7 stylish boutique boltholes in Dublin, from modernist mews to rooms with harbour-side views
Dublin’s array of stylish independent hotels has blossomed considerably over the last few years, as a series of new openings have added depth and a sense of fun to what was already a strong offering. Most visitors make for the Temple Bar district, with its narrow cobbled streets and cluster of cultural attractions, but don’t miss the city’s classical Georgian squares and terraces – and the fine seaside, in all of which a smattering of small hotels are found. Choose from low-key comfort and grace, a youthful vibe, and excellent cuisine – whatever you’re after, you’ll find it. Add a private cinema or two, excellent locations, and a fizzing cocktail scene, and a good time awaits.
Cliff Townhouse
Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
Cliff’s is a classic Georgian townhouse, with vast sash windows, stucco ceilings, fanlight, and fine dimensions in a splendid setting, looking south across St Stephen’s Green. The nine rooms at Cliff are all beautifully appointed, with antique furnishings and luxurious finishes. Beautiful rose-pink and moss-green Donegal woollen throws exemplify the luxury on offer. Excellent cuisine is the big thing at Cliff's with an emphasis on seafood, and the ground-floor restaurant, with its Art Deco scallop sconces and parquet, is the heart of the place. Read expert review From ￡125 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Wilder Townhouse
Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
Originally, The Wilder was founded as a 'Home for Retired Governesses' – and the hotel has retained much of the building’s period charm, with excellent joinery, high ceilings, and bright interiors. Add modern touches in the form of dramatic light fittings and original Irish art displayed across the property, and the result is a hotel of considerable character. Breakfast is served in the airy Garden Room, with outdoor seating for clement mornings, and light bites in the Gin and Tea Rooms. Read expert review From ￡134 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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Number 31
Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
Boasting highly distinctive modernist mews and a handsome Georgian townhouse, style is certainly this guesthouse's signature feature. Inside, a sunken seating area is set in front of a broad fireplace, with a glitterball mirrored bar tucked into the corner – a great spot for a sociable evening drink. Rooms are eclectic, like the property itself, and a pretty and tranquil walled garden rounds things off. There's no restaurant, but Number 31 takes breakfast very seriously – and in chef Delia's hands, it's a superior affair. Read expert review From ￡136 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Morgan Hotel
Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
The Morgan is slotted into the very heart of the Temple Bar entertainment quarter, thus the vibe is urban, youthful and fashionable. Think faux-antique notes combined with lots of large windows, hard surfaces and natural light. Standard rooms are spacious, airy and furnished restfully in shades of white and cream. Funky notes come in the shape of Philippe Starck Perspex chairs and splashes of colour from cushions and throws. It all works, and it’s a popular venue with young Dubliners too: this is not a hushed refuge from the world, and it doesn’t want to be. Read expert review From ￡132 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Dean Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
The moody dark notes of the hotel's exterior give way to a more sparkling, fun vibe within. There's a definitely retro feel to the Dean too, in the form of old-style record players, complete with LPs available to all guests. Look out for the original Irish art – specially commissioned – on the walls, which lends the hotel the feeling of a private gallery. The rooftop bar, with its open terrace, is a beautiful space with views over the city rooftops – but the pièce de la resistance is Sophie's, the splendid, casual, 'glasshouse' restaurant with panoramic views. Read expert review From ￡95 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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King Sitric
Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
King Sitric's location is oustanding, beautifully situated on the waterfront of picturesque and historic Howth; an old fishing village in the outer suburbs of Dublin, with steep streets, marvellous views, a busy working harbour and cliff and hill walks to hand. The brightly coloured exterior of the original building is typical of many Irish fishing villages. Inside, it's all modern, and quite swish – and all that glazing means a bright interior and great sea views. Food and wine are exceptional at the famously first-class restaurant. Read expert review From ￡138 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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