For a quick, two night work trip to Dublin, I was elated to find a property as well-regarded as The Davenport in my corporate travel booking platform, and in policy. Surely, an unexpected treasure, and one I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity on.

As luck would further have it, the only room category available was an Executive Room, described (by themselves) as luxurious and spacious, and with access to the Executive Lounge.

Unfortunately, my stay was less delightful as I might have hoped – as I came down with a horrible flu (hello, autumn) just a few days before the trip and was very much in recovery mode during my stay. So, the Executive Lounge’s selection went far more undisturbed than I normally would have managed.

The Davenport has a really enviable location; just on the corner of Merrion Square, a few minutes’ walk from Pearse St. train station (and my old office), and about 10 minutes’ walk to Grafton Street (and my new office), one of Dublin’s foremost shopping streets.

I visited the hotel first around early afternoon where, despite the receptionists efforts, no room was available yet and so I dropped my luggage, returning again in the early evening.

When I returned, check-in was handled quickly considering there was only one receptionist initially, trying to process several incoming guests. Nevertheless, he was pleasant, polite, and careful to explain breakfast time and location, amenities such as the lounge, and how to find the room. With that, I was quickly sent on my way.

The Executive Room meanwhile, was every bit as impressive as I hoped it would be – very spacious, well and tastefully appointed, with contemporary and traditional Irish furnishings (like a Foxford woollen mills blanket).

Towards the end of the room were two chairs and a cocktail table, perfect for a quick aperitif after a long day at work while trying to get over the flu (which is exactly what I did, both nights), then on the left a work desk – which unfortunately I never got close to having the time to use.

The bathroom, similarly, was spacious, with a full width shower tray and wall-mounted toiletries, and spotlessly clean marble tiles.

Needless to say, I had very little time to make use of the Executive Lounge, nor did it seem a particularly good idea when I didn’t feel 100% – but I did anyway. It’s actually tucked up on the top floor down a corridor on the left, almost where you’d expect to find another guest room.

Inside is a compact space with plenty of seating (heaps of seating actually, if you consider I never saw another person there) alongside a single window at the end of the room.

Along the other side is a counter taking up much of the width of the room with a selection of packaged snacks, and then a coffee machine, wine glasses and red wine miniature bottles. And of course, as you can see, a bar fridge containing other essentials as I would see them; beer, prosecco and white wine mini’s (as well as less important soft drinks).

Overall, an incredibly well stocked executive lounge and amazingly, accessible all day until 9pm.

While the space itself perhaps wasn’t the most lively to spend too much time, I did notice one other guest come in and just take two mini’s with them back to their room – which, ultimately, is what I did myself next day. I actually really liked this approach, and it didn’t seem to encourage any lawlessness.

As part of my rate, I was also entitled to breakfast each morning, served downstairs in the ‘Lady Jane’ restaurant, adjacent to the reception area. Unfortunately I was far too hungry both mornings to while away the time taking pictures (plus the area was pretty busy), but suffice to say that here too, there was a fine spread – with a generous buffet of both hot and cold items, fruits, pastries, and everything you could hope for. Coffee & tea was delivered directly to the table.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable and – considering that I was there for work while recovering from a flu – very peaceful stay, with every amenity you could ask for, a spacious and quiet room, and well-stocked executive lounge, all right in the heart of the city. I'd certainly pick The Davenport, if possible, again next time work comes calling!