Top 20 Cool and Unique Hotels in Dublin 2023

Compact, carefree with a unique heart and soul, Dublin is the perfect spot for a rip-roaring, toe-tapping, Guinness-supping weekend city break. Now you’ll just need to find somewhere equally as fun to stay. From quirky boutiques to sleek and modern, here are my favorite Cool and Unique Hotels in Dublin, Ireland to help you on your way…

Our Top 3 Best Cool and Unusual Hotels
1.
Dean l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Partying
The Dean Dublin
2.
31 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Award-winning
Number 31
3.
mayson l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Instagrammable Decor
The Mayson
Best For Partying

The Dean Dublin

The Dean Hotel in Dublin

A bedroom with a desk in the Dean Hotel In Dublin

If you love all things hip and fun then this is the place for you! Located in the heart of the Irish capital, rooms at the 4-star highly rated The Dean Hotel are kitted out with all the cool stuff a self-respecting hipster could wish for – Irish Modern Art, Marshall amps to connect your gadgets to, loads of vinyl to play on the very cool Rega turntables, Netflix, snacks, a Nespresso machine and a heap of designer goods to keep you both clean, comfortable and rested.

This unusual Dublin hotel is serious about food and drinks too, from delicious dinners to a tasty cocktail wrapped in a cosy blanket on the rooftop terrace, you can get it all here!

It also has the bonus of being the venue for one of Dublin’s coolest nights out as Sophie’s Rooftop Terrace hosts the super laid back ‘Highline’, bringing New York vibes to Dublin every Thursday to Saturday, 11 pm ’til late. Raise your glasses as the city twinkles beneath you and be prepared to never want to leave!

Pros

Unique creative

and ultra-hip design

Trendy DJ nights and fun atmosphere

Cons

Rooms may be small for big families

Can get slightly noisy

Not suitable for introverts

Best For Award-winning

Number 31

Number 31 hotel near Stephen's Green In Dublin

Insider view of a bedroom in Number 31 hotel in Dublin

The 4-star exceptionally rated Number 31 is one of the most beloved boltholes in Georgian Dublin City Centre and gets many mentions in magazines and websites. Design and architecture buffs will love this ultra-friendly guesthouse which cleverly encompasses a classic Georgian townhouse and a stunning modernist mews by Sam Stephenson.

The rooms at this quirky Dublin boutique hotel have a cool classy 60’s feel combining bold colours and clean lines with the height of luxury and comfort. Guests can enjoy relaxing in the leafy courtyard and secluded garden or the famous sunken lounge (pictured above) and fortify themselves with what is said to be ‘the best breakfast in Dublin’ all organic of course!

All of this is further perfected by the old-style Irish charm and hospitality of the attentive staff! A gorgeous and unique Dublin accommodation option.

Pros

Unique Art-Deco inspired decor

Lovely garden

Pubs and shopping malls within walking distance

Classical Georgian townhouse

Cons

Lack of rooms

No lift

Intimate vibe might not suit everyone

Best For Instagrammable

The Mayson

Hipster hotel in Dublin

Boutique hotel in Dublin

Instagrammable hotel in Dublin

For exceptional and unique accommodation in the heart of Dublin, check out this beautiful 4-star industrial-chic hotel which was converted from an 1870 warehouse The Mayson Hotel offers first-class facilities with trendy and unique decor perfect for Instagram lovers. This trendy hotel located in the city center is part of the revitalization of the Dublin Docklands and was developed from two nineteenth-century buildings, a warehouse, and a townhouse.

This dual character is expressed in design touches like brick walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed steel beams, and cozy coastal decor, all anchored by the solid comfort the Irish are so good at. Great restaurants, and a state-of-the-art gym with a sauna, steam room, and heated relaxation pool help guests unwind and recharge for what the next day will bring.

Mayson Hotel is a 6-minute walk from the Convention Centre Dublin and about 5 minutes from the 3Arena. It is also 10 minutes on foot from the Docklands train station. Hip rooms offer free WiFi and sound systems while upgraded rooms come with record players! Make sure you explore the cool rooftop restaurant, gym, and sauna before you leave! 

Pros

Cool trendy and striking spot

Stunning Rooftop restaurant

Fitness Centre with a Sauna

Great views

Cons

Some rooms can be small

Parking can be tricky

Cocktails can be pricey

Best For Millennials and Gen Zs

Moxy

Trendy place to stay in Dublin

Cool and unique hotel in Dublin

Moxy Hotel Dublin City

If you’re looking for a trendy, fun, and upbeat hotel with a fantastic vibe which matches the city itself then the popular Moxy Hotel Dublin City is a great choice. With colourful interiors, vibrant decor and a sociable atmosphere, this is a great choice for Millennials and Gen Zs. This hotel also has free Wi-Fi and floor-to-ceiling windows, offering excellent views of the city.

Also expect a breakfast buffet (with an extra charge) and a trendy restaurant that is open both day and night, every day. Also handily for these days, Moxy also provides contactless service and a flexible cancellation option.

Pros

Funky hotel with a fun and youthful vibe

Vibrant creative decor

Onsite bar and lounge

Continental breakfast

Cons

Drinks can be expensive

Bathrooms can be small

Limited menu

Best For Boutique

Trinity City

Trendy hotel to stay in Dublin

Chic boutique hotel in Dublin

Hip boutique hotel in Dublin

This opulent but quirky Dublin hotel offers a luxurious oasis in the very heart of the city just opposite the historic Trinity College. The 4-star very highly regarded Trinity City Hotel prides itself on its modern chic versus magical vintage feel and its unarguably impeccable and striking design.

This marrying of the old and the new is reflected in the hotel’s restaurant which offers traditional dishes with a contemporary twist in a choice of beautiful surroundings. The front lounge has panoramic views over Pearse Street, the attractive courtyard garden is a leafy oasis in the middle of the city, perfect for a romantic al fresco meal, and the piano lounge is a great place for a relaxed lunch with friends or business colleagues. Easily one of the trendiest and most interesting hotels in Dublin!

Pros

Trendy and unique centrally-located boutique

Offers an exquisite and sophisticated experience

Great central location

Open-plan restaurant

Cons

Not pet-friendly

No swimming pool or spa

Can be noisy at weekends

Best For Themed

The Clarence

The Clarence Dublin

Fun and funky hotel in Dublin

Said to be Dublin’s original Rock ‘n’ Roll hotel The Clarence is a great choice if you’re looking for a fun but stylish break in the Irish capital. Set along the Liffey River, it is about 12 minutes from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and 8 minutes from the Ilac Shopping Centre on foot.

Outside, this classy hotel offers breathtaking views of the river. Inside, you get access to 24-hour room service, two active bars, and a 24-hour lounge with food and drinks. Also expect gorgeous shaker oak furniture set amongst vibrant dΓ©cor and facilities such as tea and coffee-making equipment, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi.

Pros

Hip and trendy boutique hotel with a Rock 'n' Roll theme

Beautiful river views

Trendy vibrant interiors

Individually designed rooms

Cons

The Temple Bar area can be noisy

Not pet-friendly

Drinks can be pricey

Best For Rooftop Bar

Devlin

Cool party hotel in Dublin

Funky hotel in Dublin

The best hotels in Dublin

Ranelagh is a lively and fun area and set amongst all the great bars is one of Dublin’s newest and coolest hotels. This community-focused 4-star boutique hotel with an urban touch offers quality and style as well as some seriously fantastic views. The guest rooms at the Devlin Hotel are unique and intimate with colourful art, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, and mini-fridges. Other hotel highlights include the incredible rooftop bar, a coffee shop, a hip cocktail lounge, and even a cinema. 

The Clarence is 3 km from Dublin Castle, 4 km from the Guinness storehouse, and about 5 minutes from the nearest tram. Check in for a truly exquisite treat! 

Pros

Sleek retro-modern design hotel

Fun rooftop bar and restaurant

Hotel has its own cinema

Close to important sites

Cons

Not for the budget-friendly crowd

Limited parking spaces

Some rooms can be small

Best For Couples

The Schoolhouse Hotel

The Schoolhouse Hotel-Boutique hotel in Dublin

A beautiful lawn and bar space view at The Schoolhouse Hotel in Dublin

The walls of this beautiful historic boutique hotel in Dublin (located an 11-minute walk from Merrion Square) have many a story to tell. Once a Victorian School, from its inception in 1859 the unique building has witnessed many an important event unfold, including the 1916 Easter Rising.

Each of the 31 individually designed boutique rooms at the highly rated and much loved 4-star Schoolhouse Hotel is dedicated to one of Ireland’s most influential figures.

The warm and romantic ambience, as well as the fine cuisine in The Schoolhouse Restaurant, draws travellers from both near and far and the whole hotel benefits from sympathetic design and attention to detail to make your stay as unique and relaxing as can be. Want to step it up a gear at this chic Dublin hotel? Their lively onsite bar which features a vaulted ceiling and an outdoor terrace will not disappoint!

Pros

Very unique boutique hotel

Gardens located in a former historic Victorian school

Perfect for couples

Cons

Quaint decor might not be everyone’s tastes

No luggage room

Shower water pressure can be low

Best For Location

The Grafton

The Grafton Hotel - an elegant and stylish hotel The Grafton Hotel - an elegant and stylish hotel1 The Grafton Hotel - an elegant and stylish hotel2

The newly-refurbished Grafton Hotel is a modern Art Deco hotel in the heart of Dublin, next to  St. Stephen’s Green and the Gaiety theatre, and near Trinity College, Grafton Street, the Guinness Storehouse and the city’s creative and tech energy. Listed by the Irish Independent as one of Ireland’s FAB 50 Best Places to Stay, it recreates the glamor and luxury of the Roaring β€˜20s.

The rooms offer classic comfort and stunning views of the Dublin skyline from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The family rooms have bunk beds and the deluxe suites come with their own private balconies. Along with a gym and fitness centre, the amenities include Bartley’s Bar & Restaurant, a Dublin hot spot, and The Terrace for coffee, tea and pastries.

Pros

Beautiful and elegant boutique. It is in fabulous central location

It is known for its luxury style inspired by the Roaring 1920s

Cons

No swimming pool

Not pet-friendly

Some rooms can be small

Best For Breakfasts

Wren Urban Nest

Hipster hotel in Dublin

Wren Urban Nest - a cool and trendy place to stay in Dublin2

Wren Urban Nest - a cool and trendy place to stay in Dublin

Wren Urban Nest in the heart of Dublin sits on land that is steeped in history, but it was built using the newest sustainable technologies, showcasing Irish design and creativity. With its great location, Wren is close to everything including St. Stephen’s Green, the National Library and National Museum,  Grogan’s Pub, St. John’s Lane Church and much else.

The rooms are nests of comfort in warm, earthy colours, with bed linens in natural fabrics and specially crafted rugs. They come equipped with everything you could need, such as air conditioning, Irish coffee, Chromecast, and free Wi-Fi and phone calls to anywhere in the world. The ALT restaurant serves up meals with fresh, local ingredients, organic wines, artisanal cocktails and live music on Wednesdays.

Pros

Cool and contemporary central hotel

They offer a tasty daily breakfast with vegan options

Cons

Rooms can be on the small side

Not ideal for longer stays

Not pet-friendly

Best For Aparthotel

Zanzibar Locke

Zanzibar Locke - a fine and exquisite aparthotel Zanzibar Locke - a fine and exquisite aparthotel1 Zanzibar Locke - a fine and exquisite aparthotel2

Located in central Dublin right next to the Ha’Penny Bridge, Zanzibar Locke studio apartments and suites have all the comforts of home and the style of a hipster boutique hotel, plus views of the River Liffey. 

The aparthotel was made over from four classic Georgian townhouses, one of which used to be the Zanzibar pub and club. It’s right on the tram line and within walking distance of all the fun in the Temple Bar area and just about everything else you want to see in Dublin. The rooms have plenty of space, and wood floors and potted plants add a cheery homely touch.

The post-industrial chic decor in natural and earth colours, with exposed brick walls, is a restful counterpoint to the busy city life outside. You can wash your laundry, go out pub hopping at some of Dublin’s best, cook dinner in the fully-equipped kitchen, or take your current project to the co-working space.

There’s a gym and fitness centre with yoga classes and grab-and-go breakfasts at North Seven. When you want a drink or a delicious meal, just head downstairs to the bar or to sample some great international comfort foods at the Baraza restaurant.

Pros

Gorgeous design aparthotel in a great central location

Trendy decor with ooden floors and green potted plants

Perfect for families or longer stays

Cons

No swimming pool

Lift can be unreliable

No hotel service

Best For Fun

Hard Rock

Hard Rock Hotel Dublin - one of the most Instagrammable hotels in Dublin1

Hard Rock Hotel Dublin - one of the most Instagrammable hotels in Dublin Hard Rock Hotel Dublin - one of the most Instagrammable hotels in Dublin2

When you want to take a walk on the wild side or be treated like rock royalty with a by-request Fender Stratocaster, amp and headphones in your (soundproofed) room, Hard Rock Hotel is the obvious choice. Facing City Hall, the location is perfect for ventures into Temple Bar, Cow’s Lane and other places in town.

The 4-star hotel is famous for its collection of rock music memorabilia, and work by Irish artists including Jim Fitzpatrick, Duda, Helen O’Higgins and Neil Powell. The rooms feature seriously comfortable beds with cushioned headboards and guitars embroidered on the pillowcases, rock-inspired artwork, Ulster carpets and views of the city or Dublin Castle.

Amenities include the Rock Om soundtrack for yoga, the Rock Shop with all kinds of rock souvenirs, and the Zampas bar and restaurant which serves Peruvian dishes with the freshest local ingredients.

Pros

Unique upscale hotel

It is known for its upbeat rock star and rock and roll theme

Great central location

Soundproof rooms

Modern decor and fun vibe

Cons

Theme might not suit everyone

Chain hotel

Some rooms have interior courtyard view

Best For Temple Bar

Temple Bar Inn

Temple Bar Inn hotel in Dublin

Insider view a bedroom in Temple Bar Inn hotel in Dublin hotel in Dublin

A stylish mid-range boutique hotel nestled in the beating heart of Dublin City – literally in the centre of all the action – the exceptionally rated Temple Bar Inn offers 101 bespoke en-suite rooms ideal for anyone looking for a family trip to shopping adventures and romantic breaks.

Many popular tourist sites are close to this Temple Bar hotel including the Guinness Storehouse, the National Museum of Ireland, Trinity College, Grafton Street and Dublin Castle. 

The rooms at this contemporary Dublin abode offer a good standard of decor and mods cons such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and well-stocked mini-fridges to give your Dublin break a good head start! There’s also an onsite funky and colourful restaurant and free access to a nearby gym with an indoor swimming pool. A great choice for an ultra-central hotel! 

Pros

Chic and trendy boutique hotel located in the world-famous location of Temple Bar

Carefully-curated cocktails and beer on tap

Modern and warm ambiance

Onsight gym and restaurant

Cons

Limited parking availability

Limited scenic views

Location can be noisy

Best For Views

The Gibson

The Gibson Hotel in Dublin

A bedroom view of The Gibson Hotel in Dublin

This ultra-modern, glass-clad and exceptionally rated 4-star hotel comes complete with a bamboo-shaded courtyard, legendary gourmet food whipped up from fresh local ingredients and arguably the most important, a chic cocktail bar drawing on some cool Asian-inspired design.

Situated in the cultural heart of the city the Gibson Hotel prides itself on innovative design to maximise relaxation potential, including Japanese copper baths and gorgeous views over the Wicklow mountains.

The trendy Dublin hotel offers a number of inclusive deals under its “eat, sleep, play, explore” initiative enabling guests to make the most of the delicious pan Asian cuisine and enviable breakfast spreads. For a hip weekend in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, you can’t go wrong with The Gibson, definitely one of the coolest hotels in Dublin!

Pros

Cool and trendy large design hotel renowned for its unique design

Great views from terrace

Relaxation-oriented features

Pan Asian cuisine

Scenic views of Wicklow mountains

Cons

Not budget friendly

Some guests might find it too large

Breakfast can be pricey

Best For Luxury

The Dylan

The Dylan Hotel- A 5 star hotel in Dublin

Hip Hotel In Dublin

A top luxury hotel in Dublin, the 5-star exceptionally rated The Dylan Hotel is located in the city centre only a few minutes from the Grand Canal, Aviva Stadium, and the National Museum of Dublin. The rooms at this hip and trendy Dublin accommodation are lavish and feature a blend of contemporary and traditional furnishings in keeping with its beautiful Victorian faΓ§ade.

The spacious rooms feature sumptuous beds with top-quality linens, free Wi-Fi, Bose iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and even iPods loaded with city walking tours. Opt for an upgrade and expect truly gorgeous Italian hand-carved beds, balconies, and opulent marble bathrooms.

Foot spas are available on request. Other hotel highlights include a fitness room, an ornate Irish restaurant complete with gilded decor, and a hip cocktail bar – a perfect place to treat yourself or a loved one!

Pros

Chic upscale boutique providing a central location and a luxurious stay with β€˜the celebrity treatment

Mix of modern and traditional decor

Aviva Stadium and the National Museum are nearby

Cons

Water in mini-bar is charged

Parking is on the street

No fitness center or gym

Best For New

The Alex

The Alex Hotel Dublin

Design hotel Dublin

If you are looking for a classy hotel in the Dublin City centre with stylish dΓ©cor, a unique design, polished rooms, and exquisite hospitality, The Alex Hotel fits the bill! The one-bedroom designer suites offer separate living rooms with 50-inch flat-screen TVs and Nespresso machines and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities include breakfast, laundry service, and paid parking.

The hotel is 2 km and 3 km from Dublin Castle and Guinness Storehouse. It’s also located about a 1-minute walking distance from the Pearse train station.

Pros

New trendy boutique design

A great central location

Close to public transport

Refined and upscaled atmosphere

Restaurant with locally sourced ingredients

Cons

Limited outdoor space and activities

Sometimes low water pressure in shower

No bathrobes

Best For Mid-range

The Hendrick Smithfield

The Hendrick Smithfield Dublin

Industrial Chic Hotel Dublin

The Hendrick Smithfield is known for its cool brick building, its edgy style and its fantastic cocktail bar. The hotel is situated in a lively location on Hendrick Street, and bustling Smithfield Square is only about 4 minutes away.

The hip accommodation offers trendy industrial-chic decor, a lobby lounge and a popular onsite bar which serves up cocktails and beer. Guest rooms offer power showers, unique decor and flat-screen TVs and free ‘lightening fast’ Wi-Fi.

Pros

Located in a lively and central area of Dublin

Reasonable room rates

Unique brick-built exterior

Onsite cocktail bar

Situated in a location with great cultural attractions

Eco-friendly policies

Cons

Standard rooms can be small

Bar not open late mid-week

No parking on the property

Best For Onsite Dining

The Morgan

Boutique hotel in Dublin

Small boutique hotel in Dublin

This deluxe boutique beauty is a central city centre gem situated on Fleet Street just inches away from the buzzing nightlife of Temple Bar. The chic urban suites at the highly rated 4-star The Morgan will please any self-respecting glamour puss with their designer twist on comfort.

Before heading out on the town it’s worth sampling the comprehensive cocktail menu in the popular Morgan Bar, including the signature cocktail ‘Morgan Bubbles’. You can enjoy tasty food too and listen to some brilliant live music sessions as well as going full party mode if you stay during one of the club’s special events. If you’re after a legendary and beautiful Irish weekend then this is almost certainly the hip Dublin hotel for you!

Pros

Chic and modern boutique-style Morgan hotel known for its warm welcome

Great location

  Modern onsite dining

Location in the 'cultural quarter'

Cocktail bar

Expresso machines and Suite Pad in rooms

Cons

Slightly noisy location

Parking not included

Not pet-friendly

Best For Spa

The Marker

The Marker Hotel in Dublin

A terrace view of The Marker Hotel in Dublin

Rising from the heart of Dublin’s urban docklands and drawing on the elemental nature of the Irish landscape the exceptionally rated 5-star The Marker Hotel is a luxurious retreat for the modern-minded.

The visually arresting spaces at this trendsetting Dublin stay include a rooftop terrace with views beyond the urban cityscape and out across the wild mountains and the sea, an infinity pool, 187 flawless rooms of a unique geometric design and a stunning cocktail bar and brasserie.

Foodies can enjoy delicious award-winning dishes at this hip and chic Dublin abode with a local focus followed by drinks up on the rooftop terrace while taking in the buzz of the city and the peace of the landscape beyond. All this before retiring to a comfortable impeccably designed room with everything you need provided for you and then some…

Pros

One of the β€˜Leading hotels of the World

It has has a sleek and sexy design with amazing amenities including an award-winning spa

Gym and infinity pool

Unique geometric exterior

Fabulous Rooftop bar

Cons

Not for the budget-friendly crowd

Breakfast not included

Best For Near Light rail station

The Morrison

The Morrison: Luxury Hotel In Dublin

An insider view of a bar The Morrison hotel in Dublin

This hip and unique 4-star boutique hotel is situated on the banks of the River Liffey in Dublin city centre. It’s a popular spot and known throughout Ireland for its chic design and celebrity clientele.

As well as beautiful contemporary interiors, you can easily ‘spend all your money on whiskey and beer’ as the Morrison Hotel is close to both the Guinness Brewery and the Jameson distillery and its award-winning Quay 14 bar offers a comprehensive range of whiskeys, craft beers and Irish music-themed cocktails in meticulously designed surroundings.

The food on offer in The Morrison Grill takes its inspiration from local culture and stories and uses only the best fresh, homegrown ingredients. For a touch of luxury in the heart of Dublin, this cool hotel is at the top of its game!

Pros

Trendy upscale boutique hotel with award-winning dining

Unique modern interiors

Three great eateries/restaurants

Music-themed cocktails

Cons

Mattresses can be a little hard

Might be too busy for some

Some rooms can be small

All Hotels Compared

Here is a table of the top 20 cool and unique hotels in Dublin. The table includes essential information such as details like its location, fitness amenities, price range, proximity to attractions, and nearby dining options. You have the flexibility to sort the table according to your preferences.

Hotel NameLocationFitness FacilitiesPrice Range (per night)Distance to Attractions (km)Nearby Restaurants
The Dean33 Harcourt StreetNo$228-$5480.81
Number 3131 Leeson CloseYes$217-$3260.753
The Mayson81 – 82 North Wall QuayNo$250-$5431.21
Moxy1-5 Sackville PlaceNo$240-$3900.553
Trinity CityPearse StreetNo$211-$4340.53
The Clarence6-8 Wellington QuaNo$325-$6510.52
DevlinThe Devlin, Ranelagh 117 RanelaghNo$249-$2841.42
The Schoolhouse Hotel2 - 8 Northumberland RoadNo$271-$3151.12
The Grafton31/32 Stephen's Street Lower Johnsons PlaceNo$271-$9550.552
Wren Urban NestDublin Andrews LaneYes$217-$2820.551
Zanzibar Locke34 Ormond Quay LowerNo$2830.453
Hard RockDublin 2 18 Exchange Street UpperNo$249-$4190.63
Temple Bar Inn40-47 Fleet StreetNo$238-$4580.551
The GibsonThe Point VillageYes$207-$3541.31
The DylanEastmoreland PlaceYes$424-$4671.12
The Alex41-47 Fenian StreetNo$316-$4190.62
The Hendrick SmithfieldSmithfield Hendrick StreetNo$184-$2561.11
The Morgan10 Fleet StreetYes$222-$5380.553
The MarkerGrand Canal SquareYes$414-$11120.851
The MorrisonOrmond Quay LowerNo$278-$4420.452

 

Was this helpful?

Good job! Please give your positive feedback ⚑

How could we improve this post? Please Help us.✍

Related Posts

14 thoughts on “Top 15 Cool and Unique Hotels in Copenhagen (tried and tested)”

  1. So lucky to call Dublin my home, it’s a wonderful city with a lot of very cool hotels so it seems! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  2. Dublin is such a great place to visit and so convenient to reach from London! Great selection of hotels – especially like the look of The Gibson!

    Reply

Leave a Comment