The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Dublin

The Gresham makes a big first impression: it’s in a grand Georgian building in the heart of the action on O’Connell Street. Inside, the foyer doesn’t disappoint, with chandeliers and airy communal spaces. Upstairs, rooms are spacious and the best have Georgian windows overlooking a tree-lined street. For food, Toddy’s Bar & Brasserie has everything from steaks and roast lamb to a fancy afternoon tea on the menu.

With a great city-centre location in the riverside Temple Bar neighbourhood, this boutique four-star is one of the best cheap hotels in Dublin, offering far more than you’d expect at this price point. Rooms range from comfortable “pods” to suites and have many luxurious touches, such as rainfall showers and espresso machines. There’s regular live music at the hotel’s Busker’s Bar, while at Buskers on the Ball you can play pool and ping pong, or leave it to the professionals and watch a big game on the big screens.

In a central location in the Fair City, this smart hotel is one of the best cheap hotels around, overlooking St Patrick’s Cathedral, with St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street less than 10 minutes’ amble away. The rooms punch way above their price point: all bright and fresh-looking, with mustard-yellow cushions and textiles, set against pale greys. The stylish ​​Grain & Grill Restaurant has more pops of yellow and an art deco look, with dishes from steak to Thai curry.

The exteriors might be Georgian, but the interiors are firmly 21st century: they’re pure Scandi, with bright geometric prints both on the textiles and the walls – as is the signature of the celebrated Locke Living mini-chain, which specialises in aparthotels. The apartments themselves are beautifully designed and whitewashed, with touches of millennial pinks and pale mustards, matched with well-designed, immaculate kitchenettes that include a small table and chairs, and views across the Dublin rooftops. Exposed brick walls and leather sofas set the cool, coworking scene in communal workspaces and lounges, where there’s space to stretch out and mingle.

The Castle Hotel is a perfect choice for travellers who want to experience historic Dublin at great value for money. Its Georgian building retains its original staircases, antique mirrors and marble fireplaces to give you a sense of time gone by, and the paintings lining the walls complete the mood. While the lounge retains a Georgian character, the rooms are modern and comfortable. The real gem, however, is the underground Castle Vaults Restaurant, set in an original 19th-century wine cellar with stone walls, dim lighting and vaulted ceiling; it’s ideal for a romantic dinner. On the entertainment side, The Castle Vaults Bar keeps things old-school with live trad sessions so visitors can experience a taste of authentic Irish music.

Situated next to the 3Arena concert hall, The Gibson Hotel is a great budget option for music lovers in Dublin who don’t want to compromise on comfort or style. Chic, stylish and modern, this hotel represents urban Dublin at its finest, with its sleek glass exterior matching the vibe inside. The rooms have been designed with relaxation in mind, with calming colours and beautiful views onto the terrace and courtyard. If you step outside, you’ll find several places to eat and relax. The Gibson also has the Luas on its doorstep, which connects guests with the city centre and other unique pockets of Dublin.

Situated in the historic village of Sandymount, this hotel has a fascinating lineage that can still be felt inside its walls. The hotel sits on the site of a former distillery that operated from 1789 until 1860. In 1866, eight Victorian houses for Dublin’s aristocracy were built using the bricks of the old distillery. Refurbished and renovated, these houses make up the hotel today. Founded by the Loughran family in 1995, it is currently the largest family-run hotel in Dublin, complete with all the charm and friendliness of a local family business. Its classic and comfortable rooms feature designer bed throws and contemporary artwork. Within easy walking distance of Sandymount Strand, the reasonably priced hotel lies next to the Aviva Stadium.

Brimming with style and substance, this hotel combines innovative design with a relaxed ambience. With an earthy colour scheme that mixes mint green with comforting browns, low ceilings and brick walls, the interior of this budget-friendly hotel exudes a sense of calmness, despite being located in the bustling Temple Bar neighbourhood. The hotel’s sculptures and paintings, on the other hand, give it a contemporary flair. Decked out in a pea-green palette, the rooms maximise space and offer everything needed for a comfortable stay right in the heart of the city centre.

Stay in the centre of the beautiful Trinity College campus, Ireland’s oldest university, with this budget campus accommodation. Available during the summer months, the Heritage ensuite apartments lie within the historic areas of the campus while rooms in Goldsmith Hall are directly adjacent. Staying in this extremely affordable, and unusual, accommodation option provides the historic college with revenue for its upkeep. As the rooms are styled for student living, it is ideal for those who want an insider’s view of this tourist landmark as well as a prime central Dublin location without the expensive price tag.