mikster

Hello Fodorites....my husband and some other friends are going to Dublin in April of next year and we are looking for hotels near Stephen Green or near Grafton which, I understand, is considered southside? I don't know a thing about location but was told by friends that this is where we should stay. Our budget is somewhere in the $300 dollar a night range, give or take. I should add that we are all late 50's, early 60's and would love to be near some great pubs, restaurants, etc. Wherever we will get a great local experience. Any recommendations would be most appreciated.

Thanks very much.

greg

I you don't know about the location and relying on what someone told you what to do, it probably is prudent to check if what your friends provided you with a relevant recommendation.

Get a map of Dublin. If you don't have a printed map, use google map. Mark all places you plan to visit in the city. Consider how you get to these places for your hotel. If the hotel meets your goal, then that is one of the hotel to choose.

My 2 cents about "near some great pubs." If you are staying too close to those "great pubs" in a room at a lower level, you might not like the noise coming from these pubs when you try to go to sleep. Some people consider this a "local experience" while others might not.

Cathinjoetown

I've stayed here several times on business and a few times when I could find decent offers, it is on the high side but a great experience in a historic buliding:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...issance-hotel/

Shelbourne is on St. Stephen's Green.

The Westbury is right on Grafton St., again on the high end but occasional good offers:

https://www.doylecollection.com/hote...westbury-hotel

Both hotels have wonderful, traditional afternoon teas you might want to try in any case.

There are many more moderate and nice hotels in the area that you want, I just don't know enough about them to recommend one.

mikster

Thank you. Greg - I'm relying on friends who have been there and are also going with us and so I'm fine with the location that they have chosen. We are looking at the Drury which seems reasonable and in a great location. I will also check out your recommendation Cathinjoetown. Much appreciated.

bean11

We stayed at Trinity City Hotel on Pearse Street near Trinity College in 2011. Our luggage was a day late coming from the USA. They took very good care of us, something I will never forget. The hotel is within easy walking distance of The Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, St Patrick's, Trinity College and Grafton Street. We have also stayed on the other side of the Liffey River at the Best Western Academy Hotel on O'Connell Street. I thought the location was great there also. The hotel was a little less expensive but the distance to the touristy spots was greater (except Jamison Distillery).

rncheryl

A splurge for sure, but the Merrion is delightful. And the attached 2 Michelin star restaurant is quite a plus. I still giggle when I think about the doorman in his top hat welcoming us.

http://www.merrionhotel.com/

Macross

I like that location a lot and is my preference if staying in a hotel. I have stayed just about everywhere and this next trip we are going to stay in Smithfield which I am excited about the change.
http://www.maldronhotelsmithfield.com/ this is next to our apartment. Just a different location and close to the luas for transportation. Great pubs close by.

mikster

Thanks so much.

Macross

http://thefarmfood.ie/ We are making reservations our first night here. Very good.

kelsey22

I just came back from Ireland. I stayed at Buswell's for 2 nights. I would highly recommend it. The area was fantastic and the service in the hotel was perfect. At the end of my trip, I stayed at the Radisson Blu. I really liked the hotel (a little less personal than Buswell's but it was clean and efficient). I did prefer the area around Buswell"s.

Loved Dublin! Enjoy!

Macross

Kelsey, how was the farm for dinner? Glad you liked Buswells. Two weeks today. I am so ready for Ireland.

mikster

Has anyone stayed at the Drury or the Brooks? I think the Brooks is a bit more high end but the Drury also gets great reviews....if anyone has stayed would love to hear yor opinion.