Brownes voted top spot for romance

SOME like it hot and those that do yesterday voted a Dublin hotel that houses Marilyn Monroe’s bed the country’s top spot for love.

Brownes Townhouse is officially the most seductive setting in the country according to hundreds of couples worldwide.

Readers of the best-selling international guide to romantic hotels, Room for Romance, gave their number one vote to the Stephen’s Green luxury townhouse.

“We’re thrilled to receive this very special award,” hotel owner Barry Canny said. “Our guests have always rated Brownes as a tremendously romantic place to stay, but this confirms we truly are the hottest hideaway in Dublin.”

The stylishly restored Georgian house has several elegant suites with four-poster beds that create the perfect atmosphere for love, Mr Canny said. Brownes even has a king-sized bed that once belonged to Marilyn Monroe.

And to get in the mood Brownes Brasserie serves some of the most sensual foods in the city in its spectacular dinning room.

The house dates back to 1790 when it was home to Henry, Earl of Shelbourne, and there’s history in every room.

But it hasn’t always been a place of romance and the building was once owned by the Ancient Order of the Friendly Brothers of St Patrick.

Barry Canny took over the building six years ago and set about creating a country house for lovers in the heart of the city.

Brownes has already won several prestigious accolades including the Dublin breakfast award in Georgina Campbell’s Jameson Guide 2002.

It has also won the Newcomer of the Year award and received a Gilbey’s gold medal for excellence in catering in 2000.