The Advent of a Little Luxury Every Day with the Launch of L'Occitane's 2017 Advent Calendars!

L'Occitane will always be synonymous with luxury skincare & beauty so what if I told you you could have a little luxury every single day in the run up to Christmas? Well that's exactly what my fave French brand have asked me to do. Enter two of the most covetable beauty advent calendars on the market as L'Occitane release both their classic and luxurious versions this week, you have to see them to believe them. You also have to be quick to get 'em!

WIN Your Own L'Occitane Travel Essentials Collections - FIVE to Give Away!

Long time readers will know I'm a long time advocate of award winning French natural beauty and skincare brand, L'Occitane. Their luxury products fit nicely into my 'Treat yo'self' ethos and several of their products make recurring appearances on my Holy Grail lists. So when they approached me to collaborate on an exclusive Travel Essentials Campaign (you won't see this on any other timeline), there was only one Mon Dieu! before I readily agreed. Could it BE a better fit?

With the countdown to summer being officially on, LOccitane have introduced their Build Your Own Travel Essentials Collection. Forget decanting, measuring and hoping your products make it past the eagle eye of airport security, simply choose a minimum of three deluxe minis from your body, hair & skincare faves HERE and nab yourself a complimentary, snazzy cosmetics case to go with!

This wouldn't be a CherrySue collaboration if there wasn't something in it for you, dear readers and L'Occitane wouldn't be one of my all time favourite brands to work with if they didn't agree, so to celebrate this special offer we've organised five, yep FIVE Travel Essentials Collections to be won. 

Simply pick your favourite 3 luxury minis & limited edition cosmetics case from THIS LIST and pop them in a comment below for your chance to win. For an extra entry, you can tag a pal to choose their own or you could share this post on your own timeline (be sure to tag me so I can count it, oui?).

Open to both Éire & the UK (sorry postage restrictions won't allow more) we'll announce five winners on May 31st. 

Bonne Chance et Bon Voyage! 

*This post is part of 

an exclusive sponsored

campaign with L'Occitane. 

If it weren't for your support

that wouldn't be possible, you

absolute legends xx*

Epic England Road Trip ~ Part 1 ~ The Big Sheep!

Welcome to our Epic England Road Trip. We're going to show you just how easy it is to take to the road, no matter where that road is. This time around, we decided on England. I priced a few different options but eventually settled on a ferry to Wales and a road trip across the south of England to see the best of what’s on offer for families. 

Stick with us over the next couple of weeks as I detail our Epic England Road Trip that includes visits to the National Motor Museum, Chessington, Stonehenge & Bath among others but this week we’ll kick off the series with a trip to The Big Sheep one of Devon’s premier attractions.

MacNean House ~ Culinary Delights in Co.Cavan!

A visit to MacNean House and Restaurant has been on my list for years but every time I went to book the only available dates were months and months away. I was overjoyed to receive an email a couple of weeks ago advising me of a cancellation for the following Friday, not only for a meal but also an overnight stay! I immediately called Sue to let her know to cancel her plans, and my husband to ensure he’d be working close to home that day so he could get home on time to mind the children. I collected Sue from work on Friday afternoon & we set off up the N3 like Thelma & Louise. 

Our Taste of Coppinger Row as #AAFoodies

Last month CherrySue and I were invited into Coppinger Row to join the AA for one of their famous AA Foodie events. This 2 AA Rosette winning Mediterranean restaurant is located just off South William Street, nestled in the heart of the creative quarter in Dublin’s city centre. General manager Erica Drum was on hand to greet us when we arrived, she was so lovely and welcoming. Erica introduced us to the bar manager Tommy Vivian who expertly imparted some of his vast knowledge of Gin, boy does he know his stuff! 

An Evening at Sika in Powerscourt Hotel ~ The #AAFoodies Experience!

Coming at ye with a little something different this week, in the form of a peek inside an evening with the AA Foodies and a look at exactly what Sika in Powerscourt Hotel have to offer by way of heavenly eats. 

I was over the moon last week to receive an invite to join the AA Secret Inspector and some other food enthusiasts at the AA Hotel of the Year Powerscourt Hotel, Resort and Spa, Enniskerry Co Wicklow for what was billed as the AA Foodie event of the year; they weren’t wrong! If you’re a regular reader round these parts you’ll know that while I often review hotels, I also give you recommendations on where to eat and what to see in the locality. Today’s post however is all about food, glorious food.

Powerscourt in all her glory

Last Friday I was really nervous, although I knew some of the people attending through social media I hadn’t actually met any of them. I really needn’t have been worried at all as when I arrived at Powerscourt I met Vicky from the AA at the door; she’s so lovely and immediately put me at ease. We proceeded into the reception area of the hotel where we were greeted with a glass of bubbles and a very warm welcome. We had time for a quick chat so we could get acquainted with each other. I met Darina who was recently a contestant on the Great Irish Bake Off, she’s friendly and so funny, and we had a giggle or two before we were ushered down to Sika Restaurant itself.

We had the honour of sitting at the Chef’s Table in the heart of the kitchens in Skia, an AA Rosette award winning Restaurant. I had the pleasure of sitting between my home baking hero, Catherine Leydon and Niamh, the AA foodie of the Year. Chef de Cuisine Peter Byrne introduced each dish from his Black Truffle Dinner, a 6 course tasting menu; as did George the in-house Sommelier. George told us about the particular wines he had chosen for each dish and his reasons behind each choice. We were thoroughly spoilt on the night.

The majority of the produce used on the truffle themed menu was sourced locally with the emphasis staying true to the Sika ethos, based on two key factors quality and seasonality. Each course was constructed with a lot of care taken to get the taste, balance and presentation just right. As we were at Powerscourt I was expecting fine dining, all of my expectations were not only met but entirely exceeded. I was mesmerised watching Head Chef Paul Byrne and his team of Chefs work their magic, before each and every dish got the final seal of approval before they left the pass. It was a wonderful experience to spend the evening chatting with like minded people over scrumptious food.

So what did we devour? What DIDN'T we devour is an easier question!

• Truffled Jerusalem artichoke soup with toasted hazelnuts

• Torrontes, Crios de Susana Baldo, Valle de Cafayete, Argentina

• Knokdrinna’s goat’s cheese, blood orange jelly, beetroot, charred cucumber  

• Gruner Veltiner Wolfsgraben, Sepp Moser, Austria

• Terrine of foie gras, radish, herb salad, toasted brioche

• Jurancon, Clos Uroulat, Charles Hours, France

• Wild halibut, savoy cabbage, stuffed chicken wing, truffles cream

• Masetto Bianco, Endrizzi, Alto Adige, Italy

• Sirloin of Irish rose veal, buttered leek, chanterelle mushroom, artichoke, truffled potato purée

• Pinot Noir, Nuits-St.Georges, Louis Jadot, Burgundy, France

• White Chocolate mousse, orange, truffle ice cream

• Moscatel, Floralis, Bodegas Miguel Torress, Penedes, Spain

If you’d like to follow some AA Foodies on Twitter you can search #AAFoodies for lots more photos & insights from the night or follow these fab folk: @AAInspector @GourmetGrazing, @EatDrinkRunFun, @gamebirdFC, @eatsleepchic_ie, @_melaniemay, @emma_ratcliffe, @CatherineOdlums & @darinacoffey

Pic via the gorgeous Steph over at EatSleepChic.ie

Tell us, have you stayed in Powerscourt or dined in Sika before? Would you consider them for a treat now? I know I'll be returning to stay over and Sue has made me pinky swear to bring her with me!

Disclaimer:

*As stated above I did not pay for my meal, nor have I

been paid for this post. I was lucky enough to be chosen 

as one of the #AAFoodies. If you’d like to dine at Sika Restaurant 

bookings can be made online at HERE or by calling 

01 2749313; prices start at €51pp - worth every cent IMHO. 

Jo Malone London ~ Mimosa & Cardamom Collection Review!

The heady humidity in Dublin this week feels like exactly the right time to tell you about the newest scent coming up on the fragrance release calendar, Jo Malone's Mimosa & Cardamom Cologne. And much like every Jo Malone scent I've ever tried, it smells nothing like anything that's come before. It launches September but we have the skinny today!

Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom Range

Freshly crushed, spiced cardamom is buoyed by honeyed golden mimosa to instantly transport you, one inhalation and you're miles away, if ever a scent were to smell like holidays, this is the one. Creamy tonka and smooth sandalwood blended with Damask rose & Heliotrope earth this bohemian fragrance and give an incredible powdery heat to the scent, once dried down.   

Master Perfumer Marie Salamagne explains her inspiration for this release: 

“We looked at places like Marrakesh and Tangiers which were bohemian havens in the sixties for people such as the Rolling Stones to literary characters like Sebastian Flyte in Brideshead Revisited. Jo Malone London wanted to draw on this inspiration but also bring a sense of modernity to the scent. We looked at what the bohemian spirit means today from new bohemian fashion with its eclectic prints, colourful pattern and drapery to a love of travel off the beaten track.”

Jo Malone London Mimosa & Cardamom

The surprising thing with Jo Malone fragrances, I find, is how their reaction to your own chemical makeup can change the scent so noticeably from one person to another. Though Mimosa & Cardamom is a unisex scent, I was full sure that it's bright floriental notes would mean this would be 'Pour Momme' as we call it around here. That was until Adam tried it before his trip to the gym. He arrived home converted. 

On him, it genuinely smells nothing like it does on me. His skin seems to bring out more of the sandalwood notes, making it a warmer, more masculine cologne, whereas the brighter mimosa notes are the first thing to my nose when wearing it. Both versions are a scent to behold though. Now if only I could teach him to spritz sparingly! 

Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom is designed to be layered too,
giving a spicy kick to English Pear & Freesia &
an show stopping warmth to Tuberose Angelica

Transported by Jo Malone London to a Bohemian Dream in Dublin City Centre!

The Mimosa & Cardamom range boasts the Cologne (€52-105), Body & Hand Wash (€35), Body Creme (€65) and, of course the Home Candle (€52). As ever the idea behind these scents is for you to enjoy them in whatever way you feel drawn to. If you pop by any of the stores, you'll be offered a complimentary arm massage to decide which scent speaks to you on the day. An experience in itself. 

Having enjoyed lunch with the ladies last week with the scent of the candle wafting on the warm Dublin breeze through the room, I know that that's firmly at the top of my wishlist for late summer and long into the early winter evenings. Closely followed by English Pear & Freesia for layering.

Tell me, what's your ultimate Jo Malone London fragrance? Are you a cologne or a candle lover? I gots to know!

May Faves ft Bioderma, Charlotte Tilbury, Clarins, Dior, L'Oreal, MAC, New Look, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sure, Versace & Zerreau!

1. Versace Eros Pour Femme: €80 HERE & Salvatore Ferragamo Emozione: From €53 HERE

Vesace Eros Pour Femme & Ferragamo Emozione

Yep, it's unusual for me to feature two fragrances in one months favourites but the Gods honest truth is I couldn't decide between these two. Much as I can't decide between 'em day to day either.

Versace Eros Pour Femme is, possibly, the best advertisement for not judging a perfume by its bottle. The bawdy, gaudy high shine, heavyweight gold design is just about as in the face as you'd expect from Versace but, Sing Hosannahs, the scent is aptly named after the Greek God of love himself, Eros. It. Is FABOOSH!

Top Notes include Sicilian lemon, Calabrian bergamot and pomegranate accords, with a heart of lemon, sambac jasmine absolute, jasmine infusion and peony. The base incorporates sandalwood, ambrox, musk and woody notes. It's as surprised at a scent as I've been in quite a while and anyone that's been within spritzing distance from me for the past month will agree. You gots to sniff it!

Ferragamo's Emozione happened to arrive on the same day as Eros Pour Femme and they've been duking it out ever since. Emozione is as powdery as I'm willing to go scent wise, I've never really been an Iris fan. Until now. 

Top notes are bright citrus bergamot, softened with powdery of iris & velvety peach bringing a roundness to the scent. The heart notes are feminine florals with peony, Bulgarian rose, heliotrope and patchouli. With base notes of suede and white musk, Emozione is easily the most elegant fragrance I own but, again, I've yet to accost a friend or colleague that doesn't love it too. 

2. Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Veruschka: £22 HERE

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise - Veruschka

Having lusted after the Tom Ford Summer '15 cream shadows ever since early pics emerged, I was full sure that I'd need to own one or risk certain combustion. That was until I swatched the unadulterated beauty that is Charlotte Tilbury's Eyes to Mesmerise in Veruschka. 

Ridiculously pigmented, you only need the tiniest amount of this minky moss/greeny gold lustrous cream to transform your look in just one swipe. Easily buildable after the fact for desk to disco shenanigans, I'm pretty certain now that I'm going to need every shade in the range. IT'S AN ILLNESS I TELL THEE!

3. Clarins Aquatic Treasures Mascara: €26 HERE 

& Liner: €18 HERE

Clarins Aquatic Treasures

Summer wouldn't be summer without coloured liners and mascaras coming out to play and it certainly wouldn't be summer in my books without the newest Clarins limited edition collection. This year we have Aquatic Treasures and while, as ever, the bronzer is literally stunning (PEEK HERE), the stand outs this year for me are the Truly Waterproof mascara & liner in matching aquatic green. 

Not normally one to opt for greens when it comes to eye make up, being the sporter of green/blue siúls, this duo has seriously surprised me. I was sporting the peach/plum shades of Bare Minerals The Happy Place when this press drop landed so popped both on my lower lash line and HOLY NEW PEEPERS, BATMAN! 

I can't imagine an eye colour this combo won't flatter, aside entirely from the fact that they. do. not. budge! That's a tall order when it comes to the waterline. Should you be tempted I'd urge you to leggit, not walk to your nearest Clarins counter & pick 'em up!

4. Bioderma AR BB Cream: £10 HERE (at independent Irish pharmacies from this month)

Bioderma AR BB Cream

Boasting seven skincare benefits in one application, this AR (Anti Redness) BB Cream from Bioderma is definitely one for typical Irish lasses to get excited about. The first skincare/makeup hybrid of its kind, the main focus here is on preventing & concealing redness, without ever feeling too heavy on the skin. 

I was taken aback at first when I saw the colour 'Light' but it blends in beautifully with my skin tone, never felt heavy and lasted the full 8 hours of work. Sensitive skinned lovelies and those suffering from Rosacea will be particularly interested in this Bioderma first. Form an orderly queue, lads!

5. Sure Maximum Protection Stress Control: €7.50 HERE

Sure Max Protection Stress Control

When chatting with blogging pals a little while ago we got to chatting about old faithfuls. You know the products that, no matter what's thrown in your basket or dropped on your desk that you'll return to again & again. Well Sure Max Protection Antiperspirants are that for me and this newest version is no different. 

Though Stress Control is not as fresh as my ultimate Clean Fresh version, I've found it lasts a lot longer on me and yeah, possibly up to 48 hours. I walk most every day, 5k+ at a time and Stress Control has yet to let me down. Even in a pinch when it's a baby wipe & back to the desk situation, this stuff just works and smells bloody good doing it too. 

6. L'Oreal Hot & Go Spray: €1.50 HERE

L'Oreal Hot & Go Blow Drying Spray

There's not a lot I wouldn't do for faster blow drying time, some things, but not a lot. Handy then that L'Oreal have come out with this canned genius & handier again that you can nab it for just €1.50! 

It's a smoothing heat defense spray, that literally speeds up bow drying time and let's face it, who doesn't need both of those things. I'm genuinely not sure how the science works but I do know that if you have hair then you wanna try this spray. Trufax. 

7. DIOR Diorskin Nude Tan Tie Dye Blush Edition Coral Sunset: €51.30 HERE

DIOR Diorskin Nude Tan Tie Dye Blush Edition Coral Sunset

Is it possible for me to gush any more about Coral Sunset? Is it? I mean just look at her, sit there, take a breath & LUKATAR. 

I have a full review of this beauty & my other Cherry Picks from the limited edition Dior collection HERE but it's fairly safe to say that Coral Sunset will be my favourite this month and next month & the one after forever and ever AMEN. 

8. MAC Morange: €21.50 MAC Stores Nationwide

If you read my review of Smashbox Fireball Matte last week then you'll know I'm all about the orange lips this summer. Which is handy considering THE ENTIRE BEAUTY WORLD is all about orange lips too. 

Morange is  well known as one of MACs cult lip colours but I've always been too chicken to try it. Flash forward to this stunning little press kit from the brand and VOILA, I'm converted. Morange is vividly pigmented, with red undertones and applies like a dream, once I have my lips prepped. 

A show stopper on nights out and a heart stopper each time I catch a glance at the ombre Wash & Dry tube, it's safe to say we won't be soon parted. I feel now about bright lips like Steve Martin in The Jerk with his 'If this is out there, think how much MORE is out there!'

9. Zerreau Towel Off Foam Shampoo: £6.99 HERE

Zerreau Towel Off Foam Shampoo

What we have here is next gen dry shampoo!

Zerreau Towel Off Foam Shampoo is a revelation. Pump the foam into your roots, towel out grease, product build up & style as normal. You're left with volumised, fresh tresses with the slightest hint of green apples.Powerful enough, apparently, to remove even hair chalk, I can see this new hybrid being a manna from heaven for Gals at this summers festivals. 

Ideal for hair emergencies & last minute fixes. I'm loving it so far.

10. New Look Rose Gold Laser Cut Cross Body Bag: €9.20 HERE

New Look Rose Gold Bag - with added Cherries HERE

Metallic, laser cut, zip detail, cross body, bucket bag, ROSE GOLD - I mean if that combination of words isn't enough to sway you.. And that pic above isn't enough to bring you around then how about the price? 

Less. Than. A. Tenner. I KNOW. I've never been complimented on a bag as much as I have this one. It's served me well up & down the length of this country and Irish Sea hopping to London too. If you love the metallic trend and love a bargain, hell if you just love a friend that you think could do with a pick me up, you need to zip it over to the New Look sale and pick this beauty up. Frankly I'm shocked there's any left!!


So tell us, what was tickling your proverbial pickle in the month of May? I'd love to know!

Elemental Herbology Macadamia & Papaya Radiance Body Scrub ~ Tropical Heaven!

When it comes to luxury skincare, Elemental Herbology are right at the top of their game. If you like your skincare to be more of an experience than a tick on your to do list, then you're gonna wanna try something from this holistic British brand. Not only do they harness natural actives to get the best from your skin, their products are 100% free from synthetic fragrance, artificial colour, mineral oils, sulphates, parabens and preservatives. Case in point, the glorious Macadamia & Papaya Radiance Body Scrub. 

A tropical mix of essential actives and bio-oils, Carlsberg don't do body scrubs but if they did, it probably wouldn't be a patch on this stunner. Papaya, sea salt & sugar provide the scrubbiness with macadamia & Buriti oil, the bio actives providing the unrivaled, nourishing softness.

Elemental Herbology Macadamia & Papaya Radiance Body Scrub: €41.10 HERE

A boon for self tanning prep or post care or if you're simply prepping for shorter sleeves (and hemlines) this Summer. I apply this thick scrub, in upward motions before I step into the shower and continue my ablutions before washing off before I step out. I consider it a full body facial because that's exactly what it is. 

Including this in your skin nourishing efforts means you're looking at at least three days of asking yourself 'Is this new skin?! I'm sure this is new skin'. I absolutely blahhdy love it. If you happen to be in or around a SpaceNK store I do urge you to just take a little sniff of Elemental Herbology. Maybe even nicely ask for a sample and come back to tell me how much you're loving it too. 

Tell us, have you tried anything from this brand before? Put on the spot what would you say is your HG body scrub?

#Bbloggers High End Giveaway ~ Worth Over €300!

I'm always the first to try turn a negative into a positive (I AM!) so when I spent yesterday lamenting my rustled jimmies about how many off the cuff 'gimme stuff' emails and PMs I get, I got to thinking. I've been blogging/freelance writing beauty for four years now and every single day I'm asked for 'spare' products. There'll be an email, a pm, a DM, even pointed posts to my Facebook page with peeps on the cadge (though yep, some are genuine). When it comes to new bloggers, I try to help with information as often as I possibly can but providing all with products is neither my place nor my inclination.

I'm a firm believer that if you have a passion for beauty and products that posts about your own prized possessions are the ideal springboard to launch a new blog. Those are the posts that people will be drawn to, regardless of the product on show. Ultimately it's your passion and your voice that will drive engagement and build your audience.

In saying that, it's always nice to have a high end product sprinkled in the mix and to that end I'd like to help with this Giveaway. Above I have €300 worth of not spare but duplicate products that you'll most likely find reviews for on site. For the most part, I donate these duplicates to local charities for raffles or gift them to friends, family and colleagues for special occasions or when I know they'll love 'em.

If you're a #bblogger/beauty addict, looking to review some high end beauty then winning this beauty booty couldn't be easier: just make sure you're a follower on whichever social media platform suits you best (links below) and comment below with how you follow (you'll get an entry for each) and a link to your blog if you'd like some Cherry Link Love!

Do ping me a tweet to chat beauty or blogging at any stage though, I can and have spoken for Ireland on the subject <3

@ItsCherrySue

CherrySue Doin' the Do

@ItsCherrySue

CherrySue, Doin' the Do

Competition is open to UK & ROI and we'll announce a Winner in two weeks time, Friday 14th May. 

Good Luck!!

City Centre Luxury in the Dylan Hotel

If you are heading to Dublin & really want to push the boat out, I’d recommend a night in the 5 star boutique Dylan Hotel, Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4. The hotel is located a stone’s throw from Baggot Street, so everywhere is within walking distance for a night on the tiles. We had the pleasure of a stay last year & we paid €211 for a twin room for one night B&B.

 

If it’s style & sophistication you are after the Dylan Hotel is the one for you. From the moment I set foot in reception I was taken with the understated elegance & pure luxury of the Hotel. On the way to our room there is an almost burlesque feel with colours of the decor topped off with sparkling chandeliers.

We stayed in room 301, which is a Dylan Style room. Our room came complete with a balcony so we had a bird’s eye view over the rooftops of Dublin. Oh yeah & one of the walls is floor to ceiling mirrors, I frightened the life out of myself walking into the room! 

The amenities of the room are befitting of a 5 star hotel, memory foam topped beds, high count cotton linens, Air conditioning, iPod with Bose docking station, mini bar, flat screen TV, robes & slippers to name a few. They even have hair straighteners & curling tongs available on request.

Breakfast is served in the Tavern Restaurant, where they have everything & anything you could possibly want, all freshly prepared. The only difficulty I had was it was so hard to choose what to have! Sue has regularly commented that The Dylan have the best brekkie she's ever had (and she's had a few). 

I went for the Eggs Benedict & was not disappointed with my choice. It was undeniably the best Eggs Benedict I’ve had in any hotel across the Country. I have a feeling the next time we are celebrating something & heading to Dublin for the night we just might be booking a room in the Dylan again.

Tell us, have you stayed in this 5 star gem of a hotel before? Let us know!

Molton Brown Rhubarb & Rose Review!

When it comes to listening to their customers, Molton Brown are all about that noise. Following overwhelming requests from fans of their best selling Rhubarb & Rose handcream to extend the scent to their Bath & Shower range they did exactly that. Just one sniff is enough to tell you they've done the right thing. 

The perfect indulgence for a late night bath or the ideal zesty shower to begin your day, I. Am. Loving. This! Think of the zingy, sweet scent of Rhubarb & Cream sherbets of yesteryear and you're almost there. It lathers more than most of my Molton Brown stash and leaves a beautiful subtle scent & softened skin once dried off. It's an absolute beaut. 

There are those that argue MB products might be a little spendy when a supermarket shower gel can do exactly the same job. The rub is thus, with Molton Brown, you're buying an experience. A moment or two of indulgence. A well earned treat. (I tell myself that every time I see the total on my virtual basket anyway). 

So if you're listening, Molton Brown, as it's quite clear you do - we need this scent in candle form - as soon as ye can possibly do it!. 

You'll find Rhubarb & Rose online here starting at €22 but I'd urge you to give it a quick sniff in store (there's a new one on Grafton St). I can't imagine if you're a rhubarb fan that you won't fall head over heels for it. 

Tell us, are you a Molton Brown fan? What's your favourite scent? 

*Pssst*

I spied (and picked up) new 
Rhubarb Flower room diffusers
in M&S this week. They smell
EXACTLY like this & only cost
€20 for 3 - BARG!

Where to Stay in Dublin ~ Our Love for the Clyde Court Hotel!

Having stayed in many a hotel over island of Ireland & taken lots of photos during each stay, I thought giving you a quick no nonsense lowdown on them might be of some help. 

We’ve all been there, wanting a hotel near to a particular area, good price with nice rooms, comfy beds, not forgetting a decent breakfast. But the nightmare starts when you get caught up in the flamboyance of the PR spiel, the polar opposite Trip Advisor reviews, the pop up deals that seem too good to be true - when all you really want to know is have they a pool or is it paid parking? Or how far really is that 10 minute leisurely stroll to the City centre? 

Sometimes you'll find all this info directly on the hotels site but it’s trying to find which hotel sites to look at that’ll make you go cross eyed! I'm hoping to uncross your eyes.. one eye at a time. 

First up I’ll tell you about one of our overnights in the Clyde Court Hotel (formerly the Berkeley Court Hotel), I genuinely like this Dublin hotel, that’s why we’ve stayed 3 times in the last 18 months alone. Room rates start at €109 per room per night. 

In December we had a festive visit to Dublin with the children & chose to stay at the Clyde Court as, even though they don’t have a pool, they boast a great location. It’s just a short walk to the dart station or a 15 minute walk to Grafton Street.

It doesn't look much from outside but it's beautiful inside, earning a luxury 4* status. We stayed in the very spacious room number 326 which is to the side of the hotel and has a spectacular view of the Aviva stadium.

The room consisted of a walk in wardrobe complete with fluffy robes, king size bed, two single beds, a large seating area with a sofa bed & two over sized armchairs.

On site parking can be quite expensive at €10.50 per day, my best advice is to try to get one of the few on street parking spots which are generally free after 7pm.

We stayed on a night that there was a match being played at the nearby Aviva stadium and we didn’t hear any noise in our room from the thousands of fans passing by, nor from the hundreds of fans stopping in for a celebratory drink in the lobby. That's no mean feat!

Breakfast consists of an array of fresh fruit, breads, preserves & of course a full Irish breakfast. The staff really are wonderful especially in the restaurant. One lady was so lovely to our children, she even brought them chocolate muffins, it really made their day and mine. That attention to detail and personal service is just one of the many reasons we return again & again.

Do you have a favourite hotel you return to time & again?