With our tours, you’ll have taken the first steps to make that happen. But don’t let the hotel choice be a “that’ll do” solution. I’m sure you’ve stayed in many hotels that you couldn’t fault in any major way, but they also didn’t have any memorable features. It could have been any hotel anywhere in the world. Lost in the noise of those hum-drum aspects of travel.
I know that finding that rare, interesting, memorable hotel can be a very difficult search. Luckily, we’ve already done the work for you.
Below you’ll find our map with our list of the best places to stay. (There should be a menu on the left side of the map. If not, click the icon on the top left of the section.)
Some places feel like they quietly upgrade your whole trip, and Number 31 is definitely one of them. Just off St Stephen’s Green, you slip through an unassuming door into a former architect’s home where a classic Georgian townhouse flows into a mid‑century modern mews, so every hallway and corner has its own character. You can sink into the iconic sunken lounge with a pre‑dinner drink, wake up to one of Dublin’s most talked‑about cooked breakfasts, then wander to Grafton Street, the National Gallery, or your meeting point for a private tour in under ten minutes. It genuinely feels more like staying with a particularly stylish Dublin friend than in a hotel, which is exactly the kind of base that pairs naturally with a tailored, guide‑led experience!
Step into a red-brick Victorian townhouse—once home to governesses—now beautifully styled with rich fabrics, gleaming parquet floors, and striking Irish art. This leafy neighbourhood gem sits a short stroll from Harcourt Street and the canal (so you’ll be closer to local Dublin life), blending history with modern comfort.
Limited rooms make it ideal for couples or solo travellers; secure multi-night stays or group bookings well in advance.
Experience an elegant Edwardian villa surrounded by gardens, featuring four-poster beds and a peaceful village-like atmosphere. Perfect for guests seeking a quiet retreat while staying connected to central Dublin via quick DART access.
With around 18 rooms, it’s well-suited for small groups—just confirm parking arrangements or DART schedules for larger parties.
Enjoy family-run Victorian townhouses offering homely rooms, substantial breakfasts, and genuine local hospitality. This welcoming stay captures authentic Dublin character for guests who value personal touches over corporate polish.
Its compact 12-room layout works beautifully for individuals or couples; book early if stairs present challenges or for parties of 3+ rooms.
A playful, design-led townhouse featuring a rooftop bar, bold Irish art, and vibrant energy—perfect for younger travellers or couples wanting a lively central base. Its prime location puts Dublin’s best shopping and dining at your doorstep. The street is very lively at night with it being the key area for nightclubs. However, we’ve heard good reports that the sound insulation is superb so your sleep should not be affected.
With ~40 rooms that book quickly, it’s great for 2–4 room bookings; rooftop access availability varies by season.
Prime Grafton Street location with polished service and smart rooms for central exploring.
Visit websiteSleek 5-star near Silicon Docks, perfect for modern luxury with harbour views.
Visit websiteElegant Georgian 5-star opposite the National Gallery, ideal for art and culture lovers.
Visit websiteRefined 4-star on St Stephen’s Green with excellent breakfast and discreet service.
Visit websiteStylish 4-star Liffey views, great for business or couples wanting riverfront convenience.
Visit websiteSkip any address in Temple Bar’s core, especially weekends, pub crawl central with sound carrying till 3am. Case in point: rooms literally above the Temple Bar pub itself, where “nightly entertainment” means bass thumps through the walls. Anything a block west of Parliament street should be fine, though.
At Dublin Tour Guide, we speak about history every day — its triumphs, its failures, and the lessons it leaves behind. To do that honestly, we believe we must also learn from history, not just recount it. One of those lessons is simple: small, deliberate choices matter. Collective action matters. Boycotts matter.
We do not recommend or support Leonardo Hotels or its NYX brand. The owner of these hotel groups operates properties in Israeli settlements located in Palestinian territories that are widely regarded as illegally occupied under international law. As a company that discusses colonialism, occupation, and their human consequences daily, we believe it would be intellectually and ethically incoherent to ignore those realities in our own business practices.
Boycotts are not symbolic gestures to us. They are a historically proven, non-violent means of applying pressure and signalling that certain practices should not be normalised. Indeed, Ireland is where the term ‘boycott’ was coined! Choosing independently owned or locally run accommodation is one practical way travellers can ensure their spending aligns with values of fairness, accountability, and respect for international law — while often enjoying more characterful and personal stays.
Ethical considerations also extend to booking platforms. Companies such as Booking.com and Airbnb have listed and promoted properties in the same illegally occupied territories. This is why we aim to boycott these platforms wherever possible and encourage travellers to think critically about how and where they book accommodation.
Contacting boutique or independent hotels directly can support more transparent pricing, clearer communication, and a stronger connection with local hosts. It also helps foster a tourism ecosystem that benefits communities rather than distant corporations.
Travel is never value-free. Every booking decision contributes to a wider system. We believe travelling well means travelling consciously — informed by history, guided by ethics, and aware that even small choices can make a difference.
We have recommendations for Dublin, Ireland and Europe, so choose whatever entices you here or scroll up to our menu for more choice.
Dublin Tour Guide offers the highest quality tours of Dublin. We specialise in private walking tours for discerning travelers.
