Dublin Hotels

Dublin Hotel Reviews

You get what you pay for. For decades Dublin was synonymous with cheap but unexciting accommodation. The Celtic Tiger boom years transformed expectations for visitors to Dublin. When it comes to their hotels, it was indeed the best of times and the worst of times. Choice and quality expanded exponentially, but so did prices. The economic downturn has seen prices frozen and often falling in many medium- and high-end hotels. But rates in Dublin are still not cheap and with money tight for everyone it's more important than ever to get the best deal for your dollar. First lesson in a buyer's market: don't be afraid to haggle when you are making a booking, as they can only say "No" and you might just make a big savings.

The reduction in demand for rooms means that Dublin's high rates have fallen somewhat but are still in line with the best hotels of any major European or North American city (and factoring in the exchange rate means a hotel room can take a substantial bite out of your budget). Service charges range from 15% in expensive hotels to zero in moderate and inexpensive ones. Be sure to inquire when you make reservations.

As a general rule of thumb, lodgings on the north side of the River Liffey tend to be more affordable than those on the south. Bed-and-breakfasts charge as little as €46 a night per person, but they tend to be in suburban areas—generally a 15-minute bus ride from the center of the city. This is not in itself a great drawback, and savings can be significant. Many hotels have a weekend, or "B&B," rate that's often 30% to 40% cheaper than the ordinary rate; some hotels also have a midweek special that provides discounts of up to 35%. These rates are available throughout the year but are harder to get in high season. Ask about them when booking a room (they are available only on a prebooked basis), especially if you plan a brief or weekend stay.

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