Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Dublin 2023

Dublin is a beautiful city of song and poetry and the inspiration to many an author over the years – Beckett, Yeats, Joyce, the list is long.

From the manicured St. Stephens Green and the beautiful architecture of Trinity College and Grafton Street to the vibrant nightlife of Temple Bar the eternally popular city still has plenty more to offer.

Compact, carefree with a unique heart and soul, Dublin is the perfect spot for a rip-roaring, toe-tapping, Guinness-supping weekend city break.

From quirky boutiques to sleek and modern, here are my favourite cool and unusual hotels in Dublin, Ireland (in no particular order) to help you on your way…

1. The Dean Hotel – hip, retro-styled accommodation in the city centre perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Z’s

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 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, 11pm ’til late. Raise your glasses as the city twinkles beneath you and be prepared to never want to leave!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Dean Hotel Dublin

2. Number 31 – a beautiful and unique award-winning modernist boutique hotel near St Stephen’s Green

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.

• To book, check prices or availability for Number 31 Dublin

3. The Mayson – this hip and trendy central industrial-chic hotel is one of the best hotels in Dublin for Instagram lovers

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. Mayson offers first-class facilities with trendy and unique decor perfect for Instagram lovers.

This trendy hotel located in the city centre 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 cosy coastal decor, all anchored by the solid comfort the Irish are so good at.

Great restaurants, a state-of-the-art gym with sauna, steam room and heated relaxation pool helps guests to 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! 

• To book, check prices or availability for The Mayson Hotel Dublin

4. Moxy Dublin City – a hip, fun and lively hotel perfect for those looking to party in the surrounding bars 

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.

• To book, check prices or availability for Moxy Hotel Dublin City 

5. Trinity City Hotel – a unique, colourful and trendy place to stay in Dublin near the world-famous Trinity College

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!

• To book, check prices or availability for Trinity City Hotel Dublin

6. The Clarence – a fun-themed and hip hotel dubbed Dublin’s original rock ‘n’ roll hotel located in the heart of Dublin

Said to be Dublin’s original Rock ‘n’ Roll hotel The Clarence Dublin 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 décor and facilities such as tea and coffee-making equipment, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Clarence Dublin

7. Devlin – a beautiful upscale retro-chic hotel set in the lively Ranelagh district with a trendy rooftop bar

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

• To book, check prices or availability for Devlin Hotel Dublin

8. The Schoolhouse Hotel – a beautiful, unique and elegant boutique hotel for somewhere truly different to stay 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!

• To book, check prices or availability for Schoolhouse Hotel Dublin

9. The Grafton Hotel – an elegant, chic and stylish upscale hotel set in the heart of Dublin’s city center

The newly-refurbished Grafton 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 ‘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.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Grafton Hotel

10. Wren Urban Nest – a cool and trendy place to stay in Dublin with  Scandinavian-inspired decor and an eco-friendly ethos

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.

• To book, check prices or availability for Wren Urban Nest

11. Zanzibar Locke – a fine and exquisite aparthotel that was once a nightclub

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.

• To book, check prices or availability for Zanzibar Locke

12. Hard Rock Hotel Dublin – one of the most Instagrammable hotels in Dublin perfect for music-loving party lovers

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 Dublin 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.

• To book, check prices or availability for Hard Rock Hotel Dublin

13. Temple Bar Inn – a chic and stylish boutique hotel in an iconic central and very lively location

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 located 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! 

• To book, check prices or availability for Temple Bar Inn Dublin

14. The Gibson Hotel – a trendy glass-clad modern design hotel perfect for the ultimate urban retreat in the city centre

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!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Gibson Hotel Dublin

15. The Dylan Hotel – an ultra-chic luxury 5-star hotel in a great central location

A top luxury hotel in Dublin, the 5-star exceptionally rated 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 façade.

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!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Dylan Hotel Dublin

16. The Alex – Dublin’s newest hotel which has a beautiful trendy design and a central location

If you are looking for a classy hotel in the Dublin City centre with stylish décor, 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.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Alex Hotel Dublin

17. The Hendrick Smithfield – a cool industrial-chic hotel housed in a brick building near Smithfield Square and Temple Bar

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.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Hendrick Smithfield

18. The Morgan – a chic and romantic boutique hotel located on the cobbled stones of Temple Square

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 Morgan Hotel 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!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Morgan Dublin

19. The Marker Hotel – a trendy, modern and Insta-worthy upscale hotel overlooking Grand Canal Square in the trendy Docklands business district

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 whilst 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…

• To book, check prices or availability for The Marker Hotel Dublin

20. The Morrison – a chic and unique luxury boutique hotel that overlooks the River Liffey

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!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Morrison Hotel Dublin

Also see our posts on…

• Cool and Unusual Hotels in Galway
• Cool and Unusual Hotels in Belfast
• Cool Boutique Hotels in Edinburgh
• Cool Boutique Hotels in Glasgow
• Cool Boutique Hotels in Manchester
• Cool Boutique Hotels in London
• Cool Boutique Hotels in Paris
• Cool and Unusual Hotels in York
• Cool and Unique Hotels in Oxford
• Cool and Unusual Hotels in Bath
• Beautiful Places to visit in Ireland
• Beautiful Places to visit in Northern Ireland