As the world comes out of hibernation, many are penciling in ‘travel ‘as a top priority. So, go forth! Give into your wanderlust and check out these luxury hotels in Dublin.
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The Top 12 Luxury Hotels in Dublin
We probably have more hotels in Dublin than Guinness kegs. Anyone in the locality could book a hotel within three minutes, but – if you’re a discerning traveler like myself – then you don’t want just any hotel. You want to experience the very best of a country. So, use this guide to give you the suss on Dublin. It’s the who’s who of luxury accommodation in the capital.
“May the roof over your head be always strong. And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead.”
– Old Irish proverb
Number 31
€€ | 4 Star | Luxury Townhouse | Georgian Building | Designer’s Paradise
Number 31 is an eclectic townhouse that has been lovingly redesigned with respect to the Jazz Age. It was once home to Sam Stephenson, an architect who hosted legendary parties during the 1960’s. In terms of layout, the main property links up with a converted stables through a landscaped garden. This gives guests the option of staying in cottage-like mews, or else more modernist style suites [pictured] on the main property. My favorite feature, overall, is the sunken conversation pit in the foyer – unchanged since the 70’s.
The location of Number 31 also reigns supreme. It’s 10 minutes by foot to South city center spots like Grafton Street, Stephen’s Green, and RHA Gallery. Furthermore, the facilities offered to patrons are plentiful: a minibar, allergy-free linens, deluxe toiletries, and top-notch breakfast in the conservatory. A stay here would be very gratifying for design lovers and those in need of a recharge.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a trip to Dublin, consider bookmarking our dedicated Dublin page, with articles on The Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, Titanic, and more!
The Merrion Hotel
€€€€+ | 5 Star | Luxury Hotel | Georgian Architecture | Pool, Spa and Gym
The Merrion Hotel is unequivocally “extra.” It bestows upon you the most regal place to rest your head. Take the Junior Suite, for example, with its canopy bed, chandeliers, and super-plush bedding. In the afternoons, you can sweep yourself away to the gardens to consume “art tea.” On the plate, each delicacy resembles a painting in the hotel.
As we see, the attention to detail in The Merrion is incomparable. Guests get the further luxury of having concierge staff, valets, personal trainers, and more. Location-wise, it’s a five-minute walk from the South city (the safer side of Dublin city). You’re also no distance from attractions like The National Gallery and National Museum – an archaeological “dead” zoo. I’d say the Merrion is a safe bet for people who feel a little burnt out and want to reward themselves.
Check Out Our Best Day Trips from Dublin
Top Rated Tour
Cliffs Of Moher and Galway Day Trip From Dublin
Spend the day exploring the west of Ireland with a friendly engaging guide and transportation included. In the morning, discover the grandeur of the Cliffs of Moher, the flora and fauna of the Burren, and the Wild Atlantic Way. Then head to the exciting city of Galway to enjoy the center of Irish culture.
(5)
Starting at €68
Likely to Sell Out
Giant’s Causeway and Titanic Belfast Day Trip from Dublin
Spend an amazing day exploring Northern Ireland with your Expert Local Guide. Visit the Giants Causeway, full of folklore, the UNESCO site is often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World. Then head to Belfast for the Titanic Experience with Skip the Line access.
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Starting at €85
The Mayson Hotel
€€ | 4 Star | Boutique Hotel | Stylish | Great for Social Media
A testament to the quality of a hotel is when the locals go there to staycation. In essence, the Mayson has achieved this because of their novelty offerings (copper tubs, Smeg fridges, Netflix, sauna, outdoor pool…) The hotel is also unique in that it’s situated at the neck of Dublin port – a sparsely populated area, which opens out onto the Irish sea. There are many things to do near the hotel, particularly for those with Irish ancestries, such as the EPIC Emigration Museum, famine memorial, and Jeanie Johnston famine ship. On top of that, it’s just a 5-minute walk to O’Connell Street in the North city center.
The magnetic pull of The Mayson is definitely the ultra-cool, polished interiors. It’s a type of “new age” luxury that I think couples of all ages will love. They’re also on point with social media, so there’s plenty of considered spaces for a good photo opportunity.
The Wilder Townhouse
€€€ | 4 Star | Victorian Townhouse | Award Winning Breakfast | Merrion Square
The Wilder is a redbrick townhouse that sits back from a leafy, residential street. Its undisturbed setting makes it the perfect choice for light sleepers (or guests who simply need peace and quiet). The architecture itself is Victorian, but the interiors have been revamped to an art deco style. Inside, you’ll find sunbeam wall sconces, velvet furnishings, and herringbone wood flooring. In other words, no stone is left unturned with regard to the design.
As far as amenities go, there’s a 24-hour check-in, luggage storage after check out, and onsite parking. Moreover, The Wilder serves an award-winning breakfast. Guests can avail of either continental or hot food choices, including a full Irish breakfast. Another appealing part of The Wilder is the gin and tea rooms, where you can sip on craft gins. In this gin parlor, they also provide some light bites (charcuterie boards and “toasties”, aka grilled cheese). Mind you, one would never be stuck for dinner choices in Dublin.
Ariel House
€€€ | 4 Star | Luxury Guesthouse | Victorian Architecture
The Ariel House is based in Ballsbridge, which is an affluent suburb on the Southside of Dublin. Visitors are usually in the area for sporting events in the Aviva Stadium or the RDS, but many do come for the stellar restaurants and gastropubs. To the people passing through, Ariel House proves itself as a “luxury” for many reasons. Firstly, their credentials. They were voted as Expedia’s ‘Top 500 in the World for Customer Service’ and McKenna’s Guide voted them as ‘Top 100 Places to Stay in Ireland.’
The interiors retain all the original features of a Victorian townhouse: four-poster beds, mahogany period furniture and objets d’art. Yet, the ambiance still feels bright and airy (something that’s hard to achieve when you’re sticking with an old style). So, in saying that, this would be a terrific option for people who like all things 19th Century colonial.
The Shelbourne Hotel
€€€€ | 5 Star | Luxury Hotel | Classic Design in Historic Building | Pool, Spa & Gym
The Shelbourne Hotel is an institution for high-class living. There’s two centuries of history in the building, in fact, it was the first hotel to be gas lit in Ireland. During the age of classic Hollywood cinema, The Shelbourne was also the first port of call for stars like Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy. There are six bars and restaurants of varying fanciness, but I reckon guests will find peak luxury in “The Saddle Room” restaurant. How could anyone turn their nose up at a menu with Dover sole and lobster Thermidor?
The Shelbourne basically has it all. Including locality. The hotel runs along the edge of the glorious St. Stephen’s Green, and – never one to stray from comparisons – this is Ireland’s version of Central park. It’s a fantastic choice for guests who tend to check into hotels like The Ritz or The Savoy in London.
“It’s better to spend money like there’s no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there’s no money.”
– Old Irish proverb
The Westbury Hotel
€€€€ | 5 Star Hotel | Classic Meets Contemporary | Grafton Street
The lure of The Westbury is its proximity to Grafton Street; a busy boulevard with designer stores like Louis Vuitton and Balmain. Naturally, this suits guests with deep pockets, who are looking to spend their coinage within a twenty-step radius. Trailing to food, there are three eateries back in the hotel to tickle your fancy: a 30’s cocktail bar, Balfe’s brasserie, and WILDE (a chic, ivy-walled restaurant). Afternoon tea is also par for the course in the lounge. These seats look out at Phil Lynott’s statue (the late Thin Lizzy frontman) and the iconic flower-selling ladies (living beings).
In talk of interiors, The Westbury is a mix of transitional style and glitzy glamour. Imagine muted color schemes with high gloss ceilings, mirrored paneling, and metallic decor. There are lots of facilities too, such as a chauffeur service, dry cleaning, a fitness suite, and a business center. As such, regulars at the hotel are typically tycoons and socialites. Though, I would unexpectedly recommend it as a family-friendly destination. The hotel goes out of its way to accommodate young children, by way of complimentary cots, babysitting services, and a child’s tepee for family suites.
Clontarf Castle Hotel
€€ | 4 Star | Medieval Castle & Hotel | Historic Building
There’s a certain novelty to staying in Clontarf castle. ‘Tis a grandiose place with oodles of history. In the 12th Century, the site was owned by the “Knights Templar”, who fought in the Crusades. Today, the castle – much like the knights – doesn’t hold any punches… Its flamboyant decor is a testament to that. I would describe these interiors as grand millennial or “grandma chic” and I’m here for it.
The “Clontarf” in Clontarf castle refers to the Northside coastal town where it resides. It’s a little out of the city – about a 10-minute drive. However, Dublin airport is only five miles away. I would, therefore, stay here on your last night before heading back to the airport. This way, you can do all the attractions you may not have done otherwise, such as Bull Island, Howth, and Dollymount Beach.
The Marker Hotel
€€€ | 5 Star Hotel | Modern | Gym, Pool, Spa, and Rooftop Bar
The Marker’s facade is instantly recognizable. A big, white, perforated box, not unlike The Broad museum in Los Angeles. Frequenters to the hotel are often staying in the area for business. Dublin Docklands, as it’s known, is a financial quarter in the northern city, with head offices and international trading centers.
Inside, the lobby has a dome-like concrete ceiling, which feels like the lair of a billionaire Bond villain. A View to Kill, indeed. The suites then have purple and yellow touches (so, you would have to be a fan of that color scheme). Considering general amenities, The Marker bears fruit for that, too. There’s a rooftop bar with 360° views over Dublin city, an infinity pool, restaurant, fitness center, and even rooftop yoga. All the above, will make it a top pick for honeymooners, business folk, or just anyone who loves the avant-garde.
“When I die, Dublin will be written on my heart.”
– James Joyce, author of Ulysses
Check Out Our Best Day Trips from Dublin
Top Rated Tour
Cliffs Of Moher and Galway Day Trip From Dublin
Spend the day exploring the west of Ireland with a friendly engaging guide and transportation included. In the morning, discover the grandeur of the Cliffs of Moher, the flora and fauna of the Burren, and the Wild Atlantic Way. Then head to the exciting city of Galway to enjoy the center of Irish culture.
(5)
Starting at €68
Likely to Sell Out
Giant’s Causeway and Titanic Belfast Day Trip from Dublin
Spend an amazing day exploring Northern Ireland with your Expert Local Guide. Visit the Giants Causeway, full of folklore, the UNESCO site is often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World. Then head to Belfast for the Titanic Experience with Skip the Line access.
(8)
Starting at €85
The Westin Hotel
€€€€ | 5 Star Luxury Hotel | Iconic & Classic | Historic Building in Former Bank | Temple Bar
The Westin is an institution for high-class travelers who want immaculate service and repose from the noise of Temple Bar. The building used to be a bank and was designed in 1863, costing twice the estimated price. As a result, it’s quite an impressive piece of architecture – both outside and in, with vaulted ceilings, columns and decorative panels.
Guests staying here can relax with a glass of bubbly in bed, or else take themselves out onto their private balcony. Not that the suites aren’t spacious, of course. Some span two floors! If you’re situated on the Westmoreland side, you’ll be overlooking College Green and the Bank of Ireland. However, the real spectacle is in the hotel’s glass atrium, where you can order afternoon tea and read the papers. All said and done, The Westin is #1 choice for older couples. I would think of it as a central place you can get back to swiftly if you tire easily on vacation.
The Dean Hotel
€€€ | 4 Star | Boutique | Modern | Panoramic Rooftop Bar
The Dean is a slick, boutique hotel with moody interiors, neon lighting and pop art touches. It’s positioned on Harcourt street, which is Dublin’s main district for clubbing and nightlife. Furthermore, it’s just minutes by foot to high-end shopping on Grafton Street.
As the term “luxury” is so subjective, I reckon this appeals to the under 40’s, but I think everyone will agree that the rooftop restaurant here is sublime. The “boutique” nature of the hotel means consumers get special perks, such as in-room record players, Nespresso machines, a minibar, and more. They also make excursions easy, with a tour desk in reception to organize everything for you. Very handy!
Powerscourt Hotel
€€€€+ | 5 Star | Luxury Resort & Spa | Dublin Countryside
Powerscourt hotel is an estate in county Wicklow, which is a 30-minute drive from Dublin city. The Palladian and baroque features are fit for royalty, which was the intention back in 1730, when the first viscount, Richard Wingfield, commissioned the structure. The hotel is more of a grand mansion, really. A stay in such quarters will grant you access to the Swarovski crystal-lit pool, rainforest showers, marble baths, and so on. Is this real life?
Nature lovers among us will appreciate that the hotel looks out onto the Sugar Loaf Mountain. There are formal gardens on the estate, as well, meaning that guests have endless ways to stretch their feet. Not to mention the two golf courses and a selection of restaurants. You’ll want for nothing when you arrive. As Powerscourt Hotel is slightly outside of Dublin, I would suggest booking it as a stepping stone, before heading off to other parts of Ireland. You can take the opportunity to visit other attractions in Wicklow, such as the lakes in Glendalough (30-minute drive) and Poulaphouca Reservoir (50-minute drive).
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