The best hotels in Dublin to book right now

The Leinster lies in a moment of calm between the hubbub of Merrion Square and the popular Grand Canal. From the outside, The Leinster is a peaceful home away from home, if that home was brimming with cutting-edge design choices, an outdoor hot tub, and a celebrity chef. In this 55-room boutique hotel, every detail feels intentional – yet form follows function, and that adds up to an elevated stay. The 55 rooms range from 16sqm to the 40sqm suites that feature a copper bathtub and balcony overlooking Georgian Dublin.

The Collins Club by the lobby serve a smart range of impeccably balanced cocktails, labelled with their main flavour rather than groanworthy puns. Many of these cocktails are concocted in their basement lab, like the Palo Santo Paloma (€16): a tangy grapefruit option, infused with the earthiness of Palo Santo sticks sourced from Latin America. The restaurant is a feast for the eyes before you’ve taken a bite: on the top floor, its glassy exterior offers sweeping views of the hodgepodge roofs of urban Dublin, and the inviting booths, backlit bar, and wooden panel ceiling deliver a warm ambience.

Any spa facility that’s free for guests in a city centre hotel is immediately welcome. Beeline through the fitness room that houses a myriad of equipment (apart from elliptical machines) to get to the outdoor hot tub. It fits around five people comfortably, so it might get squeezy at peak times. Downstairs, the sauna and steam room aren’t the hottest, but it’s a nice compact facility with extra dressing gowns and slippers in case you left them in your room like this forgetful reviewer. The Leinster won’t suit every budget, but for the most part, it’s worth the splash-out – few things are ordinary here, and the design and detail are gifts that keep giving.

Time Out tip: Pay attention to the aesthetics. Embedding the hotel within the bosom of Dublin’s creative community, all 300-odd paintings in the hotel are from Irish artists – except for the most prominent one, strangely: the Damien Hirst piece behind reception.

Address: 7 Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 WK33

Closest transport: Holles Street bus stop

You wouldn’t expect a hotel in Dublin’s Docklands to channel Ibiza beach vibes, but on a sunny day the rooftop at Anantara The Marker does exactly that. Since Anantara took over in 2023, the 2013-built property has been refreshed with their signature luxury touch. On my visit in August 2025, Dublin was basking in a heatwave, making the rooftop the city’s best perch – though the hotel’s appeal extends well beyond the weather. Set beside Grand Canal Dock, the area buzzes with energy – kayakers on the water, locals at canal-side bars, and striking modern buildings that give it a distinctive edge. The Marker’s façade, inspired by Ireland’s dramatic coastal geology, blends seamlessly into this creative hub. Inside, sleek contemporary design and generous rooms meet standout views of Dublin and the Wicklow Mountains.

Rooms are spacious throughout. The décor combines dark textured walls with brass lighting, while bathrooms feature marble finishes, deep tubs, and seaweed-based Voya products. Thoughtful details include silent air conditioning and excellent soundproofing. Dining is a highlight. The Rooftop Bar and Terrace offers a stylish setting with bouclé chairs and views over the Docklands. Downstairs, Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins celebrates top Irish ingredients: a vibrant gazpacho, buttery steaks, and flavourful bearnaise with smoked tomatoes. Breakfast is exceptional, featuring local cheeses, fresh fruit, and even a champagne trolley.

Service is cheerful and attentive, and the spa is a standout: an elegant infinity pool, eucalyptus steam room, sauna, and large hot tub, all free for guests. Treatments use Elemental Herbology and Seabody products, and occasional rooftop yoga adds to the experience. The Docklands is a short walk from the city centre, with top dining nearby and a relaxed waterside feel. Modern, polished and full of personality, Anantara The Marker is one of Dublin’s finest contemporary stays.

Time Out tip: Our only gripe with this hotel is the vibes at the rooftop bar – if you haven’t booked in advance, you might get ushered away. 

Address: Grand Canal Quay, Docklands, Dublin

Price per night: starting from €449 per night, B&B

Closest transport: Dublin Airport is a 20-minute drive away

It takes time for new hotels to get the recognition they deserve, even when bringing something the city’s never seen before. While Dublin’s hotel scene almost had all the bases covered, with everything from castle-bound accommodation to trend-setting urban stays, The Chancery has swooped in to pioneer the ‘high spec, low environmental impact’ category – and it won’t take long to notice how tech-heavy The Chancery really is. Both tech and sustainability are the building blocks upon which the hotel was founded. Didn’t think the two could go hand in hand? This place is the only evidence you need to know that isn’t true. They’re showing their dedication to the cause through water recycling, preventative measures against noise pollution, reclaimed furnishings, self-generating electricity and sensors that switch off lights and heating when no one is in the room.

Downstairs offers but a taste of tranquillity compared to the bedrooms; pared-back and thoughtfully curated for maximum functionality, prepare to relax while the tech does all the work – literally. Capitalising on technological advances is understandably a standard practice for new openings in this digital era, but The Chancery has taken things to the next level: the bedside interface quickly became my best friend, with buttons that controlled every light fixture and even the curtains – a sci-fi delight for the technologically challenged. The bathroom door was also button-operated, and there’s a touchpad outside the door with a ‘do not disturb’ feature, changing colour to signify your wish for a turndown service. It’s all very exciting stuff.

The highlight of any stay is undoubtedly dinner at the on-site restaurant, Fawn. A glass wall divides the restaurant from a foliage-infested stone wall with an integrated pond, somewhat resembling a zen garden – a lovely and unique view to have during dinner. The dining area matches the calm of the outside, with warm lighting, deep colours and Art Deco influences, and the menu is stuffed with well-considered, ingredient-driven seasonal dishes. 

Time Out tip: Make sure to dedicate a few hours to unwinding in the wellness hub, a cave-like room with a high-powered Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and some intensely relaxing rainfall sounds.

Address: 21 Ship Street Great, D08 AFY9

Closest transport: Werburgh Street stop 2310

Dublin doesn’t get more refined than The Merrion, an 18th-century townhouse with Ireland’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Its pristine rooms and manicured gardens are decadent delights, aided only by staff who insist nothing is too much trouble. Occupying a wide block of faultlessly restored townhouses dating back to the 1760s, the Merrion radiates formal elegance and period charm. Country-style furnishings, open fireplaces, and servant closets are paired with Nespresso machines, plentiful USB ports, and a range of free movie options for the flat screen. When it comes to the rooms, there are only three options, each exceptional. Rooms have views of either Merrion Gardens, the government buildings or the laneway; go for Merrion Gardens – quite the backdrop to a morning coffee.

In addition to its 143 rooms and suites, the world-class hotel is home to the most extensive private collection of nineteenth and twentieth-century art in all of Ireland. Its halls resemble a world-class gallery (and drop many of the same names). Stucco ceilings and sweeping staircases cement the vintage vibe, while abundant light and neutral tones help usher the space into modern times. From the atmospheric Cellar Bar and airy Garden Room to the secluded cocktail club and 2-Michelin star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, food and drink options abound. The afternoon “Art Tea” in the Drawing Rooms features pastries inspired by the hotel’s collection. With an onsite fitness centre, blue-tiled pool, and tranquil spa, you won’t have to feel guilty for indulging.

And indulging is exactly what you’ll be doing with a stay at the Merrion. This is the Irish capital’s most luxurious five-star hotel, the dictionary definition of magnificence and the perfect base from which to explore the Fair City. There is a real history of luxury built into the walls of the hotel, so be sure to check out the Merrion History Book to get a deeper understanding of the hotel’s character.

Time Out tip: Request a garden-view room to get the most for the hefty price tag. Concierge can arrange walking and cycling tours of the city, complete with picnic baskets and Merrion rain jackets. 

Address: Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2

Closest transport: Merrion Row bus stop

Dublin’s hippest hotel, The Dean, is an urban sanctuary for creative types. Located smack dab in the city centre, it doesn’t hide its buzzy surroundings, providing earplugs at check-in to help block out late-night noise from nearby hotspots. The hotel’s 52 rooms range from tiny Mod Pod double to a two-bedroom, two-bath penthouse. Quirky and cool, each one has a rain shower, record player, Nespresso machine, and a smart TV with Netflix access, with the aura ranging from ‘punk bunks’ to suites where all-back-to-mine parties are welcomed – as demonstrated by the fully-stocked Smeg fridge and Marshall speakers. The James and the Dylan Suites are colourful and glorious, with awesome free-standing baths. But if it’s just the two of you? Even the small double will do just fine. The list of helpful features goes on forever, but it’s the funky, friendly atmosphere that secures its lasting impression.

Vibes extend from the basement nightclub to the rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar, making the hotel popular with stylish locals as well as first-time visitors. In fact, with its industrial chic style and James Earley-curated modern art collection, locals tend to outnumber residents in both. There’s no onsite gym or parking lot, but Dean guests get daily passes for the nearby Raw Gym and a 50 percent off discount at the Q Car Park on Glover’s Alley.

The discounts don’t end there, as the Dean isn’t afraid to give a little back in the quest for new guests. Keep an eye on the website and social media for new offers, and get ready to save a euro or two in one of Europe’s most expensive cities. Still, the Dean is worth every cent, from the comfortable beds to the unbeatable vibes and everywhere in between. And you can’t beat the location.

Time Out tip: Rooms on the road can be a bit noisy as there are clubs nearby, so if you’re a particularly light sleeper, mention that when you book (staff here are super helpful).

Address: 33 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin’s

Price: Double rooms from £210 per night based on two people sharing

Closest transport: Harcourt Luas bus stop

In the south of the city, close to Fitzwilliam Square, St Stephen’s Green and Ranelagh, far enough away from the hubbub to be quiet, but close enough for it all to be accessible, Number 31 is delightful. Somewhere between a bed-and-breakfast and a boutique hotel (it is technically the former), the award-winning Number 31 encompasses both a classic Georgian townhouse and a modernist mews, a place exuding edge and elegance. Hiding in plain sight on an unassuming residential street, it’s well-removed from city din. The understated entrance opens up to a grand lounge complete with leather sofas, modern artwork, and a roaring fireplace, and like any reputable refuge, there’s a secret garden waiting around back. Venture past the back garden to find the Georgian townhouse, which hosts the majority of the cosy rooms with high ceilings, beautiful design and most importantly, Voya toiletries.

The hotel’s polished, period-style guestrooms mimic the reception’s mix of traditional and contemporary, featuring lofty ceilings and plush furnishings. There’s no onsite restaurant, but the organic, made-to-order breakfast is enough to keep guests clamouring for a spot in one of the 21 ensuite rooms. The warm hospitality and lavish, laid-back ambience don’t hurt either. Which room to go for? We like the aforementioned Georgian townhouse best; the cosy rooms are literally that (proper home-from-home stuff) and the art deco look is really quite stunning.

Number 31 was included in the Michelin hotel guide for 2025, and it isn’t difficult to understand why. The hotel claims to celebrate the spirit of the bohemian city in which it resides, and we aren’t about to disagree; there’s something undeniably “Dublin” about Number 31 that adds a fresh layer of charm to an already tremendous stay. Extra points for its connection to trailblazing architect Sam Stephenson, the innovative brain behind these converted stables.

Time Out tip: Don‘t sleep on what’s an incredible, freshly-prepared breakfast. Also, be sure to check out the award-winning Little Museum of Dublin nearby – it’s a lot of fun.

Address: 31 Leeson Cl, Dublin 2, D02 CP70

Closest transport: Fitzwilliam Place bus stop

On East Arran Street, almost directly opposite Temple Bar on the other side of the river, this is a hotel with serious style. The Ruby Molly is a fun-loving hotel right on the river with a brilliant sense of how to pay tribute to the past while still wearing its history lightly. After all, who wouldn’t want to stay in a ‘lovely room’?! The sweetly named rooms give you a bit of extra space, plus a wardrobe and a desk – perfect if you’re here for both business and fun reasons. Dublin can be a chaotic place at the best of times, and the rooms at the Ruby Molly are tailor-made to provide a sense of calm amongst the madness.

The quirky décor used throughout the hotel is a combination of rural-meets-urban, and it’s inspired by the area’s heritage as a place where fruit and veg sellers would congregate to sell their wares after arriving from the surrounding countryside. The River Liffy is within spitting distance, and the hotel makes the most of its location by accentuating its history and embracing the city’s heritage. Don’t be afraid to explore every nook and cranny of this space, and you might find yourself falling for Dublin just that little bit harder.

Life here revolves around the bar area, which does triple service as a breakfasting hangout, a lunchtime pizza joint, and an evening cocktail bar. It is in the evening that the place comes alive, and that massive strawberry is practically begging to be photographed. Simply choose your cocktail and settle in for a night of storytelling like no other. If you favour daytime enjoyment over nighttime adventure, the bar is an oasis of calm when the sun is up, serving delicious coffee in an achingly pleasant environment.

Time Out tip: Breakfast here really sets you up for the day. Fuel up on museli with chia seeds and fruit, or sink your teeth into a thick slice of Irish soda bread slathered in butter. 

Address: 26 - 33 Arran St E, North City, Dublin, D07 YY97

Closest transport: Four Courts Luas tram stop (Red line)

Part brick Victorian building and part modern stone extension, this charming boutique hotel perfectly suits the posh, tranquil community it’s located in. Step into the reception with its baroque chairs, leather-panelled lift and model-like staff, and the Dylan immediately sets out its stall as an oasis of exclusivity with just the right amount of pretension – it’s no surprise it opened at the height of the Celtic Tiger in 2006. Once you enter its imposing doors, a mixture of plush crimson couches, winding staircases, and hospitable staff are there to greet you. Its 72 boudoirs are individually designed with bold furnishings beautiful enough to admire as works of art, and its new wing is a touch more contemporary.

The playful, contemporary glamour isn’t dialled down in the rooms, which are outfitted with brightly-coloured furniture, arty headboards, and metallic mirrors. Quiet, comfortable, and spacious, each one comes with hospitality trays, flat-screen TVs, and gadgets pre-loaded with city-wide walking tours. Perhaps best of all, the stately, smart bathrooms have underfloor heating in addition to a host of Mark Buxton toiletries. Ask for a room in the newer bit of the hotel – the rooms here are especially sleek and modern, and the beds exceptionally comfortable.

Expect to see the Ballsbridge elite if you visit the quirky Dylan Bar or elegant Eddison restaurant, which specialises in contemporary Irish cuisine. The fitness room, front terrace, rear courtyard, and 24-hour room service only add to Dylan’s already noteworthy amenities. The Nurserie Terrace is described as the “ultimate urban oasis,” a half-covered space that serves up some of the best cocktails in town. The Pommery Champagne Bar reopened in 2025 and is a triumph of opulence and regal charm, one to make a beeline for if a high-brow champagne bar is your sort of vibe.

Time Out tip: Get to know the staff – on our visit, they were a highlight, and couldn’t have done more to make us feel welcome.

Address: Eastmoreland Pl, Dublin

Closest transport: Eastermoreland Place stop 2799 bus stop

There’s a finite number of destinations that can offer a castle stay, so all the more reason to head out to Clontarf Castle. Benefitting from a €13 million refurbishment in recent years, it’s made up of a 12th-century castle, 18th-century manor house and contemporary extensions; even its rooms are a plush mix of old and new. Note that there’s not much within walking distance, but that pales into insignificance by the fact you’re staying in a freaking castle.

Dating back to the 12th-century Normans, the upscale Clontarf Castle Hotel offers a beguiling blend of medieval and modern. Victorian renovation accounts for the turrets, ivy-clad walls, and genteel details, while the dark wood accents, fashionable furniture, and astounding art collection can be attributed to more contemporary efforts. Unsurprisingly for an older property, the 111 rooms vary widely – though they’re all luxurious and light-filled. Your choice is standard double or standard twin, but don‘t worry, each of the rooms here is bang-on spec thanks to that recent investment. It shows. Consider an upgrade if you’re craving significant space, four-poster beds, and claw-foot tubs. Surrounded by golf courses, expansive parks, and fresh sea air, the peripheral area offers a welcome respite from city bustle. It’s an ideal location for those planning to explore further afield in the Irish countryside.

The on-site dining experiences range from buffet breakfast to a fancy Irish dinner, including an all-day gastropub menu and chic afternoon tea. Keep your ears peeled for jazz during weekend stays, and you surely don’t need us to explain the charms of jazz in a 12th-century castle. The views from this place are the cherry on top, stunning vistas of sweeping seas and mysterious mountains. It doesn’t get much more classically Irish than a stay at the tremendous Clontarf Castle.

Time Out tip: Head to Bull Island (over the Clontarf Wooden Bridge) and enjoy a nature reserve chock-full of birds, reptiles, amphibians and loads of interesting flora. There are two golf courses too, should you want to spoil a good walk.

Address: Castle Ave, Clontarf East, Dublin 3, D03 W5NO

Closest transport: Clontarf Castle bus stop

On Northumberland Road, in the affluent South Central neighbourhood of Ballsbridge, the Schoolhouse Hotel is perfectly placed to explore The National Gallery of Ireland and Temple Bar. Both are walkable – just head north-west. With origins in the Victorian era, Schoolhouse Hotel served as an actual school until 1969 and was converted into a 31-room hotel in 1997. Luckily, many of the original features, like turrets, soaring ceilings, and timber staircases, remain. In homage to the building’s past, each room is named for an influential figure in Irish history. With king beds, colourful quilts, antique oak desks, special edition wallpaper, flat-screen TVs, and a photograph of their namesake, the quaint lodgings are well above par. We prefer the contemporary rooms here (it’s a mix of contemporary and classic). Go for one of those close to the garden – they’re the newest and nicest.

A former 19th-century parochial school by the banks of the Grand Canal, The Schoolhouse’s nicely restored building makes it a stand-out stay. With high, arching ceilings and wooden beams, the main classroom is now the restaurant, the domestic science room is now the kitchen, and the former teachers’ residence is now a guest room, invitingly kitted out in William Morris designs. Nothing displays the hotel’s architectural beauty better than the restaurant, though. Period details like exposed beams and an ironwork chandelier extend a warm contrast to the modern Irish-French cuisine. It is undoubtedly one of the most charming spots in this most charming of cities.

There is a timeless quality to the Schoolhouse that can’t be manufactured, a grace that can only come with history and experience. Each room leaves nothing to chance, all but guaranteeing an excellent stay in one of Dublin’s leafiest neighbourhoods. One past guest described the Schoolhouse as having a “miniature Hogwarts feel,” and we can totally see what they meant.

Time Out tip: Make sure you enjoy a drink in the garden terrace. It’s a lovely little space, and peaceful as anything.

Address: 2-8, Northumberland Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 P5W8

Closest transport: Dublin Northumberland Rd bus stop

Like its counterparts across Europe, Generator’s Dublin hostel has the priorities of a modern traveller in mind: a cool design, free Wi-fi, enough sockets, and a convivial bar for making new best friends over a pint or several. It’s located in the cool area of Smithfield, and just a whiskey stone’s throw away from the Jameson Distillery, making the Dublin outpost of this trendy chain of boutique-style hostels the perfect base for a social, affordable getaway. The dormitory rooms are cheap as chips, and you can bulk book if there’s a bunch of you. Single rooms are available, too – including a deluxe king that doesn’t feel like a hostel at all.

Accommodation options range from budget bunkrooms to simple en-suites. The hen party suite, complete with a hot tub, a pink sofa, and dressing tables, is the closest thing to luxury (albeit still shared) lodging. High ceilings, exposed brick walls, leather settees, vibrant murals, and Jameson-bottle chandeliers lure travellers and locals alike to Generator’s industrial chic café-bar. The bar is one of the true highlights of any stay at Generator Dublin, a vibrant space that more than holds its own in a city packed with famous watering holes and iconic taverns.

Light snacks are on offer all day, but the breakfast menu’s famous burger is the true gastronomic highlight. When guests can tear themselves from the scene, there are free walking tours of the city and an on-site shop with tickets to the main attractions. Truth be told, the advance of social media and smartphones has completely changed the atmosphere in hostels, and much of the famed community spirit has been lost to the digital world. Dublin’s Generator remains a bastion of kindred energy, making it one of the best budget accommodation options in Europe.

Time Out tip: Check out the free live entertainment on most evenings, as well as a vibrant games room and bar. There’s also a laundry facility in the hostel for when you need to wash your pants.

Address: Smithfield, Dublin, D07 F2VF

Closest transport: Smithfield tram stop (Red line)

A city centre hotel it is not, but in the heart of the well-to-do Ballsbridge, the 153-roomed contemporary Herbert Park Hotel is convenient for the Aviva Stadium, RDS and Dublin’s coastline. Its bland, sandstone exterior may look more like an office park or one of the international embassies located nearby, but light, modern style reigns once inside the 153-room Herbert Park Hotel. King beds, luxury toiletries, and Nespresso machines come standard, but guests can select executive rooms for additional amenities, like expanded lounge space and balconies overlooking the 19-hectare Herbert Park. Both the hotel’s bright, airy public areas and the rooms, with large windows and green views, are ideal for lingering. Best of all, stays are reasonably priced. Hallelujah. When choosing your room, plump for a park view apartment all the way. A drink on your own little balcony, overlooking the flora, is a really lovely thing.

The multi-windowed Pavilion Restaurant also enjoys views of the park, and the veranda is an especially pleasant spot during warm weather. The menu combines international classics with delicious local dishes, with the popular Rack of Lamb frequently receiving rave reviews. The Terrace Lounge in the lobby is an excellent option for something a little less formal, with a friendly atmosphere and a diverse menu that combines with fabulous results.

Though it lacks a pool and spa, the hotel does have a fully equipped gym, two onsite bars, and 24-hour room service. The gym has undergone recent renovations and is all the better for it, with state-of-the-art machines on hand to keep you up to date with your workouts while on vacation (if that’s your sort of thing). The hotel is a popular venue for business events and conferences, which should give you a decent idea of the clientele hanging out in the bar and sweating in the gym.

Time Out tip: Consider this a good hotel if you want to explore: you can park your car easily, and there are even two EV charging points. 

Address: Ballsbridge Terrace, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 R2T2

Closest transport: American Embassy bus stop