By Helen Carson.

You'll be quids in at the five-star Westin Hotel in Dublin this Christmas. The historic former bank building is offering luxury breaks for budget-conscious shoppers keen to bag a bargain in the run up to the festive season.

The historic 19th century facade of the Westin Hotel in the heart of Dublin reflects a bygone era of elegance, but recessionistas have discovered this is the perfect spot for Christmas shopping... and it won't put you into the red.

The five-star hotel, which is opposite Trinity College, has one of Dublin's most enviable addresses just minutes walk from Henry Street and the shopping mecca that is Grafton Street.

And Christmas has come early for those in need of some retail therapy, and perhaps a spot of pampering too. Now the Westin is offering pre or post-Christmas shopping breaks priced from 220 euros per room per night (single person supplement). And the good news for those who may dread the seasonal drudge of shopping is there are a few extras here to make your stay really enjoyable.

As well as two nights bed and full Irish breakfast for two, there is a 50 euros voucher to spend in nearby Brown Thomas which is famous for its designer brands. Afterwards you can relax in Mint Bar and treat yourself to two refreshing cocktails which are also included in the price.

The perfect pre-Christmas treat is available between November 28-January 31 and just might put some sparkle into the big Christmas countdown.

And you can expect opulence all the way at this sumptuous city hotel. The 163 guest rooms have contemporary Irish decor and are really well-appointed with pristine en suites, the Westin's Heavenly Bed, flat screen TV and a well-stocked mini bar.

In addition, the Westin's central location means deluxe rooms have views of the surrounding Georgian and Victorian architecture of Dublin, while classic guest rooms overlook the incredible glass-roofed Atrium Lounge which is part of the original bank building. There are also 16 suites here including the impressive split-level Presidential Suite.

But there is something for everyone here from the culinary expertise of The Exchange Restaurant to the easy sophistication of the Mint Bar which was originally the bank vaults. The hotel's fiscal past is evident here with the original bank counter forming the central bar and bank vaults, dating back to 1860, now used as intimate booths for dining and drinking. Lots of black and white photographs adorn the walls here showing bank tellers who were previously the caretakers of the city's wealth.

The bar also does Dublin's most expensive cocktails, the appropriately name Minted which is over 100 euros. It does, however, contain gold leaf. Apparently they sell one of two a year. But you don't have to be well-heeled to enjoy one of the city's most popular bars which also served delicious food. On Thursday a shared plates costs just six euros with five euros for a glass of wine. Say cheers to that!

Meanwhile, the Atrium offers a tranquil spot to enjoy Afternoon tea, gourmet sandwiches, morning coffee or a glass of Champagne amid the splendid surroundings which include lush palm trees and marble floors. A speciality here is Sugar and Spice cream tea which includes gingerbread panacotta, cranberry and pecan scones with fig jam and more for 18 euros for two people. It's tempting.

But if all that shopping and fine food is too much, then what about an in-room spa? Guests can unwind with a relaxing massage or restorative facial in the comfort of their own room. Treatments are available from the hotel's spa professionals seven days a week from 8am-9pm, priced from 95 euros. Stress-mas?... not here.

The Westin Hotel, Westmoreland Street, Dublin, tel 003531 645 1000 or visit www.thewestindublin.com . Christmas and New Year packages are also available.