Where To Stay In Dublin for a First Time Trip: 6 Luxury Hotels Reviewed

ByNishi V Updated on
Junior Suite at the Morisson Hotel, Dublin, nishi v, www.nishiv.com, 1

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When it comes to places to stay in Dublin, there are a ton of options – but it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. It largely depends on what you want to see and do during your visit.

Do you want to unwind and be away from the crowds? Perhaps you want to stay in a place with easy access to the nightlife? Maybe you want to be further away from touristy spots but close to public transport? Whether you’re looking for a luxury chain or a boutique hotel to stay in, I have you covered in this guide on where to stay in Dublin. 

I’ve stayed at 6 different hotels in Dublin, many of which I’ve reviewed. So I thought it may be helpful for me to put together a post, comparing them all to one another.

Please remember that prices obviously change all the time depending on your search criteria, where you search, time of booking and number of people etc. However, I searched for a double room for 2 adults, in two months’ time, so that I compare the prices for booking a room at each hotel in advance.

Quick guide: best area to stay in Dublin at a glance

If it’s your first time visiting Dublin, staying centrally puts you right in the heart of the city where you’re just moments from historic and cultural attractions.

If you just want the highlights on the best area to stay in Dublin, then this is all you need to know.

  • St. Stephen’s Green/Merrion Square: Ideal for sightseeing, museums, parks and being central to Trinity College, Dublin Castle and shopping. This area offers a slightly calmer vibe than Temple Bar.
  • Grafton Street: Dublin’s main shopping street, bustling with locals and tourists, providing excellent access to everything.
  • Temple Bar: The heart of Dublin’s pub scene, perfect if you want to be immersed in nightlife and music, but expect crowds, noise and higher prices. 
  • Smithfield: Trendy, up-and-coming area north of the Liffey with the Jameson Distillery, Luas (tram) access, and a mix of chic spots and historic character. Accommodation is slightly more budget-friendly, while being within walking distance of the city’s best sights. 
  • Portobello: A stylish, residential area with canals, pubs, and restaurants, offering a more authentic local experience within walking distance.
  • Ballsbridge/Donnybrook: Upscale, leafy suburbs with good hotels, B&Bs, and easy bus access to the city centre.

Tips for First-Time visitors to Dublin:

  • Stay on the Southside: Most main attractions are south of the River Liffey, making it easier to explore on foot. Personally, I didn’t get good vibes staying on the Northside so I would always opt to stay south of the Liffey for future trips.
  • Transport: Dublin is easy to get around whether you choose to walk or take advantage of the city’s Luas tram, DART train and bus network. Staying near a line or major bus route helps.
  • Noise vs. Buzz: Decide if you prefer the constant buzz (Temple Bar) or a quieter base with easy access (St. Stephen’s Green/Portobello.

6 Luxury hotels in Dublin reviewed

THE RIU PLAZA THE GRESHAM

23 O’Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin, D01 C3W7

RIU PLAZA THE GRESHAM HOTEL DUBLIN, WHERE TO STAY IN DUBLIN REVIEW, NISHI V, NISHIV, WWW.NISHIV.COM

Location: North of the Liffey and directly across the road from a Luas (tram) stop. Most of the major tourist sites and shops are a short walk or tram ride away, however O’Connell Street is a busy, bustling street at all times of the day and night. The North side, in my opinion is also quite gritty and not the most pleasant area to stay in.

Perfect for: Those who enjoy walking around the city and don’t mind a bit of noise on a busy road.

Read my full review of The Gresham here.

Check availability > Book The Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin

TEMPLE BAR HOTEL

13-17 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 WD51

Temple Bar Hotel, Dublin Review, Nishi V

Price: £128 per night.

Location: As the name would suggest, this hotel is located right in the heart of Temple Bar; home to all the touristy nightlife.

Perfect for: Couples, hen/stag parties or short trips to the city where you want to be close to all the bars and popular tourist sites. One to avoid booking for your granny though!

Read my full review of the Temple Bar Hotel here.

Check availability > Book The Temple Bar Hotel

Where To Stay In Dublin, 6 luxury hotels in dublin

HILTON DUBLIN

Charlemont Pl, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 A893

hilton charlemont dublin review, nishi v, nishiv

Price: £133 per night.

Location: The Hilton Dublin is pretty far from the city centre, with nothing near by aside from a pub and small supermarket. There is however a Luas (tram) stop directly outside the hotel.

Perfect for: Those want to stay away from the hustle and bustle, plan to hop on the Luas each day and you’re not fussed about the location you stay in, this may be a good choice for you.

Great atmosphere in the pub, by the way, and the hotel bar serve some great coffee!

Check availability > Book the Hilton Dublin

THE TRINITY CITY HOTEL

Pearse St, Dublin 2, D02 FW96

TRINITY CITY HOTEL DUBLIN REVIEW, www.nishiv.com, nishi v

Price: £135 per night.

Location: It doesn’t get much better than this glamorous gothic hotel to be honest. Most of the major sites are within a short walk, including Temple Bar. So you’re close enough to the nightlife, but far away enough not to be disturbed by the noise of it all.

Perfect for: Everyone; couples, families, hen/stag parties, business travellers etc. Particularly great if you’re visiting somebody at Trinity college as it’s just across the road from here!

Read my full review of The Trinity City hotel here.

Check availability > Book The Trinity City Hotel

Where To Stay In Dublin, 6 luxury hotels in dublin reviewed, Nishi V

THE MORRISON DUBLIN

Ormond Quay Lower, North City, Dublin 1,  D01 K5X5

A fabulous stay at the Morrison Doubletree by Hilton, Dublin, Nishi V, www.nishiv.com

Price: £179 per night.

Location: This hotel is again on the North side of Dublin, however it’s just on the edge, facing the river. It’s by far my favourite hotel in Dublin; I have stayed here on 3 separate occasions, so any reservations I have about the north side don’t matter.

Dublin is a small city, so everything is within walking distance; nightlife, restaurants, tourist sites etc. However, the nearest Luas stop is a 15 minute walk away. The road that runs parallel to this hotel; Capel Street and some of the side streets off this road are home to some of the best restaurants I’ve been to in the city.

Perfect for: Everyone; couples, families, business travellers etc.

Read my full review of both our stays at The Morrison Dublin here.

Check availability > Book The Morrison Dublin

INTERCONTINENTAL DUBLIN

Simmonscourt Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin, D04 A9K8

InterContinental Dublin Hotel Review, Nishi V, www.nishiv.com

Price: £210 per night.

Location: The Intercontinental Dublin is 10-15 minute taxi ride away (traffic dependant) from the city, so it isn’t centrally located. However the hotel is beautifully opulent and set in a quiet location. The nearest railway station; Sandymount is a 10-minute walk away.

Perfect for: couples in need of a little pampering for a weekend away.

Read my full review of The Intercontinental Dublin here.

Check availability > Book the Intercontinental Dublin

Read more about Ireland:

Where To Stay In Dublin, 6 luxury hotels in dublin reviewed, Nishi V

Need help planning your trip from start to finish?

Check out these helpful links:

Read the full reviews of some of the hotels we stayed at in Dublin:

Nishi is an award-winning UK travel writer and content creator with a love for cultural travel, soft adventure and destinations beyond the obvious. After exploring 50+ countries across four continents, she has a particular soft spot for Asia. She shares thoughtfully curated travel guides and itineraries.

From boutique hotel stays and scuba diving adventures to vegetarian foodie finds and detailed itineraries, Nishi helps over 40,000 people per month plan meaningful trips that feel memorable.