Where to Stay in Dublin – Editor’s Picks

Every traveler has different criteria for where to stay in Dublin. For some people a central location is most important, while others prefer to be off the beaten path. Some want a simple, cozy place to sleep while others are looking for the best amenities and 24-hour room service.

Whatever kind of accommodation you’re looking for in Dublin, hotels will all have one thing in common: Irish hospitality. From the five-star design oriented hotel to the neighborhood architectural landmark, Dublin has hotel options to match your budget and personal preferences.

Did you know you can even stay at a Castle during your stay in Dublin? Here are our favorite Castle Hotels in Ireland.

5 Star Hotels in Dublin

The Dylan Hotel 5-star
You might not think Dublin is the place for a design-oriented hotel, but The Dylan Hotel will prove you wrong. This five-star, family-owned hotel offers 44 guest rooms complete with artistic touches like photographs of greater Dublin and intricate headboards.

If you’re looking for luxury and amenities, you will feel right at home in the Dylan. From the deep soaking tub and fluffy robe in your room to the chic downstairs bar serving signature cocktails, everything about the Dylan is Dublin at its most luxurious.

Located in leafy Ballsbridge, some travelers will be drawn to the neighborhood feel of this area of the city, while others might wish for an uber central location when seeking where to stay in Dublin.

The Shelbourne
If you’re looking for classic, elegant Dublin, set your sights on the Shelbourne on St Stephens Green. This iconic hotel set on the park in the center of Dublin is a local favorite. Take a seat in the lovely Horseshoe Bar in the front of the hotel to watch the entire city walk by while you sip on the local brew.

Expect old-world service at this central hotel, including a top-hat clad doorman to welcome you. This full-service hotel is a perfect spot for relaxing afternoon tea on a rainy day or after dinner drinks when you don’t feel like squeezing into a crowded pub.

Number 31
If your idea of the perfect hotel is one that provides individual attention, check into Number 31. This boutique guesthouse with 21 rooms is located right in the center of Dublin, just blocks away from St Stephens Green. More important than the location is the service, provided by owner Noel and his attentive staff, who know this city inside and out.

As if you will need another reason to choose Number 31 (beyond the individually decorated rooms and the sunken living room with fragrant peat-burning fireplace) this boutique hotel is also known for its award-winning breakfast. Start your day with fresh berries, vanilla poached pears, and cranberry nut bread before digging into made to order entrees. A list of options includes a full Irish breakfast or smoked salmon and scrambled eggs.

Number 31 is also an architectural landmark within Dublin. If you’re more interested in hotels with unique character than room service, check out Number 31.

4 Star Hotels in Dublin

The Schoolhouse
Another hotel with incredible historic character is the Schoolhouse. This intimate hotel offers 31 guest rooms and suites, each named after one of Ireland’s famous writers. Traditional rooms offer charming touches such as antique phones that hint at the building’s past as an actual schoolhouse, first opening its doors to students in 1861.

The Schoolhouse is located in the Ballsbridge neighborhood, right on a scenic canal. Many visitors find this convenient location helps to integrate with the locals. Beyond the hotel, the Schoolhouse is also home to a charming pub and lounge, where sports matches are shown on TV and they pour a perfect pint of Guinness.

The Schoolhouse also has a restaurant, recently under the direction of a new head chef, and opening to solid reviews. These different areas of the hotel allow you to fully explore such an interesting and historic building.

Brooks Hotel
This boutique hotel, part of the  Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, is located within a few minutes walk of Dublin’s famed Grafton Street, Temple Bar and Trinity College. The hotel offers offers air-conditioning, Internet access, colour teletext TV with some rooms having individual videos/DVD players, Plasma TV’s and sound systems, power showers, king size beds, personal safe’s, minibars, and beverage station. Featuring Irish and International cuisine, Francesca’s restaurant  is renowned as being one of the best modern and stylish restaurants in Dublin City Centre.

3 Star Hotels in Dublin

Albany House
You will love this historic building set in the heart of Georgian Dublin,  Located just off St Stephens Green it’s a leisurely 5 minute walk to Grafton Street and Temple Bar. This Georgian guest house boasts many of the original period features from the late 18th century.

Although there is no elevator in the building, Albany House offers all the amenities you would expect from a modern 3-star city centre guest house including Free Wi-Fi throughout.

An extensive continental breakfast is available every morning, and is included in all room rates.

Please note that Albany House is a smoke free zone, smoking is prohibited throughout the building. Lovely rooms and a friendly staff makes Albany House a great, moderately priced choice.

Sandymount Hotel
We all have a budget when we travel. Sometimes we splurge on accommodation, and other times we want plenty of spending money for restaurants, attractions, and nightlife. When you’re looking for a cozy place to lay your head at the end of an active day, check out the Sandymount Hotel.

This affordable hotel is conveniently located in a residential neighborhood right next to a DART train station. What began as a small, family-owned hotel of 4 bedrooms has evolved over decades into a family-owned hotel of 168 bedrooms spread over 8 interconnected Victorian houses, complete with a spacious bar, plenty of attractive lounge space, and a convenient breakfast room.

The Sandymount Hotel is also located right next to the AVIVA Stadium in case you’re planning on attending a rugby match or concert during your trip to Dublin.

Whatever your budget, you have lots of choices for where to stay in Dublin.

Written by Jessica Colley for EuropeUpClose.com