, The Merrion offers its personalized gift vouchers that can suit anyone's tastes in accommodation, dining, spa treatments and entertainment. The hotel also offers a range of gifts specially prepared by the hotel's Chef Cooney, such as the exclusive Merrion homemade Christmas pudding.

Located in the heart of Dublin, The Merrion opened in October 1997, built from a row of historic 18th century Georgian townhouses. This 145-room hotel includes 20 suites, all of which are fitted with the latest in-room technology. With its luxurious amenities and services, The Merrion ensures guests every ingredient for a successful stay. Visitors can wander through the celebrated 18th century-style gardens, designed by Jim Reynolds, or survey the largest private collection of Irish art, displayed throughout the hotel. The Tethra Spa's beautifully muraled pool and elaborate fitness center are both sanctuaries for relaxation. The Merrion also features the renowned Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud with its two Michelin stars and the less formal Cellar Restaurant. Other dining options include The Cellar Bar located in the property's former wine vault and No. 23, a bar open exclusively for hotel guests.

For further information and reservations please contact The Merrion directly on +353 1 603 0600, facsimile +353 1 603 0700, e-mail or alternatively via the website.

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