4 Best Hotels in O'Connell Street and Around, Dublin

This modern, architecturally uninspired hotel is centrally located just off O'Connell Street and offers lots of comfort at an affordable, slightly unfashionable-neighborhood price. Guest rooms have a polished, contemporary feel with king-size beds and rich rust-and-beige color schemes, and added comforts include free newspapers and sound-insulated windows. The main restaurant offers a traditional menu, and the stylish bar has a warm, relaxed vibe.

Showcasing new Irish talent in everything from the textiles to the art on the walls and the sculptures in public spaces—there are even famous Irish song lyrics on the walls in some bedrooms—this sleek, trendy spot remains top of the Northside lodging charts. The rooms in general don't do subtlety; there's a lot of white contrasted with splashes of bold purples and green in the curtains and pillows. The Morrison inspires reactions: some find it a bit much, while others draw comparisons with a London boutique hotel, though it's many times the size. Centrally located, it's halfway between the Ha'penny and Capel Street bridges, and no more than a 10-minute walk from Trinity College.

Opened in 1817, it's been a while since this was the place to stay for visiting dignitaries and local celebs, but the now chain-owned Gresham remains a solid city-center option without the astronomical expense. Big beds are a plus in rooms that vary in design, and the marble-tiled bathrooms feature a separate bathtub and shower. Public spaces have a nice buzz about them, and the bar is popular with locals out for the night. Afternoon tea, with pastries, scones, and cake is available in the Writer's Lounge, and is best shared at oversize windows overlooking O'Connell Street. You might want to pay a little extra for a room with an iconic O'Connell Street view.

A few doors down from the Abbey Theatre, Wynn's began its life as a Dublin boardinghouse in 1845, and its beautiful stained-glass awning has become something of a landmark as a romantic meeting spot for locals. Although the rooms are not huge, they include nice touches, such as fireplaces and ornate cherrywood beds, and there's a surprising amount of space in the bathrooms. The decor attempts to blend a hint of the past with a sleeker modern look, not always successfully, but overall there's a warm, comforting feel to the design. Abbey Street has an excited buzz around curtain time, but is otherwise very quiet, so you should get a sound sleep. Its restaurant does a pre-theater special where you can pop back for coffee after the show.