The interior of the new G hotel in Galway - designed by Philip Treacy - is extraordinarily glamourous, writes Liz Floyd

Galway's latest place to stay, the G hotel, was never planned as a hotel. It evolved into one when developer Gerry Barrett saw the potential to convert what was an unremarkable office building into Galway's most glamorous hotel, part of his expanding Monogram Hotel Group.

At first glance, the exterior has more in common with its former incarnation, but the recent redesign by architects Douglas Wallace has given it a new elegance which, combined with milliner Philip Treacy's extraordinarily glamorous interior, makes the project a one-of-a-kind experience.

In spite of its scale - 102 bedrooms, restaurant, cocktail bars, spa, and conference centre - it has a boutique quality: bars with walnut floors and plush armchairs and sofas from Andrew Martin and Minotti, handwoven carpets, antique fireplaces, while Italian perspex coffee tables filled with Swarovski crystals are not usually part of the interior design lexicon of large hotels.

Design co-ordinator Aurora Aleson worked hard to ensure Treacy's concept for the hotel is so successful.

A gorgeous black walled lobby with seashell concierge desk leads to a striking double-height salon with more than 300 mirrorballs by Tom Dixon, reflecting the play of light from Lough Atalia.

A raspberry handwoven Irish-made carpet acts like a natural catwalk leading to a series of stunning reception rooms, one in fuchsia pink with Andy Warhol-inspired pink camouflage upholstered chairs, two others in a Philip Treacy specified indigo blue. One for the ladies, the others with that decidedly clubby air, beloved by men.

This is a place to see and be seen. The restaurant is darkly dramatic, furnished with oversized seashell banquettes in purple velvet and jewel-coloured dining chairs.

Upstairs, away from these exciting sociable spaces, bedroom schemes evoke a theme of the sea, with silk and linen damask curtains by Zoffany with an underwater coral pattern, comfortable oyster sofas, specially commissioned Frette sheets inspired by an old fabric sample from Philip Treacy and Treacy-designed seashell fabric on Casmilano bedroom chairs.

These are restful, luxurious rooms, the bathrooms with Villeroy & Boch baths and huge double showers. Three individually designed suites - one named after Treacy's friend and muse, supermodel Linda Evangelista - are equally lavishly appointed.

This fusion of baroque and contemporary created by Treacy works so well here, he says, because "Galway has a bohemian and artistic character". The message is clear. This creative collaboration, which opens on November 28th, has given you a great place to stay.