7 Best Hotels in Dublin, Ireland

“Townhouse" does not do justice to the splendor of the place, but it does hint at the cozy, relaxed atmosphere of the Pembroke, a superb example of classic 18th-century grandeur. The fan-windowed front door leads into a stately reception area, complete with Grecian pillars. The bright, airy, high-ceiling rooms are all individually designed in a gentle clash of contemporary chic and Georgian symmetry. Nearly every wall bears a striking piece of contemporary Irish art. The hearty breakfast—including sautéed lamb's liver if desired—is served in the serene dining room.

Pardon the pun, but this converted Victorian parochial school just off the Grand Canal really is A-plus—set in a gorgeous example of 19th-century architecture complete with turrets and soaring nave (now the setting for the restaurant), this may be the most uniquely upcycled hotel in Ireland. The headliner here is the beautiful, light-filled former chapel, now home to the classy, modern-Irish Gastrobar complete with an iron-work chandelier. Guest rooms—each named for a famous Irish writer and hung with a corresponding portrait—are very old-school (again, excuse the pun) luxury, with thick rugs matching the quilted bedspreads, plus beautiful oak chairs and desks, and an array of historic edition wallpapers. Enjoy the in-room spa treatments to take the edge off after a hard day's shopping.

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.

The homemade preserves and oven-warm scones are reason enough to stay at this redbrick 1850 Victorian guesthouse, in one of Dublin's poshest tree-lined suburbs a 15-minute walk from St. Stephen's Green. Restored rooms in the main house are lovingly decorated with Georgian antiques, Victoriana, and period wallpaper and drapes. The 13 rooms at the back of the house are less luxurious, but all are immaculate. A Waterford-crystal chandelier hangs over the comfortable leather and mahogany furniture in the gracious, fireplace-warmed drawing room where afternoon tea is served.

Right in the heart of Temple Bar, this basic but well-run hotel somehow manages to feel like something of an oasis from the hustle of this lively neighborhood. The small but elegant lobby leads up to rooms that are designed around their limited space so you don't feel too cramped. Staff are pleasant and helpful and the Irish breakfast hits the spot after a night on the town.

Smithfield's newest hotel might look a little mundane with its redbrick, officelike exterior, but inside it's a lot more fun. Street art is what sets the cool Hendrick apart from the crowd, with 259 original pieces crammed into every nook and public space. Rooms can be small and very white, but their clever designs (with an extra bunk bed in some doubles) and striking splashes of colorful art help compensate. The cocktail bar is already a favorite hangout for locals.

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.