I lived in Dublin for 12 years, so I know the city very well. I have stayed in a variety of places both during my tenure in the Irish capital and subsequently when I return to visit 2-3 times a year.
I can personally recommend the following hotels based on my experience staying there.
The Wilder Townhouse
The Wilder Townhouse is a boutique hotel that was once a home for retired governesses. It’s situated in a 19th-century brick building just a short walk to The National Concert Hall and St. Stephen’s Green.
The breakfast here is outstanding, the beds are comfy, and the rooms are named after former residents.
The Dylan
The Dylan is a high-end boutique hotel in a historic building in Ballsbridge. Usually, during the high tourist season, The Dylan is out of my price range and can be upwards of €300 or €400 a night.
However, when I visited at the end of October, the room prices were a little more economical at €190 per night. I loved The Dylan.
It’s close to the vibrant shops, restaurants, and pubs on Baggot Street, and within walking distance to Dublin City Centre.
I found the room I had in the new wing of the hotel to be very quiet and well-insulated with a window with views overlooking Ballsbridge.
The Charlemont Hilton
The Charlemont Hilton is conveniently located along the Grand Canal and within easy walking distance of Dublin City Centre, Ranelagh, and Rathmines. I found the hotel room to be well-insulated from noise and I got a great night’s sleep.
The Marker
The Marker is a posh 5-star hotel with a fabulous rooftop bar in Grand Canal Dock. I isolated for a week here when I unexpectedly tested positive for COVID while back in Dublin for a conference. The rooms are spacious and super-comfy.
Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
The Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge is close to the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) and Aviva Stadium. The Clayton is an ideal choice if you are in town for an event at the RDS, a sports match, or a concert.
From the Clayton, you can easily get to Sandymount, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Dublin along the Irish Sea. You can also walk into Dublin City Centre in about 30 minutes and public buses heading to town pick up on the street right outside the hotel.
The Clayton is a more budget-minded option than places like the Dylan or The Marker. I also adore the Victorian architecture of the building the hotel is housed in.
The Schoolhouse
I can also recommend a hotel that my family has stayed in. The Schoolhouse Hotel is truly unique and is located in a historic schoolhouse along the Grand Canal in Ballsbridge.
It’s also home to one of my favorite pubs in Ireland. We lived next door to The Schoolhouse for years, so I’m very familiar with it even though I haven’t personally spent the night here.
In my experience, the best neighborhoods to stay in Dublin depend on your preferences. If you want to be in the heart of it all, stay around St. Stephen’s Green. Ballsbridge or Grand Canal Dock is a good choice if you want to be central, but not too central.
In general, areas south of the River Liffey are considered more “posh” and areas north of the Liffey can be a bit edgier. I don’t recommend staying in Temple Bar (it will be noisy!).
There are a number of hostels and cheaper accommodations along Gardiner Street on the North Side. This is definitely an edgier part of town and I wouldn’t recommend it.
My travel tips, including where to stay and what to do in Dublin, have been featured on Irish Stew and We Travel There podcasts.
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