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A stroll through the sprawling, shamrock-green quads of Trinity College, or a wander through the atmospheric halls of the university library, shelves heaving with old tomes. A late night spent propping up the bar at a dark, wood-paneled pub with a pint of Guinness, as traditional Celtic music is played in the corner through to the early hours. A morning spent browsing Francis Bacon’s studio or Louis le Brocquy drawings at the Hugh Lane Gallery, before a hearty lunch of beef and Guinness pie at one of the city’s classic restaurants. These might sound like clichés, but they’re also quintessential Dublin experiences—and ones you probably should undertake, especially if it’s your first visit to the Irish capital.
The best hotels in Dublin at a glance:
- The best all-rounder: The Shelbourne
- The most luxurious: The Merrion
- The celebrity favorite: The Westbury
- The best spa hotel: Anantara The Marker
- The best for a business stay: The Alex
Yet the city’s booming creative scene over the past decade—thanks to cultural figures as wide-ranging as Sally Rooney, Fontaines D.C., and Barry Keoghan, to name just a few—has also seen it channel a new kind of energy. “In Dublin, and throughout Ireland, we are seeing a huge reclamation of Irish symbolism, culture and language at the moment,” says creative director Grace Margetson, who regularly works for the likes of Loewe, Chloé, and Georg Jensen. “This has taken over the arts world in a really beautiful way.” (As examples of this attitude, she cites everything from theater makers Malaprop and Thisispopbaby; to musicians such as Lankum and Lisa O’Neill; to the use of Donegal tweed by Jonathan Anderson in his debut collection for Dior.)
It’s visible in the city’s thriving hotel scene, too, with all the very best places to stay in the city channeling a fierce sense of Irish pride. That spans everything from the celebration of Ireland’s rich literary history at The Merrion with its ornate Georgian trappings and James Joyce sculptures, to the Art Deco glamour of The Westbury, to the slick co-working vibe of newer hotels like The Alex.
Another reason to visit Dublin now? The buzzing food scene. “I grew up in Dublin, so I do feel inspired by what my mum used to cook when I was younger and the food markets we used to go to on the weekends in Temple Bar Square,” says Max Rocha, the culinary wunderkind behind the fashion-crowd-favorite east London restaurant Café Cecilia, of his relationship with the city’s culinary culture. The most exciting dish to try in Dublin right now, according to Rocha? The answer might come as a surprise: pizza. His favorite place to pick up a slice is the city center spot Bambino, but he also recommends the charming, no-frills café Assassination Custard—“Ken [Doherty] and Gwen [McGrath] make the tastiest and most honest food around,” he says—as well as the Irish restaurant-cum-bookshop The Winding Stair. (If Rocha’s Guinness bread and sage and anchovy fritti at Café Cecilia are anything to go by, you should certainly write those names down.)
Meanwhile, Margetson’s top tips include Grogan’s pub—“the best Guinness in town, in my opinion, and all the art on the walls is by local artists and for sale”—as well as Vico Bathing Place, where she enjoys a chilly dip in the sea. Another spot that comes highly recommended is the theater and arts venue The Complex, where you can experience the kind of back-to-the-roots but still forward-thinking creative projects she previously mentioned. “One thing I find particularly beautiful in the language is how emotions are expressed: you don’t feel happy or sad, you have happiness or sadness “on you,” as if you’re simply wearing them,” Margetson adds. “It’s why, in the Irish arts, joy and melancholy so often live side by side. That duality feels deeply Irish to me.” And it’s exactly that duality that also makes Dublin an endlessly fascinating city to visit.
Here, find Vogue’s guide to the best hotels in Dublin to stay at now—shared, as Margetson puts it, “le grá,” or “with love.”
The Shelbourne
For anyone who has spent any lengthier amount of time in Dublin, The Shelbourne requires little introduction: sitting in one of the city’s prime locations overlooking the north side of St. Stephen’s Green, within a trio of elegant red brick 19th-century townhouses, it’s the grande dame of Dublin’s hospitality scene. The hotel comes with a seriously impressive history—former guests range from Charlie Chaplin to Barack Obama, and it was even mentioned in James Joyce’s Ulysses—but nothing about the place feels fusty, or like it’s resting on its laurels. You can chalk that up partly to a recent renovation, with many of the rooms being tastefully refreshed in soothing shades of dusky blue and cream, as well as enormous beds draped with Italian linens and marble-clad bathtubs for a soak after a long trudge in the city; though there’s also a sauna, steam room, and an unusually large indoor pool, alongside a well-equipped spa offering Swissline facials and bespoke massages, if you really need to unwind. (Bonus points, too, for the fantastic food on offer at the Saddle Room, the ground-floor restaurant that is also a crossroads for politicians and movie stars passing through the city.)
The real star of the show here, though, is the sunny hospitality: whether you’re a local popping in for a Shelbourne Bramble at the bustling No. 27 bar, or a frazzled guest arriving from overseas late at night (also known as: this writer when I landed in August after a delayed flight), you’ll be greeted with the same level of warmth and thoughtful service. There’s a reason why, nearly 200 years after it opened, business at The Shelbourne is brisker than ever. – Liam Hess, senior lifestyle editor
- Amenities: On-site restaurant, bar, spa, indoor swimming pool, gym
- Editor’s tip: Be sure to book in for a meal at The Saddle Room during your stay – the seared scallops from County Cork and Kells Black Angus beef are both spectacular.
- Address: Scottish Provident House, 27 St Stephen s Green, Dublin, D02 K224, Ireland
The Merrion
If you’re looking for something supremely luxurious and a little more discreet, check into The Merrion. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Merrion Square and St. Stephen’s Green, but still close enough to be an easy stroll from most of the city’s main attractions, this stunning conversion of a rambling network of Georgian townhouses may appear subdued from the outside, but is something of a treasure trove within. After a lightning-quick check-in process, you’ll be led to one of your rooms, which are opulent enough to rival the Ritz while still remaining firmly within the realm of good taste: think matching toile de jouy headboards and sofas, ornate plasterwork across the ceiling, and huge paneled windows that can be slid up and down to let in a morning breeze.
If you can prise yourself from that plush canopied bed, you might consider taking afternoon tea in the leafy courtyard with its sundial statue of James Joyce, or heading down to the subterranean spa for a soak in the Grecian-style pool, or for dinner at the Garden Room where you can enjoy an Irish wagyu burger or roasted pork chops sourced from a farm in County Mayo. (Also worth noting: The Merrion offers one of the most delightful afternoon teas in Dublin, with miniature desserts inspired by Irish literary masterpieces.) Or, you know, you could actually go out to explore the city—though when you’re ensconced somewhere as genuinely lovely as The Merrion, that can feel very hard to do. – L.H.
- Amenities: Two on-site restaurants, bar lounge, indoor pool, spa, gym, babysitting services available on request
- Editor’s tip: Enjoy one of the most delightful afternoon teas in Dublin, with miniature desserts inspired by Irish literary masterpieces.
- Address: Upper Merrion Street, Dublin, Dublin, 2
The Westbury
If you like your luxury hotels with a little pizzazz, then The Westbury is the place for you—there’s a reason, after all, it’s a particular favorite of A-listers passing through Dublin, with previous guests including everyone from Taylor Swift to Bob Dylan to Pele. Not least thanks to its recent, seriously impressive top-to-toe refurbishment, which has lent the jewel-toned, cozy rooms a splashy (but not overdone) touch of Art Deco glamour.
The hotel’s beating heart is The Gallery, a sweeping first-floor expanse that seemed to buzz at every hour of the day, from the groups of well-heeled tourists taking afternoon tea when I checked in, to the dressed-to-the-nines crowd sipping Martinis that had taken over the space (and the neighboring Sidecar cocktail lounge) by the time I returned from a dinner nearby with midnight approaching. A lunch at the hotel’s flagship restaurant Wilde was a particular highlight, with its playful riffs on Irish classics: think seared Kilkeel scallops with pomegranate seeds and curry oil, or Skeaghanore duck breast served with onion squash and an Amarena cherry sauce. (I also noticed the ground-floor restaurant, the all-day bistro Balfes, doing a roaring trade with well-to-do Dubliners popping in after a morning’s shopping on Grafton Street.) It may be rather dazzling on first impression, but I soon discovered The Westbury has plenty of depth too—no wonder it’s a local’s favorite. – L.H.
- Amenities: Two on-site restaurants, bar lounge, gym, babysitting services available on request
- Editor’s tip: Make a reservation at the hotel’s flagship restaurant Wilde, and try out its playful riffs on traditional Irish dining.
- Address: Balfe St, Dublin 2, D02 CH66, Ireland
The Wilder Townhouse
Solving the task of being close-ish to the action while enjoying a quiet neighborhood feel, The Wilder Townhouse sits conveniently within walking distance of Dublin’s city center, but discreetly on tree-lined Adelaide Road with its Georgian mansions and charming ambience. Upon arrival, the first thing you’ll notice is the hotel’s red-brick façade—it’s hard not to. The building dates back to the Victorian era (1878 to be precise) and was originally a home for retired governesses. Its current-day iteration began in 2016 when hoteliers Frankie and Josephine Whelehan snapped up the property, renovated, and flung open the doors once again in 2018.
As one might expect with a historic townhouse such as this, many of the building’s original features have been wisely preserved—original sash windows, fireplaces, and stained glass windows, to name a few. But much effort was also funneled into ushering The Wilder Townhouse into the 21st century, too (just look to the rainforest showers for proof). Come breakfast, guests make their way to the Garden Room for a full Irish breakfast of Clonakilty sausages and field mushrooms. In the afternoon, perhaps after a day at nearby St. Stephen’s Green, the Gin and Tea Rooms serve up local farmhouse cheeses and classic cocktails, like a refreshing cucumber gimlet. In 2024, the hotel was awarded one Michelin Key. – Nicole Kliest
- Amenities: On-site dining available in restaurant, bar lounge area
- Editor’s tip: Splash out on the Lady Jane suite (pictured above) to max out on your cozy stay, complete with a roomy King-size bed and original feature fireplace.
- Address: 22 Adelaide Rd, Saint Kevin s, Dublin 2, D02 ET61, Ireland
Dylan Hotel
To know the Dylan Hotel is to love stories. Originally built in the early 1900s as housing for nurses from the nearby Royal City of Dublin Hospital, the building is catnip for history buffs. Take the ornate and decorative façade designed by architect Albert Edward Murray for example: It was crafted from Ruabon brick and buff terracotta from Wales, and these materials would come to be known as Murray’s Mellow Mixture. Or there’s The Ruby Room, the hotel’s cocktail bar. It is named after Miss Ruby Stokes, who was a matron of the hospital in the 1920s. The bar sits in the same area that used to be her office and bedroom.
After a considerable redesign by Grainne Weber Architects in 2019, the luxury boutique hotel now has 72 bedrooms. It sits within the city’s most prestigious zip code (Dublin 4), with the Grand Canal, Sandymount Strand, and Herbert Park all reachable by foot. There’s The Eddison and Dylan Bar for a proper meal and post-dinner drinks, as well as The Nurserie Terrace, which occupies a south-facing courtyard that’s decorated with Victorian plants. And if you can manage a visit during the holidays, Christmas at Dylan Hotel is the stuff of storybooks. – N.K.
- Amenities: On-site restaurant, room service, fitness center, pet friendly
- Editor’s tip: Upgrade your stay with an in-room massage, available to guests on request
- Address: Eastmoreland Pl, Dublin, Ireland
The Mayson
If you’re catching a show at 3Arena (Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga, and Harry Styles have all performed here), a stay at this Dublin Docklands hotel is the most convenient option. But that’s not the only reason to check-in to The Mayson. The property stretches across two 19th-century waterfront buildings—one a townhome, the other a warehouse (which is topped with a steel extension). The industrial vibe is softened with splashes of color and texture, plus a living wall where plants rise up through an internal courtyard.
The 94-key hotel has three food and beverage spots: Ryleigh’s (a rooftop steakhouse), Elephant Castle (a ground-floor homage to the original warehouse), and The Bottle Boy (an 1860-era grocer turned pub). In the mornings when you need your caffeine fix, Dime Coffee Bar awaits with its custom blend brew. The Mayson also offers an on-site boutique gym—Power Gym—that includes high-spec changing rooms, top-tier equipment, a thermal suite, and a relaxation pool overlooking the central outdoor courtyard. – N.K.
- Amenities: Two on-site restaurants, bar lounge area, outdoor heated pool, fitness center
- Editor’s tip: Upgrade your stay to one of the Mayson’s Townhouse or Warehouse Suites, and indulge in your very own copper roll-top bathtub, right by your bedside.
- Address: 82 N Wall Quay, North Wall, Dublin, D01 XR83, Ireland
Anantara The Marker
A sleek and contemporary landmark in the revived Docklands area, Anantara The Marker is well-suited for both business and leisure guests. The 187-key property overlooks the waterfront of Grand Canal Square and is in convenient proximity to destinations like the National Museum and the 3Arena, plus plenty of emerging restaurants. The modern rooms are awash in a calming, subdued palette, with furnishings from Irish designers. Also, the corner suites offer some of the best views of the canal and Dublin mountains around.
Executive Chef Gareth Mullins is behind the hotel’s restaurant, Forbes Street, while a rooftop bar serves drinks and snacks with vistas of the city. Those in need of a pampering moment should make their way to the spa, where a 23-meter infinity pool, sauna, and eucalyptus steam room await. And for guests who want to explore the area outside the hotel, inquire with the concierge about their experiential offerings, which include everything from coastal freshwater plunges to a guided tour of Kildangan Stud in the countryside. – N.K.
- Amenities: On-site restaurant, rooftop bar, indoor swimming pool, spa wellness center with massages available on request, pet friendly
- Editor’s tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the Anantara’s state-of-the-art spa wellness center, boasting multiple treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, hot tub and an indoor infinity pool which is a feast for the eyes.
- Address: Grand Canal Quay, Docklands, Dublin, D02 CK38, Ireland
The Mont
With just under 100 rooms and a prime location on the corner of Merrion Square, this boutique property makes it easy to check off all your desired sites while visiting Dublin. The bedrooms are modern and bring together bold colors with industrial-inspired details, which extends into the two dining concepts. First, there’s The Sin Bin, which is The Mont’s bar that serves light snacks and drinks. Over at Speranza, breakfast is presented using locally sourced fare amidst contemporary furnishings.
The hotel’s parent company, O’Callaghan Collection, achieved The Green Key Eco Award for its sustainable business practices. This includes initiatives like 100% recyclable materials throughout The Mont, and food and coffee that are locally sourced and fair-trade (among other examples). – N.K.
- Amenities: Complimentary buffet breakfast, on-site restaurant bar, garden area, 24-hour fitness centre
- Editor’s tip: Enjoy locally sourced produce and the use of exclusively recycled materials throughout this award-winning, eco-friendly hotel.
- Address: 1/4 Merrion Street Lower, Dublin, Dublin, 2
The Alex
In the heart of Dublin City center and very close to travel itinerary staples like Trinity College and Grafton Street, The Alex is as well-located as it is stylish. The interiors take a cue from 1950s industrial charm (look for the train arrival boards over the elevators), and an open-plan work hub on the lobby level is a favorite among guests and locals alike. Executive-level rooms have access to the lounge, which is a private, intimate room with snacks and drinks.
As for dining, there are a few different directions you can go. The Carriage Restaurant is open for all meals and serves locally sourced fare in a casual, comfortable setting. The Secret Garden is their al fresco terrace with floral-inspired design and a retractable roof and heaters for when temperatures drop. And Steam Cafe is the in-house coffee shop pouring Cloud Picker Coffee for sit-in and takeaway. – N.K.
- Amenities: Complimentary buffet breakfast, on-site restaurant, coffee shop bar, 24-hour gym, dry cleaning services available
- Editor’s tip: Relax al fresco in The Secret Garden terrace all year round
- Address: 41-47 Fenian Street, (off Merrion Square), Dublin, Dublin, 2
