This winter has been particularly brutal in the Midwest and Eastern United States, but diners in Dublin can enjoy dinner al fresco, in a transparent igloo.
At the AC Hotel by Marriott Dublin, the Vaso restaurant has come up with something new: see-through igloos that make it possible to dine outside on the hotel's rooftop patio, which is usually unused in winter. The igloos are made of PVC pipe and plastic, and seat six. They are also climate-controlled, and come with a heater, chairs covered in furs, and a blanket. Innovative attractions like this benefit if operators use brochure printing to advertise them.
According to the hotel's general manager, Orcun Turkay, winter is a delightful time to be dining in one of the igloos, watching the snow fall and enjoying the view of Dublin's historic district and the Scioto River. Diners can order drinks and items off the Vaso menu, which features tapas-style dishes.
The igloos rent for $100 per hour Sundays through Wednesdays, but the restaurant waives the fee if customers spend an equivalent amount on bottle service, drinks, or food. Thursdays through Saturdays, the fee is $200 per hour. Customers can stay as long as they like on any day, Turkay says, adding Vaso adds a 20% gratuity, and asks that diners not split the bill.
The igloos went into service just before New Year's Eve, and the demand has been so high, Turkay is thinking of adding at least two more.