An Insider's Guide to the Best Hotels in Dublin

No visit to Ireland is complete without a stay in the iconic city of Dublin, and whether you're visiting for an authentic St. Patrick's Day celebration, planning your honeymoon, or hope to enjoy the Emerald Isle with the whole family during a trip with the kids this summer, planning ahead to book the perfect room or suite at one of the city's top hotels is sure to enhance your Irish getaway.

Your hotel will be your home-away-from-home during your trip to Dublin and while you may be trading in creature comforts like your favorite armchair or morning routine, the four hotels listed below will quickly make you forget all of that. Offering delightful amenities designed to upgrade your visit to Dublin, our short list of the best hotels in Dublin has something for everyone.

Some of the key elements Auto Europe always recommends that you look for when selecting a hotel are:

• Location - Look for a hotel which is centrally located, yet one which offers easy access to major roadways, this allows you to explore the downtown district of the city you're visiting while providing easy-access to the surrounding countryside.
• Experience - Find a hotel which has earned a reputation for excellence. The concierge or management will be able to provide you with fantastic recommendations about local pubs, little-known restaurants, must-see live performances and more.
• Amenities - Choose a hotel with a mix of both practical and indulgent amenities. Little things like free breakfast and secure WiFi can save you a lot of money, but if the restaurant has a Michelin star restaurant, in-house gym or unique historical ties to the city you're visiting these elements are sure to enhance your trip.

The Best Hotels in Dublin

Choosing the best hotel in Dublin can be challenging - there are terrific accommodation options throughout Ireland's favorite city. With that said we've narrowed the impressive list of hotels in Dublin to four special establishments which are sure to enhance your upcoming trip.To begin, we feature Dublin's premier luxury hotel and one of the best budget-friendly offerings in the city.

Featured Hotel: For the Upscale Traveler in Dublin

Class Comfort and Charm: Dublin's Merrion Hotel
Stylish, luxurious and located on Upper Merrion Street in the heart of Dublin, the Merrion Hotel pairs in-town convenience with charming views of the city. A five-star hotel which has won multiple awards, the Merrion consistently earns top reviews from guests. Many of the 142 bedrooms and suites overlook an impressive half-acre of period landscaped gardens and out the front door are iconic Government Buildings.

The Merrion Hotel was artfully constructed from four restored Georgian Townhouses and is remembered historically as the birthplace of the first Duke of Wellington. Art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Merrion Hotel as it houses one of Ireland's most impressive collections of art and antiques.

Intimate Dining at the Merrion Hotel
Guests can choose to dine in The Cellar Restaurant, a venue which serves simple Irish cuisine executed to perfection. Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud offers a formal dining alternative and travelers visiting Dublin should plan to dine here whether or not you stay at the Merrion - this restaurant has earned 2 Michelin Stars.

Those seeking to unwind after a long day of touring Dublin should visit The Cellar Bar - an intimate setting housed in the structure's original 18^th century wine vaults. If you prefer to enjoy a cocktail outdoors visit No 23. - during the spring and summer months guests are invited to relax and enjoy their beverage on the Garden Terrace. If it's a cold day the Merrion's Drawing Rooms offer comfortable seating and open log fires to take the chill off.

Upscale Comforts: Amenities at the Merrion Hotel
You won't lack for indulgent amenities during your stay at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin - guests are welcome to enjoy the award winning Tethra Spa which boasts a 60 foot infinity pool, steam room, fully equipped gymnasium as well as private treatment rooms.

If you're planning a high-end business meeting, cocktail reception or destination wedding in Dublin, The Merrion offers six of the most impressive rooms in the city which can comfortably accommodate 100 people for a reception or 50 people for a private dinner. These rooms offer the privacy of a separate entrance, plenty of natural daylight, ornate ceilings and both broadband and wireless internet - the perfect union of classic 18^th century charm and 21^st century technology.

To contact the Merrion Hotel about arranging a stay during your trip to Dublin:

Visit the Merrion Hotel Website
mail: info@merrionhotel.com
Phone (toll-free from the US): 1-855-637-7382
Address: The Merrion Hotel, Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Three Popular Hotel Alternatives in Dublin

Westbury Hotel - Located just off famous Grafton Street in the heart of Dublin, the Westbury Hotel offers a great location for those hoping to explore the city's most fashionable retail and cultural quarter. The staff provides high quality service and, when combined with the beautiful views guests can expect from their room, this hotel can be a great choice for your trip to Dublin. It's worth noting that the Westbury's premium location comes with a hefty price tag, but if convenience and a historic locale are what you're looking for then certainly consider the Westbury.

You can find them online by visiting their website.

Marker Hotel - The Marker Hotel was selected as the winner of the 2014 Travelers Choice Luxury award for hotels in Dublin, and for those seeking an upscale, urban retreat this destination comes highly recommended. Located in the Grand Canal Square in Docklands, this hotel has been known to offer guests a free room upgrade, depending upon when you book a room. Guests can expect to pay a premium relative to other hotels in Docklands, but we think the high-style of the Marker Hotel's accommodations paired with its convenient, central location are worth the expense.

Learn more about The Marker Hotel and its amenities.

Ariel House - Touted as the 'best kept secret' in Dublin, Ariel House offers free Internet, free parking and the stately elegance most travelers hope for when visiting Ireland. The Ariel House is a popular choice for those visiting Dublin for the first time, and while this hotel is somewhat out of the way in comparison to the other hotels we've mentioned, Ariel House does score consistently high marks among guests who review their experience online. Selected as one of the top hotels by Travelers Choice during their 2014 survey, we think travelers will enjoy the quaint decor and affordable prices offered by this popular Dublin Hotel.

Learn more about Ariel House in Dublin.

Choosing the Perfect Dublin Hotel

While each of the hotels in Dublin mentioned on this list offer something unique, we expect that travelers can't go wrong with any of them. Finding the right hotel for you is a matter of evaluating your needs and budget - it's a big decision which will directly impact your trip and the memories you make in Ireland.

We recommend that you visit each of these websites, read reviews from other travelers on Tripadvisor and elsewhere and book your room early after researching the best time to visit Dublin in order to take advantage of the lowest available rates.Dublin is a one-of-a-kind destination and remember - if you need transportation (anything from airport transfers to chauffeur service and, of course, car rental in Dublin) - Auto Europe is available online and over the phone 24/7 to help you make your trip to Ireland one to remember.

Interested in getting a free quote on a hotel in Dublin? Auto Europe provides hotel booking service online and over the phone: 1-877-444-2222.