3 Rules for Booking the Best Hotel in Dublin

Looking for the best areas to stay in Dublin? You're in the right place. Let this Dubliner tell you about the best hotels in Dublin.

But brace yourself, Dublin hotels are expensive. This is a capital city, a major tech and financial services hubs. It's home to two stadiums which have as many concerts as matches and that's before we even start counting the millions of overseas visitors like your fine self.

So just prepare yourself before you even start searching for a hotel. It's another reason I tell folks not to stay long in Dublin. Yes, I'm the only Dublin walking tour guide who pushes away visitors!

My Three Golden Rules for Staying in Dublin

1. South Not North

Dublin is divided into north and south by the River Liffey. It's a bit of a joke about posh Southsider v edgier Northsider, but there's usually some truth behind any stereotype. I grew up on the Southside and now live on the Northside so I crossed a border many wouldn't. Or at least wouldn't admit to.

Stay on the south side. It's nicer and safer. Most of the best sites are here. The north inner city has its fair share of dodgy characters.

2. New Not Old

Those old Dublin buildings look gorgeous on Instagram, but their narrow staircases and no elevators aren't fun with luggage. Rooms tend to be even tinier than our already small rooms. Stick to newer hotels and admire the old architecture on your walks instead. Your back will thank me later.

3. Out Not In

This is the controversial one. Don't stay in the touristy city centre. Instead, stay in one of Dublin's villages close to the city. Here's why:

• You're only a 20 minute walk from the centre. A lovely walk that will bring you through parks, canals, and local areas that you wouldn't otherwise see
• You'll escape the tourist vortex and see real Dublin life
• You'll be surrounded by coffee spots & restaurants filled with actual Dubliners
• Your budget goes further with local, not tourist prices
• For each hotel below, I note its distance to the central St Stephen's Green so you can get an idea of its distance from the city.

My Favourite Hotels in Dublin

Full Transparency

I don't stay in Dublin hotels because I live here. My house is cheaper to stay in. But I have picked up so many visitors & tour guests from just about every hotel in the city that I know these hotels better than any hotel inspector. I've been in the lobbies, the rooms, the restaurants, the bars, interacted with staff and got feedback from the people who actually stayed there. My recommendations below are based on these experiences. They are in no order.

The prices I show for each hotel are based on a search done for 2 people, checking in Friday June 8, Checking out June 10 2025. In Ireland all taxes etc are included in the price. What you see is what you pay. Search done in January 2025.

If you book through a link on my website, I get a tiny commission that barely covers the cost of electricity for my late night typing sessions that goes into this site, but it's a better hobby than binging Netflix. Think of it as buying a virtual pint for me. Most importantly, it doesn't cost you a cent extra. Just a touch less profit for the booking behemoths.

The Devlin, Ranelagh

4* Style Over Space

A bold, modern boutique hotel that tells me they get more Irish visitors than overseas tourists and that tells you a lot about it. This hotel could be in Brooklyn, it's got that style. Maybe that's why I like it, it's just a bit different than many of our hotels.

I have to give a caveat though about the rooms - they're small. The smallest is 120 sqft. I'm a minimalist so it doesn't bother me, less space to lose my charger. But, and here's the big but, they don't hide this. They actually use it to set themselves apart. They give you the room sizes, they describe them as 'Cosy and Snug' & a 'pod hotel'.

They set expectations and then they overdeliver. I love seeing smart branding and they smash it for me. Nespresso & Netflix in the rooms, Marshall Amps to fill the tiny room. You can use their Dyson hairdryers that blow nearly as much hot air as James Dyson himself, GHD straighteners (yes I had to google what they are, but they're the Dyson of hair it seems, you learn so much in this job), SMEG fridges, and best of all Munchies boxes packed with Irish goodies. Use their free bikes to work off those tasty treats.

You're barely in your room anyway. You're in Dublin! The Devlin itself has enough to keep on hotel ground for a day. Coffee in their Dime Cafe in the morning, lunch in Layla's rooftop restaurant with its great & grey city views, an afternoon nap, then cocktails in their Americana Bar, don't let the name confuse you, the Americana serves booze not beans. Then finish off your rough day watching a movie in the 1920s style cinema in the basement where you can sip more cocktails while watching films.

But here's why I still recommend it for certain travellers, the location is perfect if you want to see how Dubliners actually live. Ranelagh village is full of great restaurants and bars, and you're just a few Luas stops from the city centre.

If you're choosing between The Devlin and another hotel, go with the Devlin if you value style, atmosphere, and location over room size. If you need space to spread out or you're a business traveler needing to keep suits pressed, look elsewhere.

Location & Getting Around

• St Stephen's Green: 2.3km / 30 min walk / 15 min by Luas
• Best walking route: Ranelagh Gardens → Dartmouth Square → Grand Canal → Iveagh Gardens
• Morning coffee stop: Nick's Coffee (grab a cinnamon bun too)
• Rainy day transport: Bus 11 to Stephen's Green (10 mins)
• Airport Access: Aircoach. 10 minute walk to the stop

Hotel Details

• Boutique Hotel
• 40 rooms
• Dime Cafe: Morning coffee & people watching
• Layla's: Rooftop restaurant with city views
• Americana Bar: Cocktails
• 1920s style basement cinema
• Small rooms but they're upfront about it
• Room perks: Nespresso, Netflix, Marshall Amps, Dyson hairdryers
• Nice touch: Munchies box with Irish snacks
• Free bikes available

Perfect For

• Light packers who travel with a backpack, not a butler
• Dublin explorers who just need a stylish crash pad
• Minimalists who think less space = less stress

Not Great For

• Kardashian style packers (your fifth pair of shoes will need its own room)
• Warring Partners. No sofa to sleep on

Bottom Line

If you're choosing between The Devlin and another hotel, go with the Devlin if you value style, atmosphere, and location over room size. If you need space to spread out or you're a business traveler needing to keep suits pressed, look elsewhere.

Rates

Two nights for two people for a weekend in June 2025 is quoted from €689. Search done in January 2025. Prices change all the time!

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Number 59 Dublin

A 120 year old boutique townhouse on Camden Street. Brazilian Owned but they are just as friendly as Irish people, so you'll get the same Cead Mile Failte welcome here. Only 7 rooms, so book well ahead of time.

The Schoolhouse Hotel, Dublin

A 4 star, 40 bedroom boutique hotel that started life a schoolhouse. It's in leafy Ballsbridge, has a canal side bar and for those who like small hotels with a touch of history, this gets top marks.

The Mespil Hotel, Ballsbridge

4* Space, Amenities, Comfort and Canals

The Mespil is a traditional hotel with all the bells and whistles. If you prefer space & amenities, this will be more your style than the Devlin.

The hotel is located in Dublin 4, known as D4, it's the most revered of post codes in the city. Ballsbridge is full of embassies and executives. The residential properties, some bigger than this hotel, are among Ireland's most expensive.

I like that it's on the Aircoach route, so it's an inexpensive bus from the airport. It does have that rarest of things in Dublin, free parking. But it's first come, first served. And you don't want to drive in Dublin anyway. It's a horrible experience.

The Mespil sits right at lock number four of Dublin's Grand Canal. You can watch the swans floating past at breakfast in their imaginatively named Lock Four restaurant.

I like the Mespil because it's what you expect for a city hotel - nice lobby space, gym, meeting rooms, spacious rooms and bathrooms. It does it all very well, not too over the top, not pretentious. Well maybe naming your rooms 'Super Executive' is a bit pretentious. But their prices are reasonable for Dublin.

If you are a Super Duper Executive in Dublin for work at the Google type tech places, you can put on your oversized headphones and be there in five minutes. If you're here on holidays, you can nod sympathetically at the lanyard wearers.

The Aviva stadium is just five minutes away. Check if there's anything on at the stadium first, unless you're on the prowl for Scottish kilted rugby fans. Fun as they are, their antics wear off around 1am when you're trying to rest.

Baggot Street is just around this corner for a night out, albeit a quieter one. It's got the finer type of places that D4 and its head office dwellers look for. Walk five minutes left of your hotel to M O'Briens for a pint. This is the kind of bar that the touristy bars wish they were. Fabulous spot.

Location and Getting Around

• St Stephen's Green: 1km / 15 minute walk
• Best walking route: Canal path → Baggot Street → Merrion Square
• Morning coffee spot: il Valentino Bakery & Cafe
• Pint: M O'Briens
• Rainy day transport: 10 min taxi
• Airport access: Direct Aircoach route. 8 min walk to stop.

Hotel Details

• 240 rooms
• Lock Four Restaurant
• The Lounge
• Gym for working off those Irish breakfasts
• Spacious rooms
• Meeting rooms (if you must)
• Free parking (but first-come, first-served)

Perfect For

• Tech workers heading to the Google quarter
• Calm after a busy day of touring
• Aviva matches and concerts

Not Great For

• Those seeking boutique charm

Bottom Line

Choose the Mespil if you want a reliable, spacious hotel in a quieter part of town. The D4 location gives you easy access to both business districts and tourist sites, while keeping you away from the city center chaos.

Rates

Two nights for two people for a weekend in June 2025 is quoted from €538. Search done in January 2025. Prices change all the time!

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The Alex Hotel Dublin

If your work is in the financial or consulting field, then you the Alex location will work better for you. It's closer to the ISFC, and the big consultancy firms along the Liffey. Very stylish, your colleagues will be delighted if they are coming here to pick you up for dinner. 4* hotel.

Hilton Dublin Charlemont

Another canal side spot. But more central. 4*

Hilton won't scream "authentic Dublin" at you, but that's not always a bad thing. Like the Mespil, you know exactly what you're getting: clean, comfortable rooms, reliable service, and a good breakfast. Work off last night's pints in the fitness centre and hopefully your day is spent exploring Dublin, not in one of the Charlemont's board rooms.

The Hilton Charlemont is more central than the Mespil & Devlin, while still giving you a glimpse of life outside the city. The Luas tram stops right outside the front door, so you can get anywhere in Dublin quickly.

Probably the main difference between this and the Mespil, is that the Mespil is in a quiter part of town. The Hilton isn't far away, just up the canal, but it's in a busier part of town. You're just minutes from Camden Street (where Dubliners actually go for a night out and not terrible Temple Bar). Portobello is at its doorstep too where you'll find some tiny restaurants with well known chefs. Book ahead.

If you're a points/miles aficionado like I am, you can stay for free. That's how I know this hotel so well, my status level friends often redeem their points here.

Location and Getting Around

• St Stephen's Green: 1km / 15 minute walk direct.
• Best walking route: 2km. Canal path → Harcourt Street → Iveagh Gardens → Mr Magpie → St Stephen's Green.
• Morning coffee spot: Mr Magpie
• Pint: Take your pick on Camden Street. Lots to choose
• Rainy day transport: Luas outside hotel door.
• Airport access: Aircoach or Dublin Express stops within 10 min walk

Hotel Details

• 193 rooms. Most are already renovated, some are still being done
• Charlemont Bar & Bistro. Tasteful for a hotel
• Coworking space in lobby
• Small gym
• Meeting rooms
• 24-hour room service
• Self parking
• Pets allowed for a fee

Perfect For

• Travellers who collect Hilton points
• Safe and predictable choice
• Foodies who like local areas
• Explorers who will use public transport
• Conference attendees who want easy city access
• Aviva Stadium events. It's a 15 min walk away

Not Great For

• Those seeking unique Irish charm

Worth Noting

• Request a canal view
• The tram line can be noisy in some rooms

Rates

Two nights for two people for a weekend in June 2025 is quoted from €530. Search done in January 2025. Prices change all the time!

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The Hyatt Centric, The Liberties Dublin

Closer to Guinness & Christchurch, a very happening part of Dublin which is rapidly gentrifying which means every time I walk through it, there's another cafe or restaurant opening. Beautiful hotel, very highly rated in reviews. 4*

The Shelbourne Hotel, City Centre

Opulent. Where Presidents Stay. 5*

Presidents stay here, so yes, it's expensive. But you're paying for some of the top luxury in Ireland. So if you're going to splurge, this is the place to do it. If money is not an issue, stop looking and just book here.

The Shelbourne has been a Dublin institution since 1824. It's located right on St Stephen's Green, so you can't get any more central.

It's just got things your average hotel doesn't, like a genealogy butler. Yes it's a thing, and they will help your trace your family roots in Ireland, so you can get that withered look from Irish people as you regale them with your family history.

The ruddy faced, wind beaten, top hatted doormen will gladly listen to you though There's so many flowers in the building that they have their own in-house florist.

It's one of those places that could be stuffy and you're afraid to put a foot wrong, but it's in Dublin, it's in Ireland so it's got the five star luxury but with a relaxed, welcoming style.

The hotel is looking magnificent again after a massive renovation. It seems like their scaffolding was up for years as they repointed all the brickworks, they are as meticulous with their mortar as their mortal guests.

The rooms are what you would expect from a 200 year old hotel. Refined, luxurious, Murder On The Orient Express-ish. The Princess Grace Kelly Suite is where the most important of the VIPs in the hotel stay. Just the 1500 square foot in size. Ms Kelly was the Princess of Monaco, which conveniently is where most guests who can afford her suite declare their tax residency. In the depths of winter, you might get it for about €5k/night. Trivial.

Dine at any of their three restaurants, the residents only Saddle Room fine dining, have Afternoon Tea in the Lord Mayor's Lounge (do this even if you're not staying here!) and in nicer weather, have spritzers and caviar in the Terrace.

Drinkers have their choice of three bars. The Horseshoe Bar is classic Dublin at its finest. It has a masculine feel to it. Don't be surprised to see politicians from the nearby government buildings in here dodging the press, or socialites seeking them out. Do a whiskey tasting here on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The airy 27 Bar is more welcoming for me. On the rare occasion that I am dressed up, I stop in here for a quiet drink and live above my station in life. They have large mocktail menu too, which I find impressive.

The Shelbourne is distinctly Dublin. It's part of the city's story, and staying here means you get to be part of that story to0.

Hotel Details

• 265 luxury rooms and suites (including the 1500 sq ft Princess Grace Suite)
• The Saddle Room: Fine dining (residents only)
• Lord Mayor's Lounge: Afternoon tea
• The Terrace: Spritzers and caviar in good weather
• Three bars for different vibes:
  • Horseshoe Bar: Classic Dublin power spot
  • 27 Bar: Airy and welcoming
  • 1824 Bar: Refined space
• Spa and salon
• In-house florist (yes, really)
• Genealogy butler to trace your Irish roots

Perfect For

• Special occasion splurgers
• Afternoon tea enthusiasts
• History buffs (hotel since 1824)
• American travellers seeking "old world" luxury
• When someone else is paying
• Bucket list hotel dreamers

Not Great For

• Budget conscious travelers
• Those intimidated by doormen in top hats
• Anyone who hates getting dressed for breakfast

Rates

Two nights for two people for a weekend in June 2025 is quoted from €1510 for both nights. Search done in January 2025. Prices change all the time!

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The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin

Across St Stephen's Green from the Shelbourne sits the five star Fitzwilliam. Equally luxurious, but trading historical grandeur for contemporary elegance. Same postcode prestige, different century's style.

The Dylan Hotel

If you like your 5 star luxury, but in a more intimate setting, the Dylan claims to be Dublin's only 5 star boutique hotel. If presidents stay at the Shelbourne, tech CEOs stay at the Dylan. Think less top hats and afternoon tea, more alpaca hoodies and craft cocktails.

The Merrion Hotel Dublin

The Merrion is made up of four Georgian townhouses, easy to walk by without realising what's behind the facade. You'll find a 2-star Michelin restaurant, infinity pool, and understated elegance. If the Shelbourne is where you go to be seen, the Merrion is where you go to avoid being seen.

Other Hotels in Dublin

NYX Hotel Dublin Christchurch

If you want to be in the heart of things, this is across the road from Dublin Castle. and just far enough from the noise of Temple Bar. 4*

Clontarf Castle Hotel

Stay in a one thousand year old castle. This is a few kilometres outside the city centre but in the beautiful area of Clontarf, a seaside village. For a quieter more local stay. Walk along the seafront on my nearby Village walk. Ideal for night before flying home. Close to the airport. 4*

Have Questions?

Now you can choose a hotel in Dublin with confidence. You're welcome to ask questions about any hotel you are thinking about booking in the comments section below or on my Facebook page.

And make the most out of your time in Dublin by coming on a guided walk with me.