Dublin has always been a city of character, where history, hospitality and creativity meet on every corner. Once better known for its lively pubs than plush pillow menus, the Irish capital has raised the bar in recent years with a wave of five-star stays blending old-world charm with contemporary comfort. The Shelbourne and The Westbury remain institutions, but new arrivals such as The Chancery and Anantara have brought fresh energy to the scene, while international names like Conrad cement Dublin’s status as a luxury city break destination.

Step outside these opulent addresses and you’ll find a city steeped in story: from its medieval cathedrals and grand Georgian architecture to the bustle of Grafton Street and the conviviality of Temple Bar. Yet, increasingly, the hotels themselves are the stars of the show – whether you’re here for a languid afternoon tea, a world-class spa treatment, or simply to sink into one of the city’s most comfortable beds. Here’s our pick of the best luxury hotels in Dublin.

The Chancery Hotel, Dublin Castle

A chic newcomer on Dublin’s luxury hotel scene, The Chancery feels instantly established thanks to its calm, design-forward setting and attentive service. The highlight is its beautiful subterranean garden, a serene pocket next to its restaurant that sets the tone for the whole stay – leafy, quiet and surprisingly tranquil given the central location. Inside, rooms are stylish without veering into fussiness: clean lines, warm finishes and beds so comfortable they tempt you to linger longer than planned. While the spa is on the smaller side, it covers all bases and makes for an ideal reset before heading out into the city.

Food and drink are where The Chancery really shines. The restaurant is an elegant space with a menu that balances refinement and heart, its handmade oxtail gnocchi already a signature dish, and their Irish champ a must-try. Cocktails are crafted with the same care, beautifully presented but without unnecessary pretension. It’s this mix – chic interiors, a sense of calm, and genuinely excellent food and drink – that makes The Chancery one of Dublin’s most compelling new stays.

From £260 per night.

Anantara The Marker, Docklands

Nestled on the working docklands at the mouth of the River Liffey, a stay at Anantara The Marker offers a different vantage point of Dublin. Its striking glass-and-concrete chequerboard façade is matched inside with sleek, moody interiors carried through all 187 rooms and suites. While there are no balconies, many bedrooms make up for it with sweeping views across the canals, rivers and busy docklands below. The rooftop terrace remains the hotel’s showpiece, a 360-degree panorama of the Dublin Mountains and Irish Sea. It’s the perfect perch for cocktails and small plates showcasing local produce, and in summer the deck transforms into an al fresco yoga studio. A more leisurely option is the new Poetry & Places Afternoon Tea, where delicate patisserie is inspired by Dublin’s literary heritage – a thoughtful twist on a classic ritual.

Wellness is also taken seriously here. The spa features a 23-metre infinity pool, jacuzzi, eucalyptus steam room and a solid menu of treatments – we had an outstanding massage with therapist Gessica, who left us floating. Dining meanwhile is a three-pronged affair: casual bites at The Marker Bar & Lounge, Asian small plates at the stunning Rooftop Bar & Terrace, and the acclaimed Forbes Street restaurant led by chef Gareth Mullins, where dishes like Flaggy Shore oysters, summer wicklow lamb loin and steaks from local butcher John Stone reflect Ireland’s culinary landscape. Combined with seamless service and the Docklands’ energy on your doorstep, Anantara is one of Dublin’s most polished addresses.

From £246 per night.

Conrad Dublin, Saint Kevin’s

From its prime city centre location to its literary-themed cocktails at Lemuel’s Bar, the Conrad has plenty to offer discerning travellers visiting the Irish capital. In a 2017 refurbishment the hotel overhauled its presidential suite, lobby and exterior, in addition to introducing new dining concepts such as Lemuel's offering international dishes, unique cocktails, and a traditional high tea, while The Coburg and The Terrace were relaunched in April this year with the decor incorporating hand-painted murals by Irish artist Ciara O’Neill.

Dublin's rich literary heritage blends with modern design at the Conrad, which overlooks the city’s famed National Concert Hall, while the winding paths of St Stephen's Green are moments away. Hunker down in one of the 192 bedrooms, some of which boast views towards the city’s mountains. 

From £380 per night.

The Shelbourne, St Stephen's Green

Steeped in history, The Shelbourne is where the Irish Constitution was drafted – and guests can get a peek for themselves in the hotel’s Constitution Room, where a copy of the original document is available for viewing. The Victorian building dates back to 1824, and pays homage to its history via prized antiques, chandeliers and 32 intricate stained-glass windows – one for each Irish county – dotted throughout the hotel. Service, as you’d expect from Dublin’s Grand Dame, is faultless while bedrooms claim to offer the best views of leafy St Stephen’s Green in the city. Suites are designed to delight the most discerning guests – featuring separate sleeping, seating areas and marble bathrooms – and are named in honour of the hotel’s most memorable guests. 

Much like its suites, The Shelbourne’s dining rooms and bars all have stories behind them too. The Horseshoe Bar, for example, has played host to notable political and media meetings while The Lord Mayor's Lounge, known as Ireland's most famous drawing room, plays host to an indulgent afternoon tea. The Saddle Room restaurant is the pinnacle of Shelbourne hospitality, serving classic foie gras royale, fillet of Kilmore Quay halibut and Liscannor crab. The 1824 Bar is The Shelbourne's newest addition: an intimate bar mixing a variety of serves and a hand-picked list of top-shelf whiskey against the backdrop of a whimsical mural by artist Paul Slater.

From £637 per night.

The Westbury, Grafton Street

Few hotels capture Dublin’s sense of occasion quite like The Westbury. Part of the Doyle Collection – the same group behind London favourites The Kensington and The Marylebone – it’s a property that feels both timeless and firmly rooted in the present. Its location alone makes it irresistible: wedged between Trinity College and St Stephen’s Green, with Grafton Street spilling out just beyond its doors. Step outside and you’re in the thick of the capital’s shopping, theatre and nightlife; step back in and the city noise falls away, replaced by hushed marble floors and the easy charm of a team that knows how to look after you. With 205 rooms and 27 suites, the hotel has scale, but never sacrifices character – think understated Irish design with subtle contemporary touches and just the right amount of polish.

But it’s in the restaurants and bars that The Westbury really earns its stripes. Wilde has long been a go-to for locals as much as guests, and it’s not hard to see why: the kitchen delivers Irish classics with finesse, and the lamb here is nothing short of a showstopper. Head sommelier Eric is the star of the floor – a larger-than-life character with a knack for pairing and storytelling – while Anderson, one of the front-of-house team, epitomises the kind of thoughtful, personal service that keeps people coming back. When dinner winds down, The Sidecar beckons: a jewel-box of a cocktail bar with an art-deco edge and a menu that doubles as a nostalgic photo album of Ireland. Drinks like the Little Red and Orange You Gorgeous are playful, beautifully mixed, and the perfect nightcap in a space designed for lingering.

From £395 per night.

The Merrion Hotel, St Stephen’s Green

Oozing period charm, The Merrion is housed in a number of Georgian townhouses that were thoughtfully refurbished for well-heeled clientele – however, it’s the location of this five-star hotel that makes it worthy of a return visit. Standing directly opposite Government Buildings in the city centre, the National Gallery, the National Museum of Ireland and Grafton Street are all just moments away. Unlike other city-centric hotels, The Merrion, part of the Leading Hotels of the World portfolio, is a relaxing bolthole away from the capital’s hustle and bustle. Discover the award-winning spa, partake in morning yoga and book a table at The Garden Room, overlooking the manicured courtyard at the heart of the hotel.  

Fine dining foodies will love the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, serving a surprising eight-course tasting menu prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients. Art Tea in The Drawing Room claims to be the most lavish afternoon tea in Dublin, offering savoury recreations of 19th- and 20th-century art alongside miniature sweet creations inspired by the work of JB Yeats, William Scott and Louis Le Brocquy. Once you’ve eaten your fair share, escape to one of the 143 softly-lit rooms featuring queen-sized beds, marble bathrooms with roll-top baths and lounges with daily newspapers on your coffee table – we have no doubt you'll return home stress-free. 

From £563 per night.

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