Hotel in Dublin
 

Spending 2 nights in Dublin next summer. Looking for suggestions for a 4-5 star hotel. Thank you/

5 Star Hotels in Dublin


The Westin Hotel: Opposite Trinity College and occupying a city block, the Westin Dublin is the new landmark in Ireland's capital. This luxury hotel is located right in the heart of Dublin city facing Trinity College and the start of Temple Bar and is within walking distance of all the city's attractions. More...

Clontarf Castle: Clontarf Castle is one of Ireland's finest and most original hotels. It is also the only castle hotel of its kind located in the Dublin suburban area, just two miles from Dublin city centre. Originally constructed in 1172, the hotel exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and those choosing to visit Clontarf Castle can make it their home. More...

The Alexander Hotel: Deluxe 4 star accommodation away from the bustle and yet just five minutes' walk from the main shopping areas. Close to the Art Gallery and Museums, as well as the main business district, the Alexander Hotel is the perfect choice for the business traveller, with state of the art conference facilities, an excellent restaurant and a fully equipped gym. More...

The Stephens Green Hotel: The Stephens Green Hotel combines contemporary modern style with the classical Georgian features of the original buildings which compose part of the hotel. The 75 en suite rooms and suites are decorated in a contemporary style and equipped to the highest standards, offering state of the art communications facilities. The hotel which is located on Stephens Green is directly adjacent to many shops and visitor attractions, and is just a short stroll from Dublin's central business districts. More...

The Gresham Hotel: One of Dublin's oldest and most renowned hotels, the Gresham has served visitors to Dublin for over 200 years. Situated on Dublin's main thoroughfare in the shadow of the Dublin Spire, it still maintains the grandeur and elegance of its long tradition. All the major shopping areas and tourist attractions are within easy reach of the hotel. More...

Luxury Hotels in Dublin
The Merrion Hotel: Generally regarded as being the best hotel in Dublin, the Merrion offers a standard of accommodation which is virtually second to none. Each of the deluxe bedrooms come complete with every convenience including individually controlled air conditioning, three telephones in each room with full data capability, mini bars and safe's. The hotel is home to a fabulous bar and two of Dublin's best restaurants, as well as a state of the art health club and spa. The Merrion is located just two minutes stroll from shops and visitor attractions, and in the heart of Dublin's business districts. More...

The Portmarnock Hotel: Set in splendid surroundings and overlooking the beach is the Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links. Originally owned by the Jameson family who are famous for their Irish whiskey the hotel has been converted to an international hotel with the grounds now hosting a magnificent 18-hole Bernard Langer-designed golf links. The hotel is located just 11 miles from the capital city and is only a short drive from the airport. More...

The Davenport: Situated on Merrion Square, the Davenport's 120 en suite bedrooms and suites offer top-class luxury facilities. Non smoking rooms are also available upon request. The Hotel is home to the ambient Presidents Bar Lanyons Restaurant, which serves excellent cuisine. The hotel is located in one of Dublin's central business districts, and just five minutes from shops, museums and other visitor attractions. More...

The Clarence Hotel: One of the grandest and most elegant hotels not just in Dublin, but throughout Ireland, words cannot describe the Clarence. Meticulously refurbished in 1996 by its new owners, U2's Bono and the Edge, the Clarence retains all its old world charm, and yet offers every modern convenience which one would expect from a hotel which is in such a league of its own. The hotel offers fabulous accommodation, ground breaking cuisine, and unimaginable levels of comfort. More...

The Morrison Hotel: The Morrison is one of the most luxurious and visually stunning hotels in Europe. Designers Douglas Wallace and fashion dynamo, John Rocha, have created a zen masterpiece by incorporating the 18th century facade of a Georgian townhouse alongside a thoroughly modern south-facing front over looking the River Liffey. The interior is a mix of high ceilings with pale white walls, stone floors and beautiful grey hand crafted Irish carpets. More...

The Fitzwilliam: The magnificent Fitzwilliam Hotel offers beautifully appointed en suite rooms with all comforts. The hotel contains fabulous dining facilities include the world renowned Peacock Alley Restaurant, Mango Toast, and Inn on The Green. The Fitzwilliam is located on Stephens Green, in the heart of Dublin's central business districts, and under two minutes walk from shops, clubs, and visitor attractions.

I stayed at Merrion a few years back. It was fabulous, but expensive then. If you are up to the expense, this is "VERY GENTEEL". It is within walking distance of attractions. Next year we are opting for something less expensive, and even more city centered-- Buswells. Never stayed there, but it looks nice on internet and it is 3 star and we are getting it for about $175 a night -- includes breakfast.

Thanks for the suggestions. Looks like there are a great deal of choice. Lucilou, you mentioned that Contarf Castle is two miles out of town. Since this will be my first visit to Dublin, do you think that I should stay in town? Also, loved your reviews, is your last name Fodor?

Have stayed at the Westbury - 5* in great location within walking distance of a Trinity college, Dublin Castle and several musuems. Very traditional with large rooms and great breakfast.

Was stuck at Jury's on business (supposedly 4 * - but I thought it was ghastly) full of "upscale" tour groups, lot of local events (weddings etc) and REALLY bad food.

Also the Berkley (5*) in Ballsbridge. A real class act with wonderful service - but a longish walk or short cab into the center of town.

Clontarf Castle is a pain if you want to be city oriented. It's nice and parts of the old castle are in the bar, ;obby etc but The rooms are just normal so do not expect a "castle room" Its lovely but I would stay at the Westin, Merrion, Fitzwilliam etc in town for your first trip.

Rogfam, i live in Dublin, thats why I know so much about hotels here! if you want to be right in the centre of things in Dublin, i would recommend staying at the Westin, you cant go wrong , enjoy

Lucielou, Just booked the Westin for two nights next Aug. Thanks for all your input. Looking forward to our visit. Since you are a native, can you suggest sights, restaurants, and most importantly, pubs!
Glenn

Trinity College, Dublin
Founded in 1592, this is Ireland's oldest and most prestigious college; it is best known as the home of the Book of Kells, an intricately decorated New Testament text dating back to 800 AD.

Kilmainham Gaol Historical Museum, Dublin
This bleak old jail was notorious in the 19th century for its harsh treatment of prisoners.



Temple Bar, Dublin
Funky shops, eclectic cafes and hordes of stylish young Europeans have made Temple Bar one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.



Abbey Theatre, Dublin
This theater hosts some of the most moving and controversial dramatic productions in the city.



Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
This six-story building contains the Guinness Brewery Hop Store, a museum and the Gravity Bar, located on the top floor.
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FREE Visitor Attractions

Bank of Ireland Arts Centre
Bram Stoker Dracula Museum
The Casino Marino
Chester Beatty Library
The Chimney Viewing Tower
Christ Church Cathedral
Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
Dublin Castle
Dublin Writers Museum
Dublin Zoo
Dublin's City Hall
The Fry Model Railway
GAA Museum
Guinness Storehouse
Irish Museum of Modern Art
The James Joyce Centre
The James Joyce Museum
Kilmainham Gaol
Malahide Castle
National Gallery of Ireland
National Museum of Archaeology & History
National Museum of Decorative Arts & History
National Museum of Natural History
National Wax Museum
Number Twenty Nine
Old Jameson Distillery
Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
Rathfarnham Castle
The Shaw Birthplace
St. Audoen’s Church
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Tara’s Palace Dolls Museum

Have a look at this link for the pub scene.
http://www.dublinpubscene.com/

Or
http://www.dublinks.com/index.cfm/loc/11-2/pt/11.htm

Or
http://www.visitdublin.com/pubs/pubs.asp


For tours
http://www.visitdublin.com/tours/

Restaurants
http://www.visitdublin.com/restaurants/restaurants.asp

I will do more research for you and keep you posted, as you only have 2 days here, you will be busy trying to see and do everything! Enjoy

Lucielou, What took so long!!! Thanks again. Do you have a favorite restaurant?

Yes I have a few favourite restaurants,

for Indian food,.. I like The Rajdoot Tandoori , its just off Grafton street in the Westbury Centre.

For French food I like,.. La Stampa on Dawson's Street but its a bit expensive.

For Italian food,.. I like, Il Primo in Montague Street,also,.. Pasta Fresca,Chatham Street, off Grafton Street.

Mexican food,El Paso, Harbour Road Howth Co. Dublin

For Chinese, The Furama Restaurant in Donnybrook Dublin.

Thai food, ....Tiger Bec's, Dawson street.

They are my personal favourites, but there are hundreds to choose from!!

This might be useful to you when you come over. A list of nice Restaurants.
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Patrick Guilbaud
Location: Merrion St, City Centre
Description: French Nouveau Cuisine


Polly Hops
Location: Newcastle
Description: Trad Irish Pub & Restaurant

Luigi Malones
Location: Temple Bar
Description: Mixed Cuisine


The Chilli Club
Location: Anne St
Description:Excellent Thai Cuisine


Gotham Cafe
Location: Anne St
Description:Mixed Cuisine


Bleu
Location: Dawson St
Description: Nouveau French


Tante Zoé's
Location: Temple Bar
Description:Atmospheric French Cuisine


Milano's
Location: Temple Bar
Description:Good Pizza


Velure Restaurant and Bar
Location: South William Street
Description: Jazz, Cabaret & Soul



Cookes Cafe Restaurant
Location: William St
Description: French Nouveau Cuisine


Thorntons
Location: Portobello
Description: French Nouveau Cuisine


Roly's Bistro
Location: Ballsbridge
Description:Trendy, Nouveau


Mao's
Location: Chatham Row
Description:Excellent Oriental


Pasta Fresca
Location: Chatham Ct
Description:Popular Italian


La Med
Location: Temple Bar
Description:Mediterranean Restaurant


La Cave Wine Bar & Restaurant
Location: Anne St
Description:French Gourmet Cuisine


Siam Restaurant
Location: Malahide, Monkstown
Description: Good Thai


Fillies Cafe Bar
Location: Foxrock
Description: , Modern Cafe Bar


Wongs Chinese Restaurant
Location: Monkstown, Clontarf, Ranelagh
Description:Excellent Oriental Restaurant


also have a look at this website.
http://www.softguides.com/dublin/eating/recommend.html

Anything else, just give me a holler!

Here are a few I would reccommend all are city centre:

Maloti - Wicklow street. Indian food mid priced and do set menu's as well

Cafe Bar Deli (in the old Bewleys on Grafton St and Georges Street) Pasta, salads, tasty food.

Odessa Mid priced. Dame Court(?) kind of 70's looking interior a bit trendy but nice food, seafood steaks etc.

Havana for Tapas - Cheap and cheerful Havana on georges street. They have a band on Sat evenings and don't take booking after 8pm. Lively and good food and drink.

To blow the Bank - I liked La Stampa recently but was a guest so I would not say run there as if could be close to 200 euro for two.

Thai and Chinese are a rip off in Dublin and in my opinion not as good as the US restaurants. Go for other ethnic foods like Indian etc.

Fot Italian I love Il Primo but its gone very expensive over the years and not worth it in my opinion. Try Il Baccaro in Temple Bar Meeting house Sq. Like a wine cellar downstairs and reasonable prices with good Italian wines.

I ahve not been bit Il Vicoletto gets good reviws on Crowe lane temple bar. Its roman food.

Tante Zoe was liked by my colleagues on a night out. It's sorta Cajun style and reasonable. La Mere Zou on St Stephen's green is a nice Belgian/french place a bit pricer than the former.

Thanks for the restaurant help, maybe two days is not enough time in Dublin! One more question, we arrive at 5:30 AM, already requested an early check in at the Westin, any suggestions of what to do at that unearthly hour?

have a look at www.irelands-blue-book.ie
and bring your credit card.

Well if you are flying in From USA? wont you be tired?

If its a mid-week morning, everything will be bustling in the city centre from 7am, if its weekend morning, then most of the galleries and shops wont open until between 8.30 and 9am.

You could always have a few hours sleep, then get up rearing to go and see dublin ;)

Lucielou, We arrive on a Friday morning from NY. Because of the time difference, it will only be just after midnight at home. Between that and the adrenaline, really feel that we'll be ready to go. Any pubs open at 7 AM? Also, do you suggest the "hop on, hop off" bus tour, or the walking tour of Dublin?

If you land at Dublin Airport at 5:30 AM, your feet probably won't hit the Dublin pavement much before 7:00.

Pubs at 7am , well tut tut Rogfam!!
Only joking, there are a few pubs open at that time, they are known as early houses, but the normal pub opening hours are,

Closing time is 00:30 on Friday and Saturday nights and 23:30 on other nights. The majority of bars open around 11:00 or later at weekends, although there are early-opening bars (referred to as Early Houses) which open at 07:30 ( for alco's like rogfam)!

Some pubs that are within minutes of The Westin are;

The Buttery Bar (Under the Dining Hall, Trinity College) is the main college bar. Drinks are cheaper than anywhere else in the city Centre, but expect lots of students!

O'Neills (Suffolk Street, Dublin 2, ) is also a stone's throw from Trinity. O'Neills has good hot food and roasts at reasonable prices everyday.

The Pavilion Bar (College Park, Trinity College) has a great view of College Park. It is also the epiCentre of College sports teams social life.

The Stag's Head (Dame Court Lane),located in a small back-street off Dame Street, its a popular pub among Trinity College students, but dont let that put you off, there is a great atmosphere in there.

Dont forget to have a pint of the black stuff in Neary's in Chatam Street, just off Graton Street, Its my favourite pub, its warm and cosy in winter, lots of wood and old fashioned decor, you can sit for hours and almost forget about time.;)