This, my good friends, is what Airbnb is all about. My trip was absolutely AWESOME.

Ashton and Caitriona were perfect hosts in every way. Ashton helped make sure I could find my way from the airport to his place with an easy, comfortable, and cost-effective bus ride. Arrival was a snap and the place is perfect in every way. This is indeed a luxury apartment -- right in the center hip and happening Grand Canal district. They call Grand Canal "Ireland's Silicon Valley," and Facebook is indeed right there. But it's actually FAR NICER than any place I have stayed in Silicon Valley!

I was speaking at the Dublin Convention Center, which was an easy walk from Ashton's place. The Ferryman Pub is also a short walk, and was a fine place to watch the Ireland vs. New Zealand rugby match. The locals made me feel like I was home.

Ashton's restaurant recommendations were spot on. HQ was a convenient restaurant for some fine Irish fish prepared in a modern and sophisticated way. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I think I had the best Italian food of my life at Osteria Lucio -- also a short walk from Ashton's place.

Seriously, you should go to Osteria Lucio. Order the Burrata and the Cassata. You will not regret it. It was so good I went three nights in a row!

The apartment is perfect and the room itself is elegant and perfectly clean. If you prize cleanliness, modernity, and elegance, this is your destination. The bathroom was great and there is a drug store, barber, and plenty of coffee shops nearby.

While I didn't use it, their kitchen is really awesome and they are very gracious about sharing it. I did do some laundry -- conveniently located in the apartment. Worked like a champ.

Ashton had a ton of great tourism recommendations, and a thorough book that explained EVERYTHING a guest might want to know about the apartment, building, area, and greater Dublin. It could not have been more effortless, elegant, and fun.

Ashton and Caitriona were a pleasure to talk to, and I feel like I made two new friends. They are lovely and I would be happy to host them in Texas. That said, they were totally respectful of my privacy and schedule.

This place has it all: more elegant than a five-star hotel, as comfortable as your own home, in a great location, and all with generous hosts!