A presidential suite is designed for heads of state or similarly important people seeking privacy and a high level of service. It’s a space in which to relax and reflect, and, sometimes, to confer and negotiate. But, more importantly, let’s face it, it’s somewhere that offers a certain level of luxury and guarantees a good night’s sleep. With Ireland’s presidential election almost upon us, we take a look at some hotel rooms fit for an uachtarán, at home and abroad.
The Lady Mary Suite, Dromoland Castle, Co Clare
Dromoland Castle, which dates from the 16th century, was the ancestral home of the O’Brien family, descendants of Brian Boru, the last high king of Ireland. Today the estate, in Co Clare, attracts people in high office with its reputation for a relaxed approach to luxury. The Lady Mary O’Brien suite is an ideal hideaway for a presidential visit or anyone seeking privacy. Previous guests include Nelson Mandela, US presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush, and China’s president, Xi Jinping. Designed by Ciara Ní Laoi, the two-bedroom suite offers seclusion to its guests, with views over Lough Dromoland. The Lady Mary is filled with antique treasures, plush furnishings and a spacious living area. The first bedroom comes with its own living area, a fully stocked bar and cosy fire; the second bedroom features two king-size beds. The rooms are connected by a private corridor with security passcode to gain access. A helipad is located just outside the main castle grounds. The Lady Mary suite costs €4,600 per night. dromoland.ie
The Presidential Suite, Hayfield Manor, Cork
Hayfield Manor in Cork city has recently unveiled its new presidential suite, which extends to an impressive 111sq m (1,200sq ft). With a clean, contemporary style, guests staying in this suite will enjoy a long list of exclusive amenities. Step into a spacious living area complete with record player, a selection of vinyl, handpicked books and a large fireplace. Full-sized bottles of locally sourced spirits and decanters filled with your favourite nightcap adorn the sideboards. A large dressingroom just off the bedroom allows plenty of space to get ready for a special event, and there is generous wardrobe space as well as a butler’s pantry. Make good use of the mixology station and show off your cocktail-making skills with some premium local spirits. The marble bathroom comes with double rain shower and a deep, sink-in bath. Guests at the suite will also benefit from a VIP check-in, a private property tour, a customised itinerary for Cork and a dedicated butler service. The suite costs on average €4,500 per night. hayfieldmanor.ie
The Lady Caroline Suite, Adare Manor, Co Limerick
Adare Manor has several one- and two-bedroom suites on offer. Each suite comes with exclusive access to a butler who acts as a dedicated personal assistant for the duration of the guest’s stay. Named after Lady Caroline Wyndham-Quin, the Countess of Dunraven, who had her personal chambers here, this suite has a separate living area and overlooks the river Maigue. With art from the 19th century and original fireplaces, as well as modern touches, it exudes luxury. Your dedicated butler will co-ordinate all aspects of your stay, from transport arrangements to liaising with all areas of hotel. Two-bedroom suites are only available to book by contacting the hotel directly and cannot be booked online. Prices from €6,525 bed and breakfast per room per night. adaremanor.com
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The Royal Suite, Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin
Renamed after Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to the hotel in 2015, this suite, extending to 220sq m, has impressive views of the Brandenburg Gate. The hotel has hosted numerous monarchs and heads of state from all over the world, including Barack Obama. Inspired by private apartments of the 1920s, the suite comprises a round reception room, two elegant bedrooms, a spacious livingroom with fireplace, an office and a luxurious bathroom with sauna, steam shower and Jacuzzi. In addition, there is a well-appointed room for small conferences or private dinners, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, an additional bathroom and a guest toilet. There is also a 24-hour butler service and a high level of security. The rate for the Royal Suite is between €16,000 and €22,000 per night. kempinski.com
The Penthouse Suite, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
A favourite of Charles Haughey, the George V was the place the former taoiseach checked into while he was checking out those Charvet shirts. Located on the top floor, the hotel’s most iconic suite has been entirely redesigned to let in natural light and has unimpeded views of the Eiffel Tower. The interior has now been transformed to be more open plan, and the living area extends on to a verdant balcony with the Eiffel Tower becoming the focal point of the space. Laze on the green chenille silk sofa by J. Robert Scott or choose some light reading from the circular, ivory-lacquered bookcase. Other suite perks include full American breakfast via in-room dining, round-trip limousine transfer and floral room decoration by Jeff Leatham. The average rate for this suite is €18,000 per night. fourseasons.com/paris
The Kensington Suite, The Kensington, London
For the ultimate London getaway, The Kensington Suite is created from two existing suites and a luxury studio suite to create one very large, spacious apartment. Part of the Doyle hotel collection, the Kensington is a favourite among Irish visitors to London. This suite offers the ultimate in privacy, with interconnecting doorways allowing guests to enjoy two separate livingrooms, three bedrooms and three bathrooms, while two balconies offer great views. This 186sq m (2,000sq ft) space is perfect for an entourage and it also comes with VIP transfers to a number of London airports. The Kensington Suite rates begin from £3,780 per night inclusive. doylecollection.com
The Presidential Suite, The St Regis, New York
Moving stateside, The St Regis in New York celebrates its 120th year with the debut of an extensive redesign. This marks a new chapter for the glamorous hotel, a favourite with celebrities and heads of state down through the years. Located in the heart of Manhattan at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, it was founded by John Jacob Astor more than a century ago and continues to be revered as one of the finest addresses in the world. The Presidential Suite at The St Regis remains one of the most exclusive places to stay in New York City, offering 319sq m (3,430sq ft) of luxury and seclusion. It has three bedrooms and four bathrooms as well as an impressive space for everyday living and in-suite dining. The master bedroom boasts a king-size bed and guests staying in the suite will also enjoy the services of a dedicated butler. marriott.com
