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Travel Talk meets Declan Curtis MD of the Hyatt Centric Hotel in the Liberties

Travel Talk with Ed Finn

Saturday, 13 August 2022 - 10 minutes

Country Hotelier's in the heart of the city - The Hyatt Centric, bringing Dublin’s history to life

Travel Talk enjoyed a wonderful stay in the heart of the liberties recently staying at the Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin.   Ed sat down with the Managing Director, Declan Curtis who has had an illustrious career to date in the Irish Hospitality industry.  General Manager at the fast-paced Morgan Hotel from 2014 to 2019, Declan was at the cutting edge of luxury boutique hotels in Dublin for a number of years.  Declan managed the initial bedroom expansion at the Morgan Hotel in 2015 and following this, a complete refurbishment and expansion plan in 2018, unveiling a stylish new look to the Morgan Lifestyle Hotel. Declan also worked for The Carlton Hotel Group, opening it's Blanchardstown property when it was first acquired and launching the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel with The Louis Fitzgerald Group.  Declan provides a unique view on the Irish hotel landscape with an incredible eye for detail, an innate appreciation for his guests,  and genuine consideration for the local community and fellow colleagues. 

Managed by Hodson Bay Group, Hyatt Centric’s inaugural Irish property has 234 rooms, two distinctive F&B facilities and 4,000 sq ft of flexible meeting spaces, and has rapidly established itself as one of Dublin’s most popular haunts for discerning travellers. During their stay, guests can learn all about the city’s history by viewing artefacts – some up to 900 years old – that were unearthed across the hotel site during the construction process, and have been cleverly embedded throughout the scheme. 

The outdoor garden is a real oasis in the heart of the city and the food is excellent.  I particularly enjoyed the delicious chicken salad with beetroot, pomegranate and quinoa - it was summer on a plate, very healthy and just delicious.  It was great to see locally inspired food served with refreshing simplicity and elegance.  I really enjoyed the food and decor at the Liberties Gate Bar and Restaurant.  

The signature Cocktails are crafted by the hotel's resident mixologist.  The cocktail menu is inspired by local gins, whiskeys, and spirits. Our cocktail menu features house favourites including Whiskey Sours, Passionfruit Martinis, Aperol Spritz and a few delicious creations inspired by The Liberties.  The "Liberties Lemonade" made with Pearse Lyons whiskey, triple sec and lemon juice was one of my favourites and great value I thought at just €9.90 - The Centric's Gimlet and The Transfusion are also very popular with guests.

The Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea was super fun and great value at just €25 pp - We took a magical trip down the rabbit hole and enjoyed delicious freshly made sandwiches and wraps,  some yummy chocolate truffles, macaroons and fluffy scones with brownies and sumptuous sweet treats, you can add a glass of bubbly for just €5.00, the house white wines are also great quality.  

Throughout the hotel, a warm colour palette is in evidence, from the blue upholstery and dark-brown furniture in the guest rooms to the pink sofas and red bar stools in the public areas. Mola Architecture, the Dublin-based studio led by Ralph Bingham and Michael O’Carroll is behind the inviting architecture and interior design, with Turkish manufacturer and designer Parla supplying the eye-catching furniture.  The Hyatt Centric is constantly ranked on Trip Advisor as a great value hotel.  You have St Patrick's Cathedral and Marsh's library right on your doorstep. 

Just a stone's throw from the hotel - Take a walk up Meath Street for a real feel of the local area and don't miss the Liberties market. Enjoy great home made Dutch Apple Pie in a Bite of Life café just across the road in the iconic Iveagh Trust buildings and lovingly run by Jorinde and her friendly staff.   For more images and reviews of the Hyatt Centric click here

A huge thank you to Declan Curtis, Jane Bridge the Hotel Manager, Caleb, Lisa B, Garett and all the team who really impressed us with superb hospitality.   Don't forget to pop into the adjacent John Fallon's The Capstan Bar for a great snug experience.    

To enjoy a stay at the hotel visit -  www.hyatt.com

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