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The Best Hotels to Book in Dublin for Every Traveller

Plump for a spot on the Marker Hotel rooftop for stretching views over Dublin
Plump for a spot on the Marker Hotel rooftop for stretching views over Dublin | Courtesy of The Marker Hotel / Expedia

Dublin may be a small capital, but this medieval city is packed full of historical architecture, buzzing nightlife and an excellent food scene – not just the Guinness Storehouse. The renovated Docklands area is home to tech giants Facebook, Google and Twitter, while tucked away in the old town are traditional Irish pubs alongside hip new cocktail bars. Below, we’ve selected the best hotels in the capital of Ireland – all bookable with Culture Trip.

The Devlin, for a modern business break

Boutique Hotel

A blue room at The Devlin with Marshall speakers, a Smeg mini-fridge and a Nespresso machine
Courtesy of The Devlin Dublin

The Devlin is a favourite for business visitors to Dublin. There are 40 cleverly designed bright, modern rooms which have “everything you need and nothing you don’t.” On the ground floor, the Americana Bar serves some of the most exquisite cocktails in Ireland, with custom-brewed coffees to match. In the basement, the Stella Cinema screens indie and arthouse movies with a focus on Irish films.

The Dylan Hotel, for a boutique stay near the Aviva Stadium

Boutique Hotel, Hotel, Luxury

Guests enjoy a drink in an outdoor seating space at The Dylan Hotel
Courtesy of The Dylan Hotel / Expedia

The Dylan is a boutique hotel in a historic townhouse south of Dublin city centre. It’s in close proximity to the Aviva Stadium as well as being situated in a quiet and leafy neighbourhood. There are 72 rooms, plus an intimate lounge bar called The Ruby Room. The other watering hole, the eponymous Dylan bar, has won awards and remains an atmospheric place to mingle, while the Eddison Restaurant serves dishes made with fresh, locally farmed Irish vegetables.

Stauntons on the Green, for an introduction to Irish history

Boutique Hotel

A double bed room with a fireplace and a cosy seating area at Stauntons on the Green
Courtesy of Stauntons on the Green / Expedia

Historians will love Stauntons on the Green in central Dublin – many renowned Irish people have stayed within these walls, including Catholic cardinal John Henry Newman, politician Henry Grattan and poet Gerard Manley Hopkins. As well as being drenched in history, Stauntons on the Green has a peaceful rear garden and a choice of room options. As a bonus, complimentary flavoured water and fresh fruit are provided in common areas.

The Wilder Townhouse, for a city retreat with style

Boutique Hotel

The stylish restaurant at The Wilder Townhouse with herringbone wood floors and brick walls
Courtesy of The Wilder Townhouse / Expedia

The Wilder Townhouse is a pleasant city hideaway with a Victorian-style red-brick facade. It’s near St Stephen’s Green and many of the main Dublin attractions. The bar specialises in gin fusions and the restaurant serves an award-winning Irish breakfast. The Wilder Townhouse offers unusual trips to guests, including a tour of Wicklow Way Winery in the countryside and a tea-tasting afternoon on a vintage Irish Routemaster bus.

The Marlin, for a family-friendly hotel near the action

Budget Hotel

A modern seating area at The Marlin Hotel with a leather-looking sofa, tables and potted plants
Courtesy of Marlin Hotel Stephens Green / Expedia

The Marlin is a spacious venue ideal for families, couples or those on city breaks. With 300 rooms and an open-plan common area, it’s a place to relax while you enjoy all that Dublin has to offer. Fast wifi and luxury toiletries are all complimentary. It’s a short walk from popular tourist spots, such as Temple Bar, Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green. The canteen focuses on European cuisine.

The Alex, for a sleek stay in the Irish capital

Boutique Hotel

A cosy double bed and a desk with a chair in a modern hotel room at The Alex
Courtesy of The Alex / Expedia

The Alex is an old favourite on the Dublin hotel scene. The bedrooms have luxurious features, stunning decor and designer touches. You can sip a cappuccino at the Steam Cafe, try a signature cocktail at The Carriage bar or work out at Core Fitness, the private hotel gym. The Alex also has an intriguing Secret Garden venue, where you can enjoy skyline views with a cocktail in hand, thanks to its retractable roof.

The Green Hotel, for a dreamy oasis in central Dublin

Boutique Hotel

A modern dining space at The Green Hotel with a rectangular island bar in the middle
Courtesy of The Green / Expedia

The Green Hotel is a well-located option in central Dublin. It sits adjacent to St Stephen’s Green, just south of Temple Bar and only a five-minute walk from Grafton Street. Bedrooms focus on comfort and style, making great places to chill after exploring the city. The bistro-style restaurant serves an interesting fusion of Irish and international dishes, and the gym is open 24 hours a day.

Iveagh Garden Hotel, for eco-conscious travellers

Boutique Hotel

A pretty outdoor eating space with lots of greenery and flowers at Iveagh Garden Hotel
Courtesy of Iveagh Garden Hotel / Expedia

Opened in 2018, the Iveagh Garden Hotel has 145 luxurious rooms and is best-known for having an eco-focused business model. It has a low carbon footprint and claims to be the first sustainable hotel in Europe. All rooms have modern decor – book one of the superior rooms for a rainfall shower. Elle’s Bar serves classic cocktails, craft beers and fine wines. The bar also has a champagne afternoon tea and a bottomless pancake brunch.

Number 31, for a night in a luxury townhouse

Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast

The front of Number 31 lit up as dusk sets in, with a fireplace and statue in the gardens
Courtesy of Number 31 / Expedia

Within a Georgian townhouse, Number 31 is a home-from-home; the beating heart is the kitchen. Guests rave about the breakfast made by Delia; it includes hot dishes such as made-to-order kippers, plus lighter bites such as cranberry and orange loaf. Outdoor space may be rare in the city, but here you can enjoy your morning coffee in the courtyard garden and sheltered terrace. Bright furnishings and white walls keep guest rooms light and airy. This hidden oasis is just a five-minute walk from St Stephen’s Green and the National Concert Hall.

The Hendrick Smithfield, for an arty retreat near the Jameson Distillery

Boutique Hotel

The industrial-style bar at The Hendrick Smithfield, with high tables and stools
Courtesy of The Hendrick Smithfield / Expedia

The Hendrick Smithfield is a celebration of art, giving centre stage to the carefully chosen graffiti that street artist James Earley has selected. The white walls and minimalist furnishings create a perfect backdrop for the urban gallery, with each room serving as a playful art space. But this hotel does not sacrifice function for form; each of the 146 rooms has been thoughtfully designed to maximise space, and those with bunk beds are a convenient option for groups. Relax in the industrial-style bar, which sells Bretzel Bakery pastries for a light breakfast. The hotel is ideally located for exploring the nearby attractions of Smithfield, including the independent Light House Cinema and the Jameson Distillery.

Trinity City Hotel, for a stylish stay near Trinity College

Hotel, Luxury

A covered dining/seating space at Trinity City Hotel, with overhanging lamps and lined with plants
Courtesy of Trinity City Hotel / Expedia

This striking four-star hotel is just around the corner from Trinity College and Grand Canal Dock on the waters of the Liffey. It blends Georgian architecture with maximalist interiors, with chandeliers and gilded mirrors giving common areas a sense of old-school opulence. By comparison, the bedrooms are simple, with practical design in signature shades of warm purple. Despite its main-road location, noise from the street is minimal, guaranteeing a peaceful stay.

The Dean Dublin, for a boutique break near Camden Street

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

A communal space at The Dean Dublin with table football, a working fireplace and a screen showing Netflix
Courtesy of The Dean Dublin / Expedia

The Dean, a stone’s throw from the energetic Camden Street, is a stylish base for revellers looking for a spot of culture. A neon sign designed by artist Tracey Emin takes centre stage above the reception desk, where you can pick up a pocket guide to the boutique hotel’s art collection or some merch. The buzzing, top-floor restaurant hosts DJs on the terrace until the early hours on weekends. Book a suite and host the afterparty, thanks to the turntable, vinyl and guitar supplied.

The Shelbourne, for a stay in a historically important hotel

Hotel, Luxury

A traditional guest room at The Shelbourne Dublin with salmon pink sofa, beige walls and white linen
Courtesy of the Shelbourne Dublin / Hotels.com

Nearly 200 years old, the Shelbourne is a Dublin institution. In 1916, it welcomed parties injured during the Easter Rising, and in 1922, Ireland’s first constitution was drawn up in a guest room here. Over the years, it has put up Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor and the Kennedys. Writers such as Seamus Heaney have frequented the Horseshoe Bar, too. The Shelbourne is by no means low-key, but the appeal of this hotel is not only about old-world elegance; the beauty salon and spa make it a standout urban retreat.

The Marker Hotel, for an all-round winner in Silicon Docks

Boutique Hotel, Hotel, Luxury

The futuristic bar at The Marker Hotel with two purple chairs in the middle
Courtesy of The Marker Hotel / Expedia

As popular with the business crowd as it is with families, the Marker Hotel is a chic and luxurious five-star destination. It’s no wallflower either; located in Silicon Docks, the checkerboard-style exterior is a city landmark and sets the futuristic theme of the hotel. The 187 comfortable rooms include doubles, twins and suites aimed at families travelling with children. There’s substance to support the style; amenities include an award-winning brasserie, a rooftop bar and luxury health spa. Yogis can take to the rooftop terrace for a complimentary yoga session.

For budget-friendly options, discover our guide on the best cheap hotels in Dublin or our weekend trips and getaways from Dublin guide, and book now on Culture Trip.

Nicky Branagh-Schmidt contributed additional reporting to this article.

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