THE MERRION DECKS THE HALLS

New York - October 20, 2011: This holiday season The Merrion welcomes travelers to Dublin with a selection of special offers.  From a family-themed getaway to a post-Christmas racing-festival package, The Merrion has it covered, and guests can also enjoy the hotel's other luxuries, such as a hot glass of mulled wine next to the crackling log fires in the Drawing Rooms, a relaxing spa treatment at the hotel's Tethra spa, or some pre- or post-Christmas shopping at Grafton Street, a short stroll from the hotel.  

A festive destination year-round, Dublin is especially alive during the holiday season. Twinkling lights and ornate Christmas decorations take over streets; Pantomimes and Christmas concerts headline at theatres; and outdoor ice-skating rinks pop up in various neighborhoods. These and many other seasonal events and activities make Dublin an ideal destination for holiday celebrations and The Merrion the perfect 'home away from home.'

This year's packages include:

• Winter Escape: For a quick escape, The Merrion welcomes guests with a special overnight rate of €240 (approx US$350) for a Standard Queen room.  Based on double occupancy, the rate includes full Irish breakfast. Valid November 1st, 2011, to February 29th, 2012.

• Winter Family Getaway: To welcome families, The Merrion offers two interconnecting double and twin rooms at a rate of €495/night (approx. US$715). Based on two adults and two children sharing, the offer includes full Irish breakfast. Kids under 12 dine free (from the children's menu in The Cellar Restaurant) excluding December 24th, 25th and 31st. Valid November 1st, 2011, to January 31st, 2012.

• The Merrion Christmas: At 6PM on Christmas Eve, all children are invited to meet with Santa Claus around The Merrion's Christmas tree in The Front Hall, where each child receives a Christmas gift. Moms and dads gather around for a glass of mulled wine and mince pies.
  
  The celebrations continue Christmas morning as guests are served breakfast in the comfort of their room or in The Cellar Restaurant. A traditional Christmas lunch or dinner in The Cellar Restaurant is then followed by a glass of mulled wine in No 23.
  
  For guests wishing to extend the celebrations into St. Stephen's Day (December 26th), The Merrion offers two Top Level tickets to the renowned Leopardstown Christmas Race Festival, with coach transfers to and from the hotel.  Guests who prefer to stay indoors can opt for a one-hour treatment (per person) in The Tethra Spa.
  
  December 24th-26th, 2-night stay, €425 (approx US$615) per person sharing. December 24th-27th, 3-night stay, €645 (approx US$930) per person sharing.   

• Post-Christmas Racing Break: Guests will enjoy an overnight stay at The Merrion between December 26th and 29th and receive two Top Level tickets for the Leopardstown Christmas Race Festival. This offer is priced at €170 per person (approx US$246) sharing a luxurious double or twin room and includes full Irish breakfast; €270 per person (approx US$390) with private car transfers.

• Post-Christmas Pampering Getaway: Guests indulge in a one-hour treatment in The Merrion's Tethra Spa, followed by an overnight stay in a luxurious double or twin room, with a full Irish breakfast included. Valid December 26th, 2011 to February 29th, 2012, the package is priced at €197.50 per person (approx US$285) sharing a double room.

• New Year's Getaway Celebration: Ring in the new year with a celebratory 'New Year's Jazz Dinner' for two in The Cellar Restaurant, two nights' accommodation in a luxurious room in the Garden Wing, full Irish breakfast each morning, a bottle of Champagne and seasonal treats in-room on arrival. Valid December 30th, 2011, to January 1st, 2012, at €397.50 per person (approx US$575), sharing a double or twin room.

For more information on The Merrion and to make reservations, visit www.merrionhotel.com.



About The Merrion:
The union of four restored Georgian townhouses, joined with a contemporary Garden Wing, The Merrion showcases 123 guestrooms and 19 suites.  Guests also enjoy the Tethra Spa with a range of treatments and an in-house pool, The Cellar Restaurant featuring inventive Irish cuisine, Ireland's only two-star Michelin restaurant called Patrick Guilbaud, and the largest collection of private art in Ireland outside of the National Gallery on display throughout the hotel.