As the capital of a country that’s famed for its “Irish Welcome,” Dublin knows how to give you a warm welcome. Whether you’re stepping into a Georgian townhouse with a fire crackling in the hearth or unlocking the door to your hostel after a night of trad music and Guinness, there’s a place for every kind of traveler. Together, let’s wander through ten of the best spots to stay, from lavish five-star elegance to laid-back, budget-friendly charm.
The Merrion Hotel | Merrion Square
If you’re after quiet luxury with a side of art history, The Merrion is your match. Set across four restored Georgian townhouses, this five-star gem sits just opposite Government Buildings, offering a hushed retreat in one of Dublin’s most elegant quarters.
Inside, you’ll find a remarkable private art collection, a spa with a 60-foot pool, and the acclaimed Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud (Dublin’s only two-Michelin-star dining experience). The Merrion is refined without being stuffy, romantic without trying too hard, and right in the heart of it all.
The Shelbourne | St. Stephen’s Green
If you love a little drama with your history, The Shelbourne will be your icon. Overlooking a leafy stretch of St. Stephen’s Green, this landmark hotel has been hosting dignitaries, writers, and revolutionaries since 1824.
When you stay here, you’re staying where the Irish Constitution was drafted, JFK sipped tea, and the hum of the city is right outside your door. The decadent rooms blend old-world grandeur with modern comfort – and the Horseshoe Bar is a scene unto itself.
Anantara The Marker | Grand Canal Dock
Modern, sleek, and dressed in glass, Anantara The Marker brings a contemporary flair to Dublin’s Docklands. The rooftop bar is one of the best in the city, with views stretching across the Liffey and out toward the Dublin Mountains.
Inside, the minimalist rooms and indulgent spa provide a breath of fresh air after a day of exploration. This is the ideal stay if you love clean lines, smart design, and close proximity to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and waterfront restaurants.
The Wilder Townhouse | South City Centre
Tucked away on a quiet street just ten minutes from Grafton Street, The Wilder feels more like a friend’s stylish townhouse than a hotel. This redbrick Victorian beauty blends original period features with cozy, design-forward interiors.
The breakfast room, flooded with morning light and greenery, is a peaceful place to start the day. With its residential feel and central location, this is the perfect spot if you’d like a more intimate Dublin experience.
The Mayson | Docklands
Part boutique hotel, part converted warehouse, The Mayson wears its industrial roots proudly. Copper bathtubs, exposed brick, and mid-century furnishings set the mood, while the rooftop restaurant, Ryleigh’s, serves up panoramic city views and sizzling steaks.
There’s a basement gym, a sauna tucked into a shipping container, and a retro barbershop on-site. We kind of love that detail; it’s not all about the ladies’ spa days here. Located in the Docklands, The Mayson is a lively base if you’d like a bold, design-driven stay in one of the city’s fastest-evolving neighborhoods.
The Alex | Merrion Square
The Alex is a stylish mid-tier option just steps from Trinity College and the National Gallery. It’s cool without being cold, and a favorite among business travelers during the week and culture-seekers on the weekend.
The rooms are spacious; the beds are cloud-soft; and the on-site café and restaurant are alive with locals as well as guests. This is a great option if you’re looking for central convenience paired with polished, unfussy hospitality.
Ariel House | Ballsbridge
Tucked away in leafy Ballsbridge, Ariel House is a stately Victorian guesthouse with a warm, homey feel. You’ll find fresh scones waiting in the drawing room, and the homemade breakfasts have something of a cult following.
It’s a short walk from the Aviva Stadium and the DART line, so you’re well-connected without being in the thick of the city bustle. If you’re more about quiet charm and old-fashioned hospitality, this is your place.
Kelly’s Hotel | Drury Street
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to walk out your front door into the buzz of nightlife, Kelly’s puts you right in the thick of it. Located above one of Dublin’s best cocktail bars, this minimalist hotel offers simple, comfortable rooms at a great value.
You’re in the heart of the Creative Quarter, with independent shops, cafés, and restaurants at your fingertips. One thing we will say is to bring a pair of earplugs. It’s worth it, though, because you’ll enjoy the way the area comes alive when the stars come out to play.
The Hendrick Smithfield | Smithfield
As Dublin’s first street art hotel, The Hendrick certainly adds color and character to this historic stretch of the Smithfield neighborhood. Each room features curated contemporary artwork, and the lobby doubles as an open gallery. Rooms are compact but clever, with everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Downstairs, the bar serves local craft beers and the kind of coffee that makes early mornings feel slightly more manageable. The Luas tram is also around the corner, making it easy to zip across the city.
Latroupe Jacobs Inn | Talbot Street, North City Centre
For solo travelers, backpackers, or anyone craving a social stay, we can’t recommend Latroupe Jacobs Inn enough. It’s a hostel that doesn’t feel like a compromise. The sleek pod-style dorms offer privacy and quiet, while the communal kitchen, rooftop terrace, and pub crawls keep things friendly and fun.
You’re just minutes from Connolly Station, the River Liffey, and O’Connell Street, making it a convenient base for exploring the north and south sides of the city. Whether you’re in town for two nights or two weeks, this is an affordable, welcoming, and lively place to lay your head at night.
Where You Stay Shapes Your Story
Dublin’s neighborhoods each hold a different kind of charm, from the Georgian calm of Merrion Square to the edgy rebirth of the Docklands. Whether you’re drawn to fire-lit lounges or rooftop bars, boutique hideaways or budget-friendly pods, the city offers a welcome as warm as its people.
As you prepare to pick your base, pack your bags, and let Dublin unfold one corner at a time, take a tour through our extensive library of destination guides on Ireland. We’ll help you plan the trip of a lifetime, from coast to coast, delivered straight to you by an American who now calls this gracious country home.