If you're planning to stay in Dublin only for a weekend, it's best to choose a hotel in the very center - it will cost you more, but you won't regret it. You'll be just a step away from all the popular sites, and won't have to endure an everyday ride in busy traffic. Public transport in Dublin stops running soon after midnight and taxis are extremely hard to come by.
Dublin hotel location
Some of the most charming mid-range Dublin hotels can be found along the city center, in the suburban area south of Grand Canal. Ballsbridge and Donybrook offer some of the best boutique hotels in Dublin. Grafton street is home to one of the best hotels in the city and the area around it has more luxury hotels. Merrion Square and the surrounding area offer top-notch hotels in great variety. There you can stay amidst beautiful Georgian architecture and just a short walk away from city's top popular bars, restaurants and other attractions. If you're planning a weekend of crazy fun and late-night partying in Dublin, look for a hotel in the Temple Bar. Northern part of the city has a number of attractive new hotels and every other building on Gardiner St. is a B&B. Another place to look for cozy B&B's is the trendy suburban district Drumcondra situated on the way to the airport.
Dublin accommodation styles
Top-end and luxury hotels of Dublin are represented by two basic types - minimalist stylish hotels and elegant Georgian properties. Either of the two is bound to have such basic amenities as king-sized bed, TV, DVD players, and some sort of internet connection, as well as very professional attentive service. Just keep in mind that the best luxury hotels in Dublin usually belong to world-famous chains, which deprives them of certain individuality.
The budget hotels are represented by a more wide-ranging assortment, including decent chain hotels and B&B's. Pay special attention to design hotels located in beautiful Georgian-style houses, offering personalized atmosphere and carefully decorated and appointed rooms.
As for cheap deals, expect much more simple rooms with a worn look and somewhat tasteless decoration. If you expect to save on your stay near the center, you'll have to settle for a hostel. Those are mostly comfortable and clean, offering sleeping options that range from a bed in a big dorm to room with four beds or double. At most Dublin hotels, check-in is between noon and 2 p.m. and check-out is noon, but smaller accommodations and B&B's will ask you to check-out before 11 a.m.
Booking a hotel in Dublin
When booking a hotel in Dublin, keep in mind that the rates depend both on the quality and location - the closer to the center the pricier. You can count on getting a large room in a B&B in the north side of the city for only 45 euros per person, but you'll be charged as much as 70 euros at a cramped room in a less-comfortable hotel located within a short walk to some of the popular tourist destinations. Mid-range hotels cost from 90 euros to 200 euros, and luxury hotels start at 200 euros. Hostels on the other hand, may be anything from 13 euros to 30 euros. Rates depend greatly on season, besides, many Dublin hotels offer weekend discounts up 40% and even the top-notch luxury hotels may pleasantly surprise you with their low-season offerings.
In general it's difficult to get a room in Dublin, especially in high-season (April till September), so booking online in advance is the best idea at all times. Apart room being a great way to save time and plan your trip in the comfort of your own home, booking online for Dublin hotels will allow you to save money due to special online rates.
