Where to Stay in Dublin.Top Hotel Picks by a Local
Where to Stay in Dublin By A Local
I'm a Dubliner and I live in Dublin, so I don't stay in hotels here. But I'm in them all the time meeting guests & clients. I notice the things guests care about: noise levels, quality, appearance, amenities, location, walkability, staff attitude, the feel of the place.
Based on that, here are the Dublin hotels I recommend. You can book any of these without hesitation! The hotels on this page are sorted by the kind of trip you're on, with snippets from actual guest reviews.
Just updated for the 2026 Season!
Fair Warning
Dublin is a capital city with a hotel shortage so Dublin hotels are expensive & busy. Book well ahead of your trip to get the best hotels.
Landing too early to check-in to your hotel? Come on a guided walking tour of Dublin with me.
Most Popular
Very central, highly rated & reasonably priced
Grafton Hotel 💚My Top Dublin Hotel💚
In the part of town where you'll see more Dubliners than tourists. A one minute walk to Grafton Street. If it's available, just book it. Don't even hesitate!
👉Check availability at the Grafton
"Everything about The Grafton screams luxury without being stuffy and the art deco styling throughout is gorgeous"
If the Grafton is booked out, which is often is, try Brooks Hotel one minute away. It is superb.
NYX Dublin Christchurch
When you prefer to be right in the centre of the tourist area. You can see Dublin Castle when you're checking in, Christchurch is around the corner. It is very close to Temple Bar, but just tucked away in the quiet part of it away from the noise. Lots of bakeries and coffee shops nearby.
"The best thing about this hotel is the staff! Every person we had interaction with was so friendly, so helpful and so smiley and happy. This is a rare find and definitely one of the main reasons for our return."
The Green, Dublin
I think they don't charge enough at The Green. It's so nice they could charge 50% more and it's still well priced. You're surrounded by Dublin energy and life, but step into the hotel and it's calm and sophisticated. I want their interior designer to come to my house!
"Absolutely stunning hotel from street side to the tiny details in our suite. The whole building smelled sooo good. Service always impeccable."
👉Check availability at the Green
My Favourite Area of Dublin to Stay In
I like the area around St Stephen's Green. It's the most elegant part of the city and based around Dublin's most beautiful park.
It's got a good balance of being far enough from the noise and crowds of Temple Bar, it's an area of the city full of cafes, restaurants & pubs where locals go. And everything you'll want to see is within a 15 minute walk of here.
You'll see most of the hotels that I've selected for each category is in this area.
The Grafton, The Green, The Merrion, The Shelbourne, The Fitzwilliam, Townhouse on the Green
Luxury
For visitors who want the best of Dublin with five star luxury
Merrion Hotel 💚My Top Luxury Pick💚
A five star luxury hotel complete with a 2 star Michelin restaurant and an infinity pool. This is where celebrities stay. The Merrion is my top pick because it's just a bit less formal than The Shelbourne and the service is absolutely impeccable. you always know that you're in one of the best hotels in the entire city.
If you like quiet luxury, this is the 5 star hotel for you.
"Exquisite is the only descriptor. Facilities, service, comfort, location... I felt like a queen every second. Slept like a baby, stunning shower, turn down service unsurpassed. Worth every penny."
👉 Check Availability at the Merrion
Fitzwilliam Hotel
There's a quiet luxurious feel in the Fitzwilliam. They just finished a renovation in the hotel so excuse any new paint smell. It's contemporary with a touch of Art Deco about it. It has a one star Michelin restaurant. Some rooms have balconies overlooking St. Stephen's Green.
If you like modern and style, the Fitzwilliam is your five star hotel in Dublin.
"This hotel is perfect. Being in the Hotel Industry, I tend to have very high expectations of 5 star hotels and The Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin exceeded them."
👉 Check availability at the Fitzwilliam
Shelbourne Hotel
Where presidents and princesses stay. It's always been THE hotel in Dublin. There's other newer, more modern challengers to the luxury throne in Dublin, but the Shelbourne will always be the one to beat. It's opulent, grand, and steeped in history. Things you can't buy. It has many loyal repeat visitors which mean you have to book very early to stay here.
If you like tradition and being in vibrant hotel, this is your five star hotel.
"Perfection. From the location to the amenities, I almost felt like I didn't even need to leave the hotel to have the Dublin experience!"
👉 Check Availability at the Shelbourne
Only 16 hotels in Ireland been awarded the prestigious Michelin Key. See the list of Michelin Key hotels here.
Affordable
Excellent Dublin hotels that won't empty your wallet
Motel One Dublin - 💚My Top Dublin Budget Hotel 💚
This is just across the Ha'Penny Bridge from Temple Bar. I'm always meeting walking tour guests here because it's so affordable for such a cool spot. A German chain, so you know everything is thought of. They just rejuvenated the street in front of it and it's very cool now. Choose from nearby Lotts Cafe Bar or the Oval for excellent pub food.
"Motel One exceeded all expectations! The bright, airy lobby made a fantastic first impression. Our room was stylish and comfortable with amazing soundproofing, ensuring peaceful sleep despite being in the heart of lively Dublin."
👉 Check availability at Motel One
Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
This is in the old market area of Dublin. I never thought there's be such a stylish hotel here. Now it's a very cool part of town, qualifies for off the beaten track label. Coffee lovers will be spoiled for choice In the morning walk 30 seconds to Elliot's bakery. Superb. At night, walk 2 minutes to Bar 1661 for Dublin's best cocktails.
"We had such a lovely stay here in Dublin. The location is perfect for exploring the city. The main entrance/lounge area is beautifully designed – it has such a cosy, stylish vibe. A great place to stay and we would definitely come back."
👉 Check availability at Ruby Molly
Wren Urban Nest
The perfectly named Nest is cozy & comfortable. It has a calm Scandi feel to it. It's located in the very best streets in Dublin's Design Quarter. Dublin's most sustainable hotel they claim.
"The hotel is really quirky and fun, a welcome change from so many bland modern hotels. Breakfast was delicious with lots of variety and good coffee. I would highly recommend Wren Urban Nest."
👉 Check Availability at Wren Urban Nest
Boutique Stays
You'll feel real Irish hospitality in these small places
Townhouse on the Green 💚My Top Boutique Pick💚
Just nine bedrooms overlooking St Stephen's Green. It this was in Victorian times, you'd have been one of the elite families in Ireland staying in this location. Absolutely superb. Book immediately and count down the days with excitement until you get to stay here.
"The hotel restaurant was stunningly beautiful and the breakfast was one of the best I've ever had on vacation. The room's professionally designed, luxurious finishes lavished us in beauty, marrying contemporary comfort with Georgian charm. It offered nice additions like a Bose music system and a Nespresso machine, which made my stay feel luxurious and personalized. "
👉Check availability at the Townhouse on the Green
Ariel House
One of the high rated places in all of Dublin. B&B charm in a Victorian townhouse with legendary breakfasts. It's a 20 minute walk from the centre or five minute train ride, but it's in Dublin's most exclusive area. Surrounded by embassies and a short kick from the Aviva Stadium.
"I've never experienced hospitality like I did at Ariel House! From the moment we arrived, the staff treated us like family. The homemade afternoon tea was a highlight - freshly baked scones and cakes enjoyed in their tranquil gardens!"
👉 Check availability at Ariel House
Schoolhouse Hotel
I love this place. It's a boutique hotel in a former schoolhouse next to the Grand Canal Docks, Google & close to the Aviva Stadium. The Grand Canal is outside the gate. Watch the swans glide by. It's a 15 minute walk to town but you mightn't even go in there! The gastrobar is gorgeous. You might get stuck there for the night. A great alternative to chain hotels in you are here for work at one of the tech companies.
"The cutest hotel! I didn't really want to stay in a regular hotel, I wanted something that looked more authentic to Dublin. The Schoolhouse Hotel was perfect! The room and bed was great, great service, and easy to find."
👉 Check Availability at the Schoolhouse
Dublin Airport Hotels
The best airport hotels. Stay close for less stress on a long travel day.
Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport 💚My Top Airport Pick💚
Right on airport grounds. You can walk to terminal but you'll probably take the shuttle bus. If you have an early flight, pick this one.
👉 Check availability
"What a find for Dublin Airport travelers! The Radisson Blu's location couldn't be more perfect, we easily walked to the terminal in under 10 minutes, though their free shuttle runs around the clock."
Crown Plaza Dublin Airport
A very short shuttle ride from the airport and close to many of the car rental places, so you can drop your car off the night before you leave. One less thing to do on departure day! The highest rates of the airport hotels.
👉 Check availability at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport
ApartHotels
More space than your average hotel room.
Zanzibar Locke 💚My Top ApartHotel Pick💚
I remember when this opened as a bar when I was in my student days. Zanzibar sounded very exotic in grey and still poor back then Dublin. Overlooking the Ha'Penny Bridge, it couldn't be more central.
"This little apartment was so clean and comfortable. It is in the best location in Dublin. The staff was so friendly and helpful, the room was equipped with everything I needed, and the hotel is very chic and tastefully decorated."
👉 Check availability at Zanzibar Locke
Staycity Aparthotel City Quay
Staycity has a few locations. Not all ideal to be honest, but the City Quay one. It's five minute walk to Trinity College and I love that it's close to the Dart train station for easy access to best parts of coastal Dublin. Note: The Staycity on nearby Mark Street is just too close to the train, so pick this one instead!
👉 Check availability at Staycity
Here are more of my hotel recommendations in Ireland
- Where To Stay in Killarney
- Where to stay in Kilkenny
- Irish Castle Stays from affordable to luxury
- The Michelin Keys Hotels. Our best hotels
Coastal Dublin
The nicest areas of Dublin are by the sea & easy to get to the city
Haddington House, Dun Laoghaire 💚My Top Coastal Pick💚
I absolutely love the vibe at the Haddington House and think more people should base themselves in Dún Laoghaire for their entire Dublin stay. They just did a big renovation and actually reduced the number of rooms. They made them bigger. Get one with a bathtub beside the bed!
Haddington is in an old house, but has such contemporary features like the bar that could be in Manhattan, the bikes they give you to cycle the coastline.
Dun Laoghaire is just 20 minutes by train to the city. Be different and base yourself here!
"This restored Victorian gem overlooking Dublin Bay stole our hearts! Borrowed their complimentary bikes to explore the coast, then relaxed with cocktails in their stylish parlor. Boutique perfection by the sea!"
👉 Check availability at the Haddington.
Note it is often booked out, then stay at the nearby Royal Marine Hotel
Clontarf Castle Hotel
A real castle hotel complete with four poster beds that is by the sea but only ten minutes to the city. I can walk there from my house, it's a very local and lovely area. Do my Saturday Market & Park tour when you stay there! It's in the old Guinness family estate.
This is a good place to stay on your last night, it's only 20 minutes to the airport.
👉 Check availability at Clontarf Castle
"Walking into Clontarf Castle was like stepping into a fairytale! It's the perfect blend of medieval charm with luxury modern comforts.
If you like castles, here are other castle hotels around Ireland.
Ireland by Locals
Near Dublin's Stadiums
In town for a game or concert? These hotels are close to the Aviva, 3 Arena, the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, or Croke Park. Book early. Very early! The second an event is announced, these hotels get booked solid.
Mespil Hotel 💚My Top Stadium Pick💚
The Mespil is close to everything! The city, the offices, the canal, and it's very to the Aviva Stadium & The Bord Gais Theatre. Very nice hotel that is modern and spacious. Lots of local bars & restaurants to walk to instead of the usual tourist haunts.
👉 Check Rates
Gibson Hotel
Modern hotel next to 3Arena with quick tram access to the city centre. Croke Park is walkable too.
👉 Check Rates
"Stayed in Gibson after a concert in 3 arena. Location was fantastic. Directly opposite the 3 arena. Staff at the hotel were friendly and welcoming."
Loyalty Programs
I'm a big loyalty and points guy. I haven't flow coach or stayed in a standard hotel room in years thanks to them. If you are like me and loyal to a brand, here's the hotels for you.
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Hilton Honors
- IHG One Rewards
- Hyatt
- Accor ALL
- Radisson Rewards
Overwhelmed by planning your trip? After our call, you'll be excited about your Irish adventure, not stressed. All your questions answered.
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