A hundred thousand welcomes!
Key moments, also known as twists of fate, occur as much in the life of buildings as in that of human beings. That of the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Academy Plaza took place one morning in 1998 when Joe Comerford, the establishment's new owner, was waiting for the builders who were going to start work on the site that he had just bought with the intention of converting it into a block of flats. As the first lorries were manoeuvring in front of the hotel, Jo suddenly had a flash of inspiration and decided to take a closer look at the neighbourhood.
First he took a step back and looked at the premises' brick and stone façade that blends in so admirably with its environment. He then took a stroll down O'Connell Street just a few steps away. This street, one of the widest in Europe, is Dublin's most emblematic thoroughfare. Since the 19th century, it has witnessed many of the clashes that have marked Ireland's troubled history, among which includes the 1913 Lockout, the Easter Rising in 1916, the Irish Civil War in 1922 and the destruction of the Nelson Pillar in 1966. Some of the avenue's statues and the façade of the General Post Office still bear the traces of gunshot dating back to the events of 1916. Although its architecture suffered greatly after the terrible famine of 1840, in the early 20th century it underwent a certain splendid renaissance. To this day, O'Connell Street remains rich in symbols of Ireland's way of life, beginning with the St Patrick's Day Parade that never fails to take place here every year. On his way down, Joe Comerford also paused to admire the traditional pub signs that adorn the southern half of the street at the end of which stands O'Connell Bridge, whose claim to fame is that it as wide as it is long! Nowhere else on earth do these pubs continue to pay such tribute to their nation's hospitable character, generously sharing age-old traditions with international visitors: they can serve up to 12 sorts of ham, 10 types of raisins, 10 sorts of lime cordial and an untold variety of cakes and beers, all of which in an atmosphere that is quite unique in the world.
At that moment, Joe Comerford decided to turn his building into a living, genuinely authentic hotel, which would delve equally into Ireland's deep roots as into the country's ability to embrace the modern world and era with open arms. Joe Comerford preserved the establishment's characteristic façade, whose distinctive style anchors it so well into the city. He nonetheless and somewhat mischievously set about surprising guests by a distinctive interior decoration. While it is indeed indisputable that the Best Western Premier Academy Plaza Hotel is one of the city's most unusual establishment's, it is equally true that the establishment has by no means forgone impeccable good taste or 4-star comfort. It took Joe Comerford many years to achieve a truly unique blend that mixes the Irish way of life with architectural features picked up from his travels round the world. The lobby's elegant décor, for example, was inspired by a Shanghai hotel, prompting the owner to order marble and woodwork from the same suppliers. The hotel's two restaurants, each of which boasts its own distinctive character, are equally renowned for the quality of their décor and menu. Oscar's is adorned with spectacular chandeliers and red sofas making an unusual statement that is both bistro and refined. The Abacus, whose menu devoted to Asian culinary traditions is acclaimed by some of the country's most eminent food critics, features a stylish setting worthy of Asia's noble and inventive legacy. Sir Harry's Bar that has long contributed to the establishment's enviable reputation extends an invitation to travel. One of its walls is adorned with nearly 600 light bulbs reproducing a star-studded sky. On the bridge of this vessel, John Mulloy, a well-known figure in the trade, warmly hails guests with Ireland's traditional "Cead Mile Failte" (literally "one hundred thousand welcomes"!), flourishing a menu as rich as it is characteristic.
Nowadays, O'Connell Street is perhaps more beautiful than ever. In its centre stands the Spire (an amazing 120-metre-high spire that is the world's tallest sculpture), further enhanced by major rehabilitation and restoration work carried out by the city in recent years. In this context, the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Academy Plaza Hotel blossoms splendidly in an environment that is as rich as it is authentic and on which Joe Comerford was undoubtedly a hundred thousand times right to bet upon in 1998.
| BEST WESTERN PREMIER Academy Plaza Hotel |
| 10 - 14 Findlater Place, off O'Connell Street, Dublin, Ireland - Dublin 1 |
| Phone: + 353 1 8780666 Fax: +353 1 8780600 |
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