Address: 26-27 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2.

Telephone: (00 3531) 6763380.

Fax: (00 3531) 6618273.

e-mail: lch@aircom.net

First impressions: Unlike other hotels, which just preserve fronts, the Georgian goes more of the way through here.

What are the rooms like? Only 20 of them, basic but cosy. Despite the hotel's position on the main drag out towards the Ballsbridge show grounds and the coast, the street noise is firmly muffled by good double glazing.

The bed test: In a single room, you would not want to be too broad in the beam.

The bathroom test: It's all there - toilet, wash basin, good shower - no room for gymnastics.

The restaurant: Bar food but with a carvery. A salad lunch or a main meat course costs I£5.75 (£4.80); dinner is bar food menu, again main dishes ranging from I£4 to I£8 for a steak course, fish catch of the day I£7.

Lounge: Modest, restful, middle-class comfort.

Night club: It's for "mature professional" types. "And nurses," said the boss.

What is there to see within walking distance? Most of central Dublin, including the nightlife of Temple Bar as well as the Dail (parliament). National Gallery around the corner, Trinity College just beyond the Green, and the Liffey.

What is there to see within a 10-minute drive? The beginnings of a beautful, beach-rich, coastline that wanders south virtually unspoiled for 70 miles; and the foothills of the Dublin mountains. North across the river is the stretch of the immense Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed (deer populated) public park in Europe.

How much a night? Double/twin I£80, single I£55. Not bad in a city where I£130 -I£150 is commonplace.