Dublin's Best Boutique Hotels to Book for Travellers Seeking the Extraordinary

It’s all about having fun at the Dean. Rooms are bright and snazzy and filled with gadgets. The trendy rooftop restaurant has excellent city views, with an equally excellent menu of dishes, such as grilled figs with prosciutto, maple roasted pecans and pomegranate, and pan-fried hake with braised fennel and mussels in a tangy miso sauce. And when you’re looking to explore, St Stephen’s Green and the Museum of Literature are just a five-minute walk away.

The Mayson, which sits right by the River Liffey, is where it’s at for a vibey getaway. Exposed brickwork and wood give the place a rustic but graceful feel and the darker, moodier colours make it cosy. Hungry? There’s a rooftop steakhouse, a casual lunch-and-dinner spot, and an all-day eatery on the ground floor serving wings and comfort food.

The place to stay if you want a village vibe close to the city centre. The Devlin is within walking distance of many of the most popular attractions, and well served by public transport. The 40 compact rooms are lookers, down to the teal panelling on the walls. Top tip: there’s a glass-walled rooftop terrace and bar with delicious cocktails, as well as a kitted-out cinema with cosy armchairs.

The Marker is a little further out, but it’s a must — not just for the hotel itself, but for the surrounding area, the vibrant Grand Canal Square. The 187 guest rooms and suites here range from premier rooms to a one-of-a-kind suite, the Schwartz. Whichever you book, you’ll get sleek rooms with plush, purple carpets and cosy mustard chairs. Take in the views of the city, mountains and sea from the rooftop bar, or switch off for a meditative treatment in the spa.

The historic townhouse is a two-minute walk from Baggot Street and about 15 minutes on foot from the centre of Dublin. It’s got a bar that’s won many an award, and several places to dine, plus a heated, partially covered terrace you can hang in comfortably all year round. Most of the 72 individually designed bedrooms and suites have queen, king or double beds, and the hotel is dog-friendly. All in all, it’s a great choice for couples or if you’re travelling with pals.

The first street-art hotel in Ireland is on the cusp of the city centre, with easy access to Dublin via the Luas tram system, or various bus routes. It’s an Instagram dream come true, with 146 rooms that range from doubles to family-size spaces, all in a crisp monochrome colour scheme. You’ll be tempted to hang out in the vibrant ground-floor bar or outdoor courtyard, but there’s plenty to explore in the Smithfield area, and terrific cafes practically on your doorstep. Attractions nearby include the Guinness Storehouse, the Jameson Distillery and Phoenix Park.

Here’s the perfect base for a first Dublin adventure, a stone’s throw from Merrion Square, the National Gallery of Ireland, Grafton Street and Trinity College. Many of the 103 rooms feature cocooning king or twin beds, which explains their popularity among couples; the suites can sleep a family of four. There are plenty of dining options in-house, but the Secret Garden terrace in particular will have you feeling as if you’ve stepped into a storybook.

It’s slightly off the beaten path, but this boutique townhouse is one to make a beeline for, with the ideal balance of period heritage and modern-day comforts. There’s a great design mix, with dressmakers’ dummies and plum-coloured velour. Romance is the key flavour here – the place is a dream for couples. You’ll be able to make the most of the Dublin’s nightlife, as Harcourt Street and South William Street are both within walking distance. There’s also easy access to public transport, making it a good hub to take in all the city has to offer.

Fancy staying in the heart of the Georgian Mile, within walking distance of St Stephen’s Green? Choose this hotel, which has a laid-back eclectic feel and plenty of nods to the Jazz Age. There’s a sunken 1970s-style living room with a glittering bar area and a lush garden where you’ll end up spending whole evenings. Each room highlights the original features of the building while blending in modernist elements: yellow, teal and fuchsia accents add pops of colour. There’s no restaurant, but there are plenty of options nearby, including the upmarket contemporary Irish restaurant Suesey Street.

Set within the centre of the Temple Bar quarter, there’s no better place to soak up the capital than the Morgan Hotel. There’s an elegant feel here teamed with an uplifting and airy decor and pops of colourful prints tie everything together nicely. Opt for the penthouse suite if you’re looking for a little extra space; it comes with an extra-large balcony.