A NEW ‘WILL YOU MARRY ME” PACKAGE INCLUDES A $7,000 KEEPSAKE WATCH THAT MAKES A STAY AT THE LANDMARK DUBLIN HOTEL FREE

A recent survey of Irish women revealed that 80% of those who had received a marriage proposal thought it was “less romantic” than they had hoped it would be. With this in mind, The Merrion in Dublin has taken action on behalf of women worldwide with a Will You Marry Me package designed to make the proposal as memorable as it should be.

And one of the ingredients, a beautiful Jaeger LeCoultre watch, is not only meant to provide a lifetime of memories but literally pays for the hotel stay.

The Merrion is a union (no pun intended) of four landmark Georgian townhouses, one of which was the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington, combined with a specially commissioned contemporary wing that wraps around private gardens. With its extensive art collection, intimate drawing rooms and working fireplaces, the hotel considers itself the ideal setting for a romantic interlude anytime but especially when a major statement must be made.The package is available throughout the year and just in time for the top marriage proposal season between Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

Will You Marry Me includes a selection of romance-enhancing ingredients for €4,750 (approximately $7,000) per couple:

* A Deluxe room in the Georgian Main House
* A welcome bottle of Champagne in the guest room on arrival
* Full Irish breakfast for two
* Rose petal turndown service (spelling out “Will You Marry Me” if desired)

Plus the pièce de résistance:

* A Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Lady jewelry watch with reversible case, engraved with “Will You Marry Me” and provided in cooperation with Dublin’s Paul Sheeran Jewellers. The watch alone has a retail value of approximately $7,000 …which means the rest of the package is on the house.

Though an engagement ring isn’t included in the package, Paul Sheeran Jewellers is available to assist with a selection, and The Merrion will plot and scheme with grooms about creative delivery plans.

Valentine’s Day Options Continue the Romance

Since Dublin is the final resting place of St. Valentine himself, it is only fitting that The Merrion offers two romantic options specifically for Valentine’s Day celebrations (whether or not a proposal is part of the plan):

The Romantic Getaway
Guests enjoy two nights in a stylish Garden Wing double room, full Irish breakfast on both mornings, complimentary chilled Rosé Champagne, heart-shaped chocolates and a special gift of a rose-scented candle and bath oil in the room. The Romantic Getaway is subject to availability from February 2 to 17, 2008 for €640 (approximately $960) per couple.

The Romantic Interlude
A one-night alternative features overnight accommodations in a Garden Wing double room on Valentine’s Day with a full Irish breakfast, Rosé Champagne and heart-shaped chocolates plus a romantic three-course Valentine’s Day dinner in The Merrion’s Cellar Restaurant. The Romantic Interlude is subject to availability on Tuesday, February 14, 2008 for €485 (approximately $728) per couple.