The Morgan

I don’t associate Dublin’s Temple Bar neighborhood with anything chic. I associate it with throngs of piss drunk tourists, mostly from London and Manchester. Bachelor Parties and all that rot. However, there is another layer to the cobble-stoned historic district, which doesn’t just house touristy bars but also cultural institutions like the Irish Film Archive and The Project Arts Centre.

And it is into that layer of Temple Bar that the sleek, bright and airy Morgan fits. Like many boutiques, it boasts furniture by Philippe Starck, a see-and-be-seen bar scene and funky bath fixtures. And unlike many boutiques, The Morgan also offers well-designed extended stay apartments with kitchens, if you plan to stay in Dublin for a good while.

And, I don’t think I have to tell you that Dublin can get a bit dreary with the James Joyce and all the rain. But there’s nothing dreary about the Morgan. It goes out of its way to bring light and peace to your stay, and that’s very cool.