Choosing where to stay in Dublin is actually a little trickier than I expected. Not because the city is enormous, it’s actually surprisingly compact, but because there are so many different styles of hotels packed into a relatively small area.
You’ve got historic five-star properties overlooking St. Stephen’s Green, stylish boutique hotels tucked into Georgian Dublin, modern luxury hotels in the Docklands, and apartment-style stays right along the River Liffey. And while staying around Temple Bar might seem like the obvious choice for a first trip (I’ve made this mistake myself), I personally think there are better areas just a few streets away.
When I returned to Dublin this summer, one thing that really stood out to me was how walkable the city is. Compared to places like London, Paris, or even Barcelona, getting around central Dublin feels incredibly easy. So, in my opinion, you don’t necessarily need to stay directly beside every attraction.
For this guide to the best hotels in Dublin, I’ve narrowed things down to seven properties I’d genuinely consider booking myself, ranging from design-forward boutique stays to some of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels.
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Key Takeaways: My Favorite Dublin Hotels
Short on time? Here are the hotels I’d look at first:
- Best overall – The Hoxton: cool design, a central location, and plenty of personality.
- Best luxury hotel – The Shelbourne: an iconic five-star stay overlooking St. Stephen’s Green.
- Best boutique hotel – The Wilder: intimate, stylish, and tucked away from the busiest streets.
- Best for longer stays – Zanzibar Locke: apartment-style rooms with an incredible central location.
- Best for something unique – Number 31: a quirky Georgian townhouse that feels nothing like a traditional hotel.
- Best modern luxury – Anantara The Marker: sleek rooms, a spa, and a rooftop overlooking the Docklands.
- Best location – Stauntons on the Green: directly on St. Stephen’s Green and within walking distance of many major attractions.
Where to Stay in Dublin: My Quick Answer
I have visited Dublin three times over the years and every visit I’ve stayed in a different area. If it’s your first time in Dublin, I’d stay somewhere around St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, or the southern side of Dublin city center.
This puts you within easy walking distance of Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Temple Bar and many of the city’s restaurants and pubs without necessarily having to sleep right in the middle of the busiest nightlife.
Personally, I wouldn’t make staying in Temple Bar a priority. In fact, I’ve personally stayed in this area and don’t recommend it unless you want to party and stay right in the heart of all the chaos. When I stayed here, I remember we couldn’t sleep all night because of the noise. It’s fun to walk through, especially if it’s your first visit, but it’s also one of the most touristy and lively parts of central Dublin. Staying a few streets away gives you the best of both worlds.
The Docklands are another option I really like if you prefer something more modern. You’ll be a little farther from Dublin’s attractions, but the neighborhood feels much more contemporary and is home to some excellent restaurants and luxury hotels.
And if you have an early flight, that’s when I’d consider moving closer to Dublin Airport. Hotels such as Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport, Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport and Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport can make sense before an early departure, but I wouldn’t choose the airport area as your base for sightseeing.
The 7 Best Hotels in Dublin, Ireland
1. The Hoxton: Best Overall
Best for: Couples, design lovers and first-time visitors
If your taste leans toward cool boutique hotels rather than traditional luxury, The Hoxton would be one of my first choices.
The Hoxton brand tends to nail that effortlessly stylish look that feels polished without becoming stuffy, and its Dublin property is no exception. Think warm interiors, vintage-inspired details and plenty of communal spaces that you’d actually want to hang out in rather than immediately walking past on your way to your room.
Location is another big selling point. You’re in central Dublin and can easily explore many of the city’s biggest attractions on foot.
For me, this is one of those hotels that hits a sweet spot. It feels special enough for a couples trip or weekend away, but you don’t necessarily feel like you need to spend five-star hotel prices simply for a beautiful room.
If I were planning another weekend in Dublin, this would be very high on my list.
2. The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection: Best Luxury Hotel
Best for: Luxury travelers, special occasions and classic Dublin charm
If you’re looking for one of the truly iconic luxury hotels in Dublin, it’s hard to beat The Shelbourne.
The hotel has been welcoming guests since 1824 and sits directly across from St. Stephen’s Green. It’s one of those properties where the hotel itself becomes part of your experience in the city.
Inside, everything feels decidedly more traditional than some of the newer Dublin hotels on this list. The rooms are elegant, the public spaces are grand, and there are several places to eat and drink, including the historic Horseshoe Bar.
The location is also fantastic. Grafton Street, Trinity College and the National Gallery are nearby, while Temple Bar is still within walking distance.
Would I book The Shelbourne for a budget weekend? Probably not. But for an anniversary, honeymoon or special trip where you want your hotel to feel like part of the occasion, absolutely.
3. The Wilder: Best Boutique Hotel in Dublin
Best for: Couples and travelers who prefer quieter boutique stays
The Wilder is probably the hotel on this list that most closely matches my personal travel style.
Set inside a red-brick Victorian building, it has that intimate, residential feeling I love in European hotels. You’re close enough to walk into the heart of Dublin city, but far enough from Temple Bar and the busiest tourist streets that coming back at night feels considerably calmer.
The interiors strike a nice balance between classic and contemporary. There’s plenty of personality, but it doesn’t feel like the hotel is trying too hard to be trendy.
This is also a good option if your idea of a perfect city break involves walking all day, finding a cozy restaurant for dinner and then retreating somewhere peaceful rather than being right in the middle of the nightlife.
For a romantic Dublin weekend, The Wilder would easily make my shortlist.
4. Number 31: Most Unique Hotel
Best for: Design lovers and anyone tired of cookie-cutter hotels
Number 31 is easily one of the most interesting hotels in Dublin.
Hidden just off Leeson Street near St. Stephen’s Green, this boutique hotel combines a Georgian townhouse with a more modernist mews building. The result is wonderfully eclectic, part historic Dublin, part 20th-century design retreat.
Rooms have their own character rather than following one identical template, and the hotel has a much more intimate atmosphere than the larger properties around Dublin city center.
Another big selling point is breakfast. Number 31 has developed quite the reputation for it, which, if you’re anything like me, is always a major bonus when choosing a hotel.
Location-wise, you’re also in a great position for exploring Georgian Dublin while still being within walking distance of the main sights.
If you love finding an accommodation that feels specific to the destination rather than somewhere that could exist in any city, I’d seriously consider this one.
5. Stauntons on the Green: Best Location
Best for: First-time visitors and sightseeing
For location, Stauntons on the Green is difficult to beat.
As the name suggests, the hotel sits directly on St. Stephen’s Green, with Grafton Street less than a five-minute walk away. Temple Bar and the Ha’penny Bridge are also within walking distance, as are Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and several other major attractions.
But what I particularly like about Stauntons is that it still has some character.
Rather than feeling like a large international hotel, the property occupies several Georgian townhouses, with rooms featuring subtle nods to the buildings’ history. There’s also a garden at the back and direct access to Iveagh Gardens.
If this is your first trip and you’re worried about choosing the wrong part of Dublin city, this is probably one of the safest bets on the list.
You’re central without being right on top of Temple Bar, which, in my opinion, is exactly where you want to be.
6. Anantara The Marker Dublin: Best Modern Luxury Hotel
Best for: Spa weekends, couples and contemporary luxury
If The Shelbourne represents classic Dublin luxury, Anantara The Marker is its modern counterpart.
Located on Grand Canal Square in the Docklands, this five-star hotel looks and feels completely different from the Georgian buildings you’ll find elsewhere in the city.
The hotel has 187 rooms and suites, an impressive spa, a 23-meter infinity pool, sauna, steam room, gym and a rooftop bar and terrace with panoramic city views.
And honestly, the rooftop alone gives this place a pretty compelling argument.
The biggest consideration is location. You’re not quite as central as you would be at Stauntons or The Shelbourne, although Trinity College, Grafton Street and Temple Bar are still accessible on foot or via public transportation.
On the flip side, the Docklands offer a completely different side of Dublin. The neighborhood is modern, waterfront-oriented and home to plenty of restaurants and cafés.
If the hotel experience matters just as much as sightseeing, Anantara The Marker would be one of my top picks.
7. Zanzibar Locke: Best for Longer Stays
Best for: Longer trips, remote workers and travelers who want more space
Zanzibar Locke is a little different from the other hotels in Dublin on this list because it combines the services of a hotel with the practicality of an apartment.
Located along the River Liffey beside Ha’penny Bridge, the location is incredibly convenient. You’re basically across the river from Temple Bar and within easy walking distance of many of central Dublin’s main attractions.
Studios start at around 26 square meters, while larger suites offer considerably more space. Rooms also include kitchens, which is something I really appreciate when I’m staying somewhere for more than a couple of nights.
You also get communal spaces, a workout studio and coworking areas, so it works particularly well if you’re mixing sightseeing with a little work.
If you’re staying in Dublin for four or five nights rather than a quick weekend, I’d definitely consider Zanzibar Locke. Having more space, and somewhere to make coffee or a simple breakfast in the morning, can make a surprisingly big difference.
FAQ: Where to Stay in Dublin
What is the best area to stay in Dublin for first-time visitors?
For a first trip, I’d recommend staying around St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street or the southern side of Dublin city center. You’ll be able to walk to many of the major attractions without staying directly in the busiest part of Temple Bar.
Is it worth staying in Temple Bar?
Temple Bar is extremely central, but it’s also busy, touristy and known for nightlife. Personally, I’d rather stay a few streets away and walk over when I want to visit. You’ll still get the convenience without quite as much noise.
How many nights should you stay in Dublin?
I think two to three nights is plenty for most first-time visitors. Dublin city is compact, and you can cover a surprising amount on foot. If you want to visit attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle and Trinity College while also having time to enjoy the pubs and restaurants, three nights gives you a comfortable pace.
Should I stay near Dublin Airport?
Only if you have a very early flight or a late arrival. Dublin Airport isn’t where I’d base myself for a sightseeing trip.
If airport convenience is your priority, compare properties such as Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport, Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport or Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport. Otherwise, stay in central Dublin and enjoy the city.
What is the best luxury hotel in Dublin?
For classic luxury in Dublin, I’d choose The Shelbourne. It has history, an unbeatable location and that old-school five-star atmosphere. For something more contemporary, Anantara The Marker would be my pick, especially if having a spa and pool matters to you.
What are the best Dublin hotels for couples?
I’d look at The Wilder, Number 31, The Hoxton or The Shelbourne. The Wilder and Number 31 feel particularly intimate, while The Shelbourne is ideal if you’re celebrating something special.
Can you walk around Dublin easily?
Absolutely. This was actually one of the things that surprised me most about the city. Many of the major sights in central Dublin are close together, so choosing a well-located hotel means you can spend much of your trip exploring on foot.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in Dublin
Dublin may be a capital city, but it doesn’t feel overwhelmingly big, which makes choosing a hotel much easier than in many other European destinations.
For a first visit, I’d prioritize somewhere around St. Stephen’s Green or the southern part of Dublin city center. You’ll be close to restaurants, pubs, shops and the major attractions while still being able to escape some of the crowds around Temple Bar.
If I were choosing purely based on my own taste, The Hoxton, The Wilder and Number 31 would be at the top of my list. For a more luxurious trip, though, it’s hard to compete with the history of The Shelbourne or the spa and rooftop at Anantara The Marker.
Whichever you choose, don’t stress too much about being directly beside every attraction. Dublin is super walkable, and sometimes staying a few streets away from the busiest areas is exactly what makes a city break that much better.
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