The best budget-friendly hotels in Dublin, from great locations and comfortable rooms to stellar facilities
Dublin is by no means an inexpensive city, but even here it’s perfectly possible to stay on a budget – and comfortably too. Whether you're planning a visit around St Patrick's Day, shopping, beer-tasting, walking or simply culture cruising, the budget hotels in this gregarious city won't break the bank. Many hoteliers understand the importance of affordability twinned with designer comfort, and each of the hotels below is excellently situated, smartly finished, and friendly. What's not to love.
The Gibson Hotel
Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
The Gibson, perched close to the banks of the river Liffey with views across Dublin Bay, offers the wide skies and bracing air of a seaside hotel. Service is taken seriously here and there are a few notable facilities – no pool, but a complimentary ‘chill-out zone’, complete with sauna and steam room, hot tubs, and balcony. A proliferation of art – paintings, tapestries, sculpture, often on a musical theme – adds a definite and impressive touch of individuality. One of the three impressive greenery-filled gardens is open to guests. The city centre is a 10-minute tram ride. Read expert review From ￡82 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Devlin
Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
The Devlin is beautifully finished and situated at the heart of one of Dublin's most fashionable districts, Ranelagh. Interiors are smart: think herringbone floors, wooden ceilings, and a constellation of original artworks – including a high proportion of Irish pieces – on the walls. Standard rooms are on the compact side, but smart design – in particular cunning fenestration – removes any sense of lack of space. There's a stylish rooftop restaurant and American-inspired cocktail bar, as well as on-site cinema. Read expert review From ￡107 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Maldron Hotel Smithfield
Dublin, Ireland
7Telegraph expert rating
This pleasant hotel fronts historic Smithfield square which was once the site of the city's colourful horse market and has been revamped as a striking urban space. Many excellent attractions can be found within a minute's walk, including the lovely Lighthouse art-house cinema, Cobblestone Irish traditional music venue, and Jameson Irish whiskey distillery. Interiors are thoroughly modern, bright and airy, boasting lots of space and greenery. Splurge for a Balcony room for splendid views of the Dublin skyline and mountains. Read expert review From ￡84 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Dean Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
The moody dark notes of the hotel's exterior give way to a more sparkling, fun vibe within. Think chrome tables and smooth concrete walls contrasting with salvaged American oak, wood-burning stoves and vivid carpets. There's a definitely retro feel to the Dean too, in the form of old-style record players, complete with LPs available to all guests. It's a smallish urban hotel, so no gyms or saunas, but it's central, there's a good range of rooms and prices, a gregarious lobby to kick back in, and a wonderful rooftop terrace with an excellent restaurant. Read expert review From ￡95 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Mespil Hotel
Dublin, Ireland
7Telegraph expert rating
A four-star hotel with a pleasant, sturdy character of its own: its former life as a 1960s office building means the property has large windows, good dimensions and a general airiness, and it's just a short walk from the city centre. Rooms are spacious, with muted palettes set off by splashes of yellow and touches of beech trim. Mineral water and tea and coffee-making facilities are available – upgrade for such extras as coffee machines and air-conditioning. There's a decent fitness suite and free parking is available. Read expert review From ￡103 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
The original building, dating from the 1880s and built as a Freemasons’ orphanage, offers Victorian architecture at its most handsome and ornate: look out for splendid mosaic-work, stained glass, and intact fixtures and fittings. By contrast the central atrium is bright and airy – and this sense of space continues in the garden-level public spaces. It’s all calm, quiet and attractive. The location is ideal: prosperous, well-heeled Ballsbridge offers a range of eateries, pubs and manicured parkland a couple of miles south of the central city. Read expert review From ￡80 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Wynn's Hotel
Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
Wynn’s has long been family-owned and operated, and this culture shows in good, smart, assiduous service. Expect the hotel’s roots in the area to manifest in a plethora of details on Dublin’s sights and cultural offerings; staff will be happy to set up tickets for plays, sights and bus tours. There's a spacious gym on-site, and there’s also ample parking – a welcome detail. The hotel is extremely comfortable and low-key: come expecting good, plush furnishings, rather lovely stained glass, polished wood and mirrors, and a Victorian-esque solidity of style. Read expert review From ￡103 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Pembroke Townhouse
Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
Come to Pembroke Townhouse for an elegant but homely alternative to the big hotels. Behind the late-Georgian fa?ade, you’ll find handsome period furniture, a working fireplace in the hall and a splendid staircase to add a touch of drama. This antique look does not, however, run throughout the house: the modern wing feels thoroughly contemporary. It's about a mile and a half from the city centre but there's a wide selection of bars and restaurants nearby, and good transport connections. Read expert review From ￡85 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Ariel House
Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
This seriously impressive guesthouse is located in green, well-heeled Ballsbridge just a stone's throw from the city centre. The two beautifully conserved red-brick Victorian properties, complete with modern wing enclosing a mature garden, feel both relaxed and elegant. And cosy too, with big comfortable sofas and a grand piano in the Drawing Room. Expect attentive staff, masses of information on local attractions and sights, and hearty breakfasts. Other nice touches include afternoon tea in the drawing room and an honesty bar. Read expert review From ￡94 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
All prices cited are starting rates for double rooms, based on two people sharing, in low season. These prices are subject to change in high season and during popular holidays and events.