Boutique hotels in Dublin for a city break with a difference

When your room comes with its own vinyl player or Marshall guitar amp, you know you’re staying in a true trendsetter among boutique hotels. The Dean sits in the heart of Dublin’s energetic nightlife scene and offers a selection of rooms ranging from compact, chic pods right up to suites worthy of rock stars, with balconies, funky décor and a fully loaded SMEG fridge.

You can experience some of the city’s legendary nightlife before you even step outside the hotel. Simply head to Sophie’s, the Dean’s rooftop cocktail lounge and restaurant. Also known as ‘The Vintage Cocktail Club’, it serves inventive mixes such as the Vulcano: watermelon syrup, Velvet Falernum and Tanqueray gin.

Take a walk through the tranquil Iveagh Gardens, just a few moments’ walk from the hotel, and marvel at the cascading waterfall which dates back to the 18th century. These gardens are often missed because of their location and are certainly one of the hidden secrets of the city. Camden Street Lower is also moments away. Discover the many varied restaurants, such as New York deli-style Doughboys or modern Indian Pickle, and the thriving local music scene at Whelan’s bar.

With its in-house spa and health club, The Spencer is ideal if you’re looking to treat yourself with some much-deserved pampering during your city break. Stretch out in the fully equipped gym, unwind in the Jacuzzi, or reinvigorate yourself in the steam room and sauna. Treatments on offer include a hot stone massage and a lavender body scrub, with a range of decadent packages designed to complete your afternoon of bliss.

Like the spa, rooms simply ooze serenity – and they’re all equipped with indulgent rainforest showers and blackout curtains for undisturbed lazy mornings. If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury, then the hotel also has a penthouse with outstretching views of the River Liffey.

At the hotel’s East Restaurant, you can sample the tantalising, spicy flavours of Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and Vietnam. Treat yourself to your very own bento box, which includes your pick of starter, main course and dessert, or a relaxed dinner with a range of fragrant Asian flavours. The Spencer’s atmospheric cocktail bar is one of Dublin’s trendiest nightspots. Chat with your travelling companions over a few signature cocktails, or dance to the music courtesy of the resident DJs every weekend. The next day, indulge in some tranquility and spend some time reflecting in the hotel’s elegant zen garden.

If you want to discover the historic side of Dublin, complete with its untouched cobbled streets and architecture, then the Morgan is the ideal place to stay. Not only is it located right in the centre of the city’s cultural quarter, you’ll only be a short distance from a number of Dublin’s most famous locations and landmarks.

Rooms at the hotel are modern and bright. Brew a coffee with the Nespresso machine on arrival and in the evening settle back into luxurious Egyptian cotton bed linen. Suites are also available, where you’ll find Indonesian art-deco mirrors and freestanding deep baths. As a guest of the Morgan, you’re entitled to complimentary use of the nearby West Wood Club. Take a refreshing morning swim in the club’s saltwater pool or unwind in the sauna and steam room.

10 Fleet Street, the hotel’s restaurant, offers a menu crowned with a selection of fresh seafood and a variety of expertly cooked steaks. Spend an hour after dinner at the recently renovated bar tasting some of the exclusive wines on offer, or sampling the evening’s selection of hors d’oeuvres with an aperitif.

Traditional Irish hospitality taken to a 5-star level is at the heart of everything at the Fitzwilliam. Friendly staff serve up foaming pints of Guinness or tailor a cocktail to your mood at the Inn on the Green bar, while next door at Glovers Alley, restaurateur Andy McFadden demonstrates why he is one of Europe’s youngest Michelin-starred chefs. The inventive menu draws on local favourites such as seafood from Clogerhead and international flavours like dashi, chorizo and XO cognac.

Elegant rooms range from the signature, which feature colourful décor, Murdock toiletries and fresh orchids, to the impeccable Penthouse. The latter comes ready-stocked with a selection of films, wines and snacks tailored to your taste, as well as sweeping views of Dublin. For a real touch of luxury, your very own private butler will be on hand to chauffeur you around the city or book a massage for you.

The hotel is located just across the road from the tranquil St Stephen’s Green Park, where you can relax with a picnic by the lake or see the grand Fusilier’s Arch. The Fitzwilliam has created its own walking tour podcast just for guests so you can wander the scenic streets while learning about their fascinating history.

The Trinity City hotel’s contemporary Courtyard Restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor dining, so you can treat yourself to a sumptuous cooked Irish breakfast, delicate salad, or delectable pan-seared seafood dinner – all while enjoying the sweeping views of Pearse Street. The hotel is also a favourite among locals for Sunday brunch, with a comprehensive menu ranging from treats like cinnamon pancakes to healthy roasted vegetable salads.

Located right next to Trinity College, the Trinity City Hotel is a peaceful retreat in an enviable central location. The stonework of the ancient university provides an inspiring backdrop to your stay. Take the kids to visit the neighbouring National Museum of Ireland, which has a number of free exhibits on archaeology, arts and nature.

Rooms are both relaxing and stylish, with deep velvet chairs to sink into and subway tiled bathrooms to freshen up in. Executive rooms are located in an old fire station and feature exposed original brickwork for a truly atmospheric retreat. Family rooms can be adapted with extra beds to suit your needs, whether you’re travelling with little ones, grandparents or the whole clan.

A seamless blending of the old and the new, the Dylan Hotel is situated in an early 20th-century Victorian building a short walk from the banks of the River Liffey. Modern print designs and carpets are punctuated by ornate mirrors and luxurious sofas, giving the hotel’s public spaces a distinctive and stylish atmosphere.

You can take time to appreciate the décor in full over a refreshing afternoon tea or a refined evening meal in the hotel’s Tavern Restaurant, which serves an à la carte menu packed with sumptuous Irish meats and seafood, including dishes such as Irish venison carpaccio with truffle salt. The photogenic chrome-covered bar is the place to learn how to mix your own irresistible cocktails courtesy of one of the hotel’s master classes.

A stay at the Dylan is a novel experience thanks to the individually styled rooms. Watch the world go by from the sash window of a luxury Queen Room while pouring yourself an Irish whiskey from the mini bar. Signature suites are also available, designed to bring out the original Victorian features in each space.