Best Hotels in Dublin City Centre

Dublin's most historically significant hotel has overlooked St Stephen's Green since 1824. The Irish Constitution was drafted here in 1922, and the hotel's position as the centre of Dublin civic and social life has never really changed. The lobby, with its marble columns and antique mirrors, remains one of the city's great public rooms. Rooms are classically decorated with Irish craftsmanship throughout; the Saddle Room restaurant is a serious steakhouse; and the Horseshoe Bar is an institution in its own right. Location, heritage, and a level of service that few Dublin properties match.

• historic grandeur
• prime location
• Irish heritage

Four restored Georgian townhouses create one of Dublin's finest hotels — discreet, elegantly proportioned, and home to the country's best hotel art collection. The Merrion faces the gardens of Government Buildings and is within walking distance of the National Gallery. The spa is one of the best in the city, the Garden Rooms are particularly lovely, and the Cellar restaurant serves some of Dublin's most precise modern Irish cooking. This is the city's most complete luxury property: heritage architecture, serious art, outstanding food, and service that remembers your name.

• Georgian architecture
• art collection
• spa

Perched above Dublin's premier shopping street, The Westbury combines an unbeatable city-centre location with genuinely polished five-star hospitality. The lobby lounge is a Dublin institution for afternoon tea and people-watching; the Wilde restaurant offers strong contemporary Irish cooking; and the rooms — recently updated — are among the most comfortable in the city centre. It's the obvious choice for anyone who wants to be within 30 seconds of Grafton Street without sacrificing quality of accommodation.

• Grafton Street access
• afternoon tea
• shopping

The Marker is Dublin's most architecturally striking contemporary hotel — its chequerboard exterior is the visual anchor of the Grand Canal Dock regeneration. Inside, the rooftop bar and pool offer arguably the best panoramic views in the city, and the spa is genuinely world-class. The neighbourhood has become one of Dublin's most interesting areas, with Google, Facebook, and a cluster of good restaurants in the surrounding streets. Slightly removed from the historic centre but connected by a short Luas tram ride.

• rooftop pool
• design hotel
• Docklands

The Alex is Dublin's most characterful mid-range option — a Victorian building turned into an art-filled, personality-packed hotel that bucks the trend of bland international design. The rooms are compact but cleverly designed with bespoke furniture, curated artwork, and proper beds. It sits on Merrion Square, one of Dublin's most beautiful Georgian spaces. The bar is excellent, and the hotel runs a strong events programme that gives it the feel of a neighbourhood hub rather than a transient stay.

• art-filled interiors
• Georgian location
• character