The Alex grew out of the old Alexander Hotel near Merrion Square, given a thirteen-month rework by Dublin firm 21Spaces that leaned into the neighbourhood's industrial past and its long-vanished cable car line. Irish craftsmanship runs through the build, from walnut coffee tables to leather headboards made by O'Donnell, and the 105 rooms mix powder-pink walls with retro telephones and wildlife artworks by Luke Stevenson. A shared first-floor workspace with brass Anglepoise lamps caters to guests working on the road, while The Carriage restaurant focuses on local, seasonal cooking. Add a gym, an outdoor terrace and The Steam cafe pouring Cloud Picker coffee, and The Alex covers most of what a modern traveller in Dublin actually wants.
