Dublin is a buzzing city that’s small in comparison to other European capitals, but big on things to see, do, and experience. This city has always been able to perfectly balance centuries of art, history, and culture alongside a bustling pub scene, tasty gastronomy, and, of course, that authentic Irish charm.
If you’re looking to stay in style during your trip, there’s no shortage of chic boutique hotels in Dublin to choose from. Some are known for offering luxurious touches and exclusivity, while others are perfect for travelers looking to have fun in the heart of the Irish capital. Here are nine boutique hotels in Dublin that offer elegance, comfort, and a touch of luxury in some of the best locations in town.
The Wilder Townhouse
When you stay at The Wilder Townhouse, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a step back in time to the 19th-century Dublin that was an inspiration for writers like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce. This red-brick Victorian building has a nostalgic feel but offers modern comforts, making it an easy choice for travelers looking to stay in a quiet area that’s still easily accessible to the city center. In just 30 minutes on foot, you can be right in the middle of all the action.
The Wilder has a romantic vibe due to its old-world charm, plush decoration, and rich colors, features that often attract couples looking to celebrate a special occasion. When it comes to amenities, you’ll find gin and tea rooms, a sunny garden, and a bistro that serves breakfast and small bites throughout the day. One plus is that it’s just a stone’s throw away from Harcourt Street, a popular spot filled with bars and nightclubs for those looking to experience Dublin’s nightlife after the sun goes down.
Kellys Hotel
Located in the heart of Dublin, Kellys Hotel is easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Tucked between two popular pubs, Kellys is an adults-only boutique hotel that has a cozy bar of its own for guests to enjoy. The main draw is the location, smack in the city center with plenty of nightlife to explore. This is the perfect place to stay for guests who are looking to get a taste of Irish pub culture and barhopping. In fact, there’s an interior bridge that connects Kellys to the neighboring Bar With No Name so that you never even need to walk outside to pub hop.
Inside, Kellys Hotel is sharp and chic, designed to resemble the bars surrounding it. There are 16 rooms spread over 3 floors, and it’s important to note that there’s no elevator. The house restaurant, which whips up your breakfast in the morning, specializes in mouth-watering modern French cuisine. Most importantly, you’ll find that each room is fully equipped with all the amenities that a modern traveler could need.
The Alex
The Alex prides itself on blending style, comfort, and luxury to offer guests an unforgettable experience in downtown Dublin. This 4-star hotel has everything you need for a relaxing stay: a 24-hour fitness center, a sleek restaurant with private dining, 5 types of rooms to choose from, and 24-hour room service. You’ll find posh decorating throughout that elevates the experience even more.
This hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of popular attractions like Grafton Street, Trinity College, Merrion Square, and several different museums. After a day of sightseeing, head back to The Alex and enjoy a nightcap at the hotel’s cocktail bar to finish off the evening.
Number 31
One of the most unique boutique hotels in Dublin is Number 31, the former home of Irish architect Sam Stephenson. It’s made up of two parts that are connected by a secret garden: the modern Mews Building and the original Georgian-style townhouse.
Once inside, you’ll notice décor that calls back to the Jazz Age everywhere you look. This includes high ceilings, tiles and mosaics, and a comfy sunken living room. Each room has touches of luxury to enhance your stay. You can expect sunken baths, heated mirrors, and plush furniture.
Even though Number 31 doesn’t have its own restaurant, there are plenty of dining options and bars within walking distance. Breakfast is included, however, and is actually the highlight of the stay for many guests.
The Dean
If you’re looking for somewhere fun with a location that really can’t be beaten, The Dean might be just the place for you. Just steps away from St. Stephen’s Green on Harcourt Street, this boutique hotel is snuggled into a row of beautiful Georgian houses. Inside, the interior is industrial chic with modern art on the walls, bright rooms, and Smeg gadgets in the suites.
Once you settle in, you can have a drink and take in the views of Dublin’s city center from the hotel’s rooftop bar. There’s also a rooftop restaurant, Sophie’s, that gives diners the opportunity to sample modern Irish cuisine with unforgettable 360° views of the city.
The Dean also has several private spaces for meetings and parties and is a popular venue for weddings and celebrations.
The Dylan Hotel
The Dylan Hotel, a 5-star boutique hotel, really pulls out all the stops to make sure that guests get a taste of luxury while experiencing Dublin. The hotel is housed inside a historic townhouse just off Baggot Street, making it easy to get around central Dublin on foot.
When you step inside, you’ll be greeted by chic décor that blends both traditional and contemporary styles to achieve a look that’s “artfully Irish,” as the hotel itself describes. There are 72 individually designed rooms complete with lavish furnishings, marble bathrooms, and high-tech gadgets.
Guests can enjoy a drink at the hotel’s award-winning bar and enjoy a top-notch meal at either of its restaurants. The Dylan also has a heated terrace that’s open to guests all year round to enjoy.
Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel
Another opulent choice is Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel a 5-star hotel that sits right on the Grand Canal of the River Liffey. This placement means that you’ll be able to take in some truly incredible views from the hotel’s rooftop bar, including the city, sea, and even mountains.
It’s worth mentioning that The Marker is one of the larger hotels on this list, as it has 187 rooms decked out with plush carpets and furniture, luxurious bathrooms, and all the other amenities that you would expect of a luxury hotel. The hotel also boasts a relaxing spa, fitness center, and pool so that guests can both relax and recharge.
The Marker’s guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet each morning. Throughout the day, they can dine at the hotel’s luxury restaurant or stop for a drink at either the bar or the rooftop terrace.
The Mayson
Also on the River Liffey is The Mayson, a hotel that really is the complete package when it comes to booking a Dublin getaway. The interior is both rustic and cozy, with some of the 83 rooms featuring exposed brick walls, others dark wood paneling, and even more with whimsical wallpaper. There are several styles of rooms based on the amenities that you’re looking for, but each one has plenty of natural light, soothing colors, and comfy furnishings.
The Mayson has several dining options on-site that range from casual pub fare to sophisticated steakhouse fare to cozy café bites. Like many of the boutique hotels on this list, The Mason also has its own pub on the premises. This one dates all the way back to 1860 and retains much of the original charm from its origins.
Well, not that you’ve got a good introduction to the best boutique hotels in Dublin, let us help you see the best of the Irish capital. From checking out the best pubs in the city to touring the Book of Kells, Guinness Brewery, Distillery and Castle, our small-group walking tours will show you the ins and outs of Dublin’s top spots.