Best Hotels In Dublin 2025
To choose from Dublin's finest stays, I used my own personal experience and tapped Lydia Rumberger, an Ireland specialist at Audley Travel, for insights. Our top overall pick is the superbly located The Westbury, while The Merrion Hotel is the city's best luxury stay. Boutique lovers will appreciate The Wilder Townhouse, while art and design lovers will want to check in to The Fitzwilliam Hotel and The Leinster. Below, the best hotels in Dublin in 2025.
Lobby at The Westbury. The Westbury Who Will Love It: Stylish travelers who want a central location close to the heart of the action All-Star Amenities: Four dining venues; an exercise suite; Aromatherapy Associates toiletries; chauffeur service What Not To Miss: Afternoon tea is a beloved local affair Location: Dublin 2
Just off shopping-heavy Grafton Street and close to both Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green, The Westbury offers a superb location right in the heart of Dublin's action. Guest rooms here feel both luxurious and modern, and there's an overall unfussy atmosphere (locals can often be spotted enjoying the afternoon tea), which is immediately noticeable in the property's lively, colorful lobby. The service is meticulous but non-obtrusive; every guest's name is memorized at check-in, and you can expect to be greeted by staff as an old friend. While the hotel doesn't have a spa, pool or gym (there is, however, an exercise suite), the effort put into its four dining outlets more than makes up for it. The all-day bistro Balfes, with its cozy outdoor terrace, is a prime people-watching perch, and the 1930s-style cocktail bar The Sidecar is ideal for a pre-dinner drink or two.
Junior suite at The Merrion Hotel. The Merrion Hotel Who Will Love It: Luxury seekers; foodies All-Star Amenities: Manicured gardens; a world-class art collection; expansive wellness offerings; a variety of culinary concepts What Not To Miss: A special meal at Patrick Guilbaud, Dublin's first two-starred Michelin restaurant Location: Georgian Dublin
This 142-room luxury property in the heart of Dublin's Georgian district is a collection of four townhouses dressed up with genteel interiors that deliver a historic and refined atmosphere. Its interior gardens and courtyards provide a lovely escape from the city—as does its tranquil spa—and the property's central location puts guests within easy walking distance of various Dublin landmarks such as St. Stephen's Green and the National Gallery. When it comes to its culinary offerings, no hotel in Dublin (or maybe even Ireland) can compare: The Merrion Hotel is home to the country's first two-starred Michelin restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud. More casual meals await at the Cellar Bar; while modern Irish fare can be savored at the Garden Room. The hotel is also known for its fabled afternoon tea, during which pastries served are modeled after the various artworks found throughout the property. Best Historic Hotel In Dublin: The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
Suite at The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection. The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection Who Will Love It: History buffs; those seeking a classic luxury experience All-Star Amenities: 60-foot pool; six different dining venues What Not To Miss: The massive gym, likely the best gym in Dublin Location: St. Stephen's Green
For history buffs, The Shelbourne, built in 1824, is Dublin's most historic stay. The hotel hosted one of the most important events in the country's history—the drafting of the Irish Free State Constitution in 1922. Over the years, it's also been the hotel of choice for countless notable figures, from English novelist William Thackeray to former First Lady Michelle Obama. Today, The Shelbourne is the largest five-star hotel in the Irish capital, with 265 rooms (19 of them suites), all of which are classically luxurious. The laundry list of public spaces found here run the gamut, from the opulent Lord Mayor's Lounge (famous for afternoon tea) to the guest-exclusive 1824 bar (a handsome destination for a nightcap) to the sumptuous spa, a hideaway that might make you forget you're in the heart of a historic European city. Best Value Hotel In Dublin: The Dean
The Punkbunk room at The Dean. Courtesy of The Dean The Dean Who Will Love It: Hip travelers who prefer a bustling atmosphere All-Star Amenities: Modern gym; pool and sauna; live music at the lobby bar What Not To Miss: Cocktails and views at Sophie's, the rooftop bar and restaurant Location: Dublin 2
The Dean has gained a reputation for its party atmosphere, and it doesn't come undeserved: Sophie's, the property's rooftop restaurant, and The Dean Bar, found in the hotel's lobby, are often lively with guests—both local and visiting. The bar scene here can run late into the night, so if you're hoping to get an early night's rest, this trendy hotel may not be the best choice for you. But for the price, it offers excellent value: Rooms can regularly be found in the $200 range, and all come with modern amenities like giant beds, Marshall amps, Samsung Smart TVs and mini SMEG fridges. There's also a small outdoor pool with an adjacent sauna for guests to use, as well as a modern gym. If space isn't an issue, the Modpod rooms are great for solo travelers or couples who don't mind getting extra close. Best Boutique Hotel In Dublin: The Wilder Townhouse
Garden Room at The Wilder Townhouse. Courtesy of The Wilder Townhouse The Wilder Townhouse Who Will Love It: Couples and solo travelers who value an intimate setting and quirky design All-Star Amenities: Eco-friendly Hopal bath products; an impressive gin collection What Not To Miss: The full Irish breakfast in the Garden Room Location: Dublin 2
Forty-two rooms and suites can be found within The Wilder Townhouse, a red-brick Victorian-era building in fashionable Dublin 2, just a five-minute stroll from St. Stephen's Green. While this intimate boutique hotel is definitely on the snug side (a spa or a full-service restaurant won't be found here), it offers character and quirkiness in spades: Guests can expect to find a ceramic pig sitting on their fireplace, a gorgeous floral-print couch in their living quarters, an antique vanity table next to the bed and a beguiling standalone soaking tub in each room. 'It's a beautiful boutique property in more of residential area of the city,' says Rumberger of the hotel, which is open to guests only. Its firm entry requirements help maintain its discreet atmosphere. Best Hotel For Couples In Dublin: Number 31
Guest room at Number 31. Courtesy of Number 31 Number 31 Who Will Love It: Couples looking for a cozy, intimate escape All-Star Amenities: The honor bar-style lounge; a private garden What Not To Miss: The delicious breakfast spread that's consistently ranked among the best in Dublin Location: Georgian Dublin
From the second guests receive their welcome coffee and biscuits, it's clear that hospitality is a priority at Number 31. This 21-key hotel—a hidden gem on the outskirts of the city center—may not offer much in terms of amenities (no gym, spa or restaurant), but it provides a level of intimacy that continues to resonate. From individually decorated rooms to its legendary freshly prepared breakfast, a stay here is curated with thoughtfulness and warmth. Guest rooms are spread between a gorgeous Georgian townhouse and modernist mews that are connected by a beautiful private garden; townhouse rooms feature grand historic details like intricate tile work and elaborate stucco moldings. Couples in particular will feel as if they're in their own private hideaway, where no request is too large. Best Hotel For Families In Dublin: The Grafton Hotel
Family Room at The Grafton. Andrew Bradley Photography The Grafton Hotel Who Will Love It: Families who want a central, convenient location All-Star Amenities: Four different dining venues; various sustainability efforts (including beehives on the rooftop) What Not To Miss: The Family Rooms (which can sleep up to six) are the best in Dublin Location: Dublin 2
Located near several major Dublin attractions, The Grafton is all about convenience. The modern, glitzy design of its 128 rooms—plus its collection of lively dining venues and bars—might attract adult groups and couples, but its thoughtful amenities make it an ideal stay for families, too. The Family Rooms here are efficiently organized so they can accommodate either four or six people, and all of them feature the same vibrant and colorful style found in other room categories. The Grafton also offers a wide number of packages with traveling families in mind, the most popular of which is the Dublin Zoo package, which comes with a family pass to the zoo. Various other seasonal family-friendly promotions typically include treats and gifts for kids as well as the occasional complimentary cocktail for parents. Best Hotel In Dublin For Design Lovers: The Fitzwilliam Hotel
Guest room at The Fitzwilliam Hotel. The Fitzwilliam Hotel The Fitzwilliam Hotel Who Will Love It: Design lovers seeking a stylish stay All-Star Amenities: Murdock toiletries; Michelin-starred dining at Glovers Alley What Not To Miss: The views of St. Stephens Green Location: Dublin 2
With beautifully designed rooms replete with vibrant hues, bold patterns and inviting fabrics, The Fitzwilliam Hotel has gained a loyal following—Beyoncé once booked out the property for herself and her entourage for a full week. It also happens to be Rumberger's top recommendation in Dublin thanks to its excellent location. 'It's an oasis from the hustle and bustle thanks to the private courtyard in its center,' she says. 'At the same time, it's only a moments' walk to the heart of the city.' Guests here can expect contemporary design at every turn, from Italian furniture to limestone bathtubs. Not to be missed is a meal at Michelin-starred Glover's Alley (named for the glove makers who once ran businesses in the neighborhood), which features an expectedly stylish dining room bathed in rosy pink. Best Hotel In Dublin For Art Lovers: The Leinster
The Rico Suite at The Leinster. Courtesy of The Leinster The Leinster Who Will Love It: Culture seekers looking to wine, dine and gallery hop All-Star Amenities: Steam room and sauna; Brooks & Co bathroom amenities; an impressive art collection What Not To Miss: The Collins Club for cocktails and live music Location: Georgian Dublin
With its gallery-worthy art collection and Ireland's first restaurant by acclaimed French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, it's not surprising that The Leinster draws a creative crowd. The 55-room boutique property, which opened on Merrion Square last spring, is conveniently situated just steps away from Dublin's best art galleries and museums, including the National Gallery. The hotel also features an impeccably curated collection of 300 original artworks, including a piece by Damien Hirst behind the concierge desk. Rooms here feel like an extension of the exhibition, with botanical-themed paintings and a mix of eye-catching patterns and materials. When you're done perusing, the rooftop restaurant, which features Jean-Georges' take on Irish classics with the a view of Georgian Dublin, is the place to be. Best Hotel In Dublin For Spa And Wellness: Anantara The Marker Dublin
Spa pool at The Anantara Marker. Courtesy of The Anantara Marker Anantara The Marker Dublin Who Will Love It: Wellness lovers who appreciate holistic Thai-inspired spa treatments All-Star Amenities: Rooftop lounge with fantastic views; a 75-foot long pool; three food and drink concepts What Not To Miss: Yoga on the rooftop Location: Docklands
Thai-based hotel brand Anantara's exciting expansion into Europe includes this modern 187-room hotel in Dublin's Docklands district—known as the city's tech hub. Bedrooms are sleek and service is friendly, but the stars of the show are the wellness offerings, all inspired by holistic Thai healing. Unique services include facials that use fermented black tea to smooth the skin as well as the Thai Qi massage, a rubdown that stretches and soothes the muscle with an herbal compress. Beyond pampering services, the hotel also offers exhilarating wild swimming excursions in various picturesque waters near Dublin. Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. The travel section is managed by senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, a 7-year industry veteran who's visited over 40 countries, including multiple trips to Ireland and Dublin. She most recently stayed at The Dean in spring 2024.
This story was edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the travel vertical.
For this story, Taran spoke with Lydia Rumberger, an Ireland specialist at Audley Travel. Rumberger shared insights on the best Dublin neighborhoods to stay in, as well as her own personal hotel recommendations. How We Chose The Best Hotels In Dublin
We selected the top contenders based on personal stays as well as extensive research. For this story, Taran spent hours combing through reviews on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, hotel websites and more.
We included options for a wide variety of travel styles, including family-friendly properties and more intimate, adult-oriented boutiques.
We also included properties across a wide variety of different neighborhoods and price ranges. More Travel Stories
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I Was Born Without Arms, but That Didn't Stop Me From Becoming the World's First Licensed Armless Pilot
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We're building it through my nonprofit Rightfooted Foundation International, which is focused on empowering that message that disability doesn't mean inability, as well as helping children and adults born without arms and various disabilities. Aviation is just one of our four programs. Another is providing a tool that helps people without arms get dressed on their own since it's the difference between independence and dependence. We have some ambitious goals. I'm hoping to become the first woman with a disability to fly around the world in a small aircraft in 2028. There are so many places around the world where having a disability has such a strong stigma. Children are hidden at home. People with disabilities aren't given a chance to go to school. They don't get to have a job. Some aren't seen as candidates for marriage or family life. We want to shift that. This flight around the world is going to show that if I can fly a plane with my feet, we should not hold back other people with disabilities. When you don't get to see the world, you have a limited perspective. The moment you see there's more, it opens up your world to possibilities. For instance, when I travel on my own, it's a great feeling of not just seeing another destination, but also the act of doing an international solo trip. Even the small things, like carrying luggage, requires a creative solution. Sometimes, it's scary not to have anyone to lean on, but when you put yourself in a bit of a scary position, it stretches the best version of yourself. Last March, I was on a long international flight sitting in economy plus. I couldn't use the table for eating a meal. The flight attendant thoughtfully brought out a huge tray—the one that holds meals in the top part of the cart—and put it on the floor in front of me, and we made a makeshift table. 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A man has made travel an unpredictable adventure by throwing a dart at a map of the world while blindfolded — and visiting whichever country his darts happen to hit. Sorin Mihailovici, 48, a small business entrepreneur, started the journey in 2012 after telling a friend he wanted to "wake up one morning and throw a dart at a map and go there." Mihailovici began by visiting far-flung places like the North Pole, Russia and Indonesia, originally taking annual trips but now traveling to up to 16 destinations a year. The trips were initially funded by his savings and later through partnerships with companies, per SWNS. He doesn't travel to the exact spot where his dart lands, but begins in the country's capital because some nations, such as Uruguay, are too small for precise targeting, said Mihailovici. Mihailovici's favorite countries so far include Iceland, Argentina and Thailand, while Madagascar ranked "hands down" as his least favorite, he said, due to a "misconception" shaped by the animated movie sharing its name and locals who "didn't have the best intentions." Praising Vietnam, Mihailovici, a Canadian, insisted its cuisine is "the best street food I've ever had," and noted it was the cheapest destination that he's traveled to, SWNS reported. Some countries, especially in Scandinavia like Norway and Sweden, and places like Switzerland and the Maldives, can be quite expensive, he pointed out. Mihailovici's travel show, "Travel by Dart," features footage from his trips. He began editing and publishing the clips during the COVID pandemic, eventually selling the concept to a distribution company, as SWNS reported. "While we were at home, I started editing all those materials from every country and created a season of 13 episodes," he said. "Most of the time it's just me on location. I hire a local videographer, film and create episodes for YouTube — and over the years, I've started doing a show for Amazon Prime." Despite the unpredictable nature of his travels, Mihailovici said he isn't afraid of dangerous destinations. He was in Iraq recently, he said. "People said, 'Are you crazy?' Maybe it was not safe, but nothing happened to me. We went to Baghdad and Babylon. It was great. I was eating camel every day," Mihailovici told SWNS. He admitted he was "a little scared" about going to Iraq given the political situation, but was determined to follow through with wherever the dart suggested he go. "It was great. I was eating camel every day." "The idea is to visit the whole world, each and every country by dart," Mihailovici said. "I did all the big ones that are larger on the map," he said. "The smaller ones are hard to hit, and I'm also blindfolded [while throwing the dart], so I can't pinpoint it to a certain continent." Mihailovici said he hopes to continue expanding his travel list. He said Australia and Spain are his next dream destinations, though he admits they're "hard to hit" and plans another dart throw in August, according to SWNS. Among the countries he's traveled to so far are Easter Island, Indonesia, Bermuda, Portugal, Cuba, Thailand, Colombia, Brazil, Italy, Iceland, Greece, Japan, Antarctica, Germany, Vietnam, India, Turkey, South Korea and Yemen, SWNS reported. Mihailovici said hotels sometimes offer gratuities to be featured in his show, per SWNS.
