Where to Stay in Dublin
Not sure where to begin your hotel search in Dublin? Find the perfect area and hotel with this complete guide to the best places to stay in Dublin, Ireland.
With a ton of variety, deciding where to stay in Dublin can be challenging, at least at first sight. Before our first trip to Ireland, we had faced the same dilemma.
For many visitors, Dublin is the first place they visit on the Emerald Isle. And we all know how the first impressions are important.
Therefore, we are not exaggerating when we say that a good hotel or hostel can make or break your trip, especially if you decide to stay for a few nights there.
If you're unsure about where to stay in Dublin, you've come to the right place.
We have compiled a list of Dublin's best hotels and hostels. Let's dive into it!
Most Popular Areas and Neighborhoods in Dublin
Dublin, Ireland's capital city, is known for its warm hospitality, mild weather, rich history, traditional pubs, and much more.
On top of that, Dublin is a safe place to visit.
The most popular neighborhoods and areas to stay in Dublin are generally found close to the city center.
For convenience, most first-time visitors to Ireland will want to stay in the downtown area. It's packed with hotels, stores, restaurants, pubs, bars, and nightlife.
On top of that, the city center has some of the best and most popular attractions, such as Temple Bar, Book of Kells, Trinity College, whiskey distilleries, Guinness Storehouse, museums, St. Stephen's Green, etc.
Furthermore, it also has good access to public transport that helps you get around. Plus, the DART line gives you easy access to Dublin's day trips along the coast.
Whether you're visiting Dublin for the first time or tenth, it's definitely the best area to stay in, especially if you don't have a car.
And what are the most popular neighborhoods in Dublin?
O'Connell Street, Temple Bar, The Docklands, Merrion Square, Stephen's Green, Grafton Street, and the Liberties.
Even though you will also find hotels outside the city center, there are only a very few reasons to stay in these neighborhoods, especially if this is your first visit to Dublin.
Portobello, Ballsbridge, or Drumcondra are good areas to look at if you want to escape the crowds.
Things to Know Before You Go
Dublin City Center is the heart of the city and by far the best overall place to be based for sightseeing, eating out, shopping, etc.
Despite being the largest city on the island, Dublin is not that huge.
In fact, we would say it's very comparable to Prague in terms of size.
The neighborhoods in the city center offer a wide range of hotels for all budgets.
In our opinion, the neighborhoods in Dublin City Center and Dublin Airport are the only two areas worth considering when planning your stay in Dublin.
That's why you will see that most hotels on this list are located in this area.
This brings us to another topic. It's easy to get around Dublin on foot, plus the city has a relatively good public transport system.
Though we always suggest a car is the most convenient way to travel around Ireland, parking can be difficult and expensive within this area. Believe us, we know it from our own experience.
Sure, renting a car in Ireland is easy. And driving around Ireland is an incredible experience.
But we believe it's better to explore Dublin without a car.
Whether you prefer budget hostels, family-owned bed-and-breakfasts, boutique hotels, or chains where you can use your loyalty points, these are the best hotels in Dublin.
Our Favorite Hotels in Dublin
If you're in a rush and just need a quick answer on the best place to stay in Dublin, here are our top picks.
Best Hostel - Jacobs Inn Hostel
Budget Hotel - Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre
Mid-range Hotel - Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Luxury Hotel - Anantara The Marker Dublin
Apart-Hotel - Zanzibar Locke
Near Airport - Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport
Best For Families - Castleknock Hotel
Best For Couples - Wren Urban Nest
Best for Business - The Samuel Hotel
Best for Party - Abbey Court Hostel
Frankly, you can't go wrong with any of these accommodation options. If you want to know more, we put together a list of the best hotels in Dublin for all kinds of travelers.
Best Hostels
There are many tips to help you with traveling around Ireland on a budget.
You can travel during the shoulder season, have a flexible travel itinerary, book early, etc.
However, accommodation is always a significant expense that will eat a large portion of your travel budget, especially when visiting a major city.
Keep in mind that the hostel and hotel prices fluctuate throughout the year, though you can find better deals during the week.
Also, be prepared that European hostels are often very expensive, at least the ones with good reviews.
Therefore, finding a good hostel can be tricky.
Still, hostels are the cheapest option, plus they have shared kitchens, lounges, and bars where you can socialize and meet the same minded-travelers.
If you want to save money, the rule of thumb is to book early, as the best properties are often booked out well in advance.
Also, check out our guide on free things to do in Dublin to keep your expenses at bay.
Here are our top picks for cheap hostels in Dublin.
Jacobs Inn Hostel - Situated just a 5-minute walk from the iconic Temple Bar area, this modern hostel is a great choice for all budget-minded travelers. It has a central location, both private rooms and dormitories with pods, lockers, and a daily free guided walk. Without any doubt, this is one of the best hostels in Dublin.
Abbey Court Hostel - Situated just off O'Connell Bridge, Abbey Court Hostel offers clean rooms and facilities, a self-catering kitchen, 24-hour reception, a relaxing lounge, free lockers, free guided walking tours, and nightly pub crawls. This is one of the most popular hostels in Dublin.
Generator Dublin - Situated in the hip Smithfield neighborhood and adjacent to Jameson Distillery, Generator has rooms for every type of traveler. The hostel has an industrial feel and open social spaces and offers both dormitories and private rooms, under-bed lockers, and even a jacuzzi suite.
Best Budget Hotels
As hostels are expensive in Europe, staying in a basic chain hotel is a great alternative, even if you travel on a budget.
Sure, we won't pretend this is a cheaper option. But the pros of budget hotels often outweigh the cons of hostels.
As usual, it all depends on what you expect from your stay.
When it comes to budget chain hotels, you mostly know what you will get for your money, as hostels are often hit-and-miss.
A quiet property, clean facilities, a comfortable mattress, a private room with a bathroom, simply, these are the things that are essential for a good night's sleep.
Sometimes spending a few extra euros is definitely worth it.
Travelodge PLUS Dublin City Centre - With an amazing location, air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, a terrace, and an on-site restaurant with a bar, Travelodge Dublin offers good value for money. This is a nice clean, and comfortable hotel for budget-conscious travelers.
Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre - Located on O'Connell Street, this modern Holiday Inn Express features stylish decor, quiet rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a hard-to-beat location. It's close to Dublin's cultural core and offers affordable rooms.
Temple Bar Inn - Located in one of Dublin's most popular quarters, Temple Bar Inn, is a 3-start hotel offering modern design and facilities, chic bedrooms, cozy beds, a contemporary bar, and a restaurant. Simply put, the hotel is equipped with everything the modern-day traveler needs.
Best Mid-range Hotels
On our last visit to Dublin, we wanted to stay in the city center.
Most good budget hostels and hotels were booked out within this area, so we opted for a hotel in the mid-range category.
Even though we usually prefer budget-friendly options, spending more money to get a good night's sleep was worth it.
Our Ireland road trip itinerary was packed to the brim.
After road-tripping Wild Atlantic Way and driving around the whole island for a few weeks, we were really tired, so it seemed like money well spent.
Dublin's mid-range hotels are fairly expensive but offer good value for money. In fact, we believe that this is a category where Dublin really shines.
Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin - Situated in a historic building on famous O'Connell Street, Riu Plaza is one of the most popular hotels in Dublin. This hotel offers various spacious rooms with excellent amenities, including a beautiful penthouse suite with spectacular views, an ideal location, modern decor, mandatory breakfast, and authentic culinary experiences. Extensive paid private parking is available next to the hotel.
Wren Urban Nest - Positioned between Trinity College, Grafton Street, and Temple, Wren Urban Nest is one of Dublin's best modern hotels. The hotel uses 100% renewable energy, uses local products, and focuses on Scandinavian minimalism.
The Samuel Hotel - Conveniently located in Dublin's Docklands, the modern Samuel Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms overlooking the River Liffey, a great dining experience, a welcoming staff, and a fitness center. With an excellent location, modern facilities, and within walking distance from everything, this is a perfect 4-star hotel for every occasion.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Best Luxury Hotels
A luxury hotel is usually worth it if you're going to spend a great amount of your time in the hotel, especially if you travel with your family or significant other.
It won't come as a surprise when we say that when you book a luxury hotel room, you expect an exceptional experience.
Dublin has a few aces up its sleeve for anyone seeking more than an average spot to stay in Ireland's capital.
Luxury hotels in Dublin's city center range from opulent luxury and splendor to contemporary elegance and thoughtful design.
Here are tips on some of the best luxury hotels in Dublin.
The Fitzwilliam Hotel - Situated on St Stephen's Green, Fitzwilliam Hotel has one of the finest locations in Dublin. The hotel is close to everything, and Dublin's main shopping avenue, Grafton Street, is just behind the corner. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, guests can enjoy a great restaurant, and the staff will make you feel most welcome. Secure car parking is available at the hotel.
Anantara The Marker Dublin - Enjoy your luxury accommodation in Dublin's Docklands at Anantara The Marker Dublin. The rooms are modern and spacious, the staff is attentive, there are great on-site dining options and a spa, sauna, and gym, and the rooftop bar has amazing views of Dublin. The restaurant showcases the best of Irish cuisine, attentive staff will ensure you will have an unforgettable experience, and the Docklands area will allow you to find some quiet moments.
The Merrion Hotel - With spacious rooms furnished with Georgian decor, Italian marble bathrooms, a Michelin-star restaurant, an infinity pool, and beautifully landscaped gardens, this is one of the most incredible luxury hotels in Dublin.
Best Hotels Near Dublin Airport
If you need a place to sleep before flying out or after a long-haul flight from overseas, consider booking a hotel at Dublin Airport.
The airport is located north of Dublin, about ten kilometers from the city center.
Thanks to its location and easy access to M50, M1, and M2, it's a great place to start off your Ireland road trip.
There are only a few hotels actually located near terminals at Dublin Airport, so choosing a hotel within this area should be very straightforward.
On top of that, we believe you'll find very little difference between these hotels.
Keep in mind that hotels near airports are often expensive, and this area is no exception.
We hope you love the Dublin Airport hotels we've included on our list!
Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport - Situated on the grounds of Dublin Airport, this 4-star hotel is a perfect choice for your next Irish journey. The hotel has bright and spacious rooms, a contemporary restaurant, a full buffet breakfast, and secure private parking. The hotel operates a free 24-hour shuttle service for guests, departing every 20-30 minutes to and from the airport terminal.
Radisson BLU Hotel Dublin Airport - Located within walking distance from terminal buildings, this hotel has modern air-conditioned rooms with comfortable beds, a buffet breakfast, free access to the leisure club and swimming pool, and secure on-site parking. This hotel has free 24-hour shuttle buses between the airport and the property.
Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport - Boasting soundproof rooms with runway views, spacious bathrooms, a great restaurant, secure parking, and shuttle bus transfers, this hotel is always a solid choice for those traveling to or from Ireland.
Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport- Located on the intersection of M1 and M50, about a 10-minute drive from the terminals, this is one of the most popular hotels in the Dublin Airport area. The hotel offers modern rooms, a complimentary breakfast, a great restaurant, private parking, and a free 24-hour shuttle to and from Dublin Airport.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
