The 8 best cheap hotels in Dublin

Blooms Hotel is in a bustling area full of bohemian shops, restaurants and pubs (so light sleepers take note). Rooms at Blooms are comfortable, with all the usual mod cons, including TVs, free Wi-Fi, in-room safes and tea and coffee-making facilities. You’ll want to explore the local area, of course, but should you wish to stay close to home, there’s nightly music and whiskey tasting in the hotel’s traditional Irish pub VAT House Bar, or check out the foot-tapping live performances just steps away at The Oliver St John Gogarty bar. 

The mood? Party stay.
Location perks? Slap bang in the centre of Dublin's lively Temple Bar district.
Budget range? Tipping the higher end of affordable.

Uber-cool neighbourhood hotel Dublin One sits in one of the city's most creative areas, offering a unique stay where style and culture are at the forefront. Expect pops of colour, modern furnishings, a leafy courtyard and easy access to the top spots for Dublin entertainment and dining. The hotel restaurant Botanical even has a bottomless brunch with a DJ and endless mimosas. 

The mood? Artsy warehouse vibes.
Location perks? Close to the IFSC and handy for events and concerts at the 3Arena as well as the Epic Museum.
Budget range? Affordable if you're not fussy on dates.

Décor at this central hotel is cosy and rooms come with a Lavazza coffee machine, complimentary mineral water, and Orla Kiely toiletries. The fitness centre has a huge array of equipment and craft beer enthusiasts should drop into the Waterbank Gastro Bar for brews and eats as well as cocktails.

The mood? Bright and airy.
Location perks? It's a short stroll from the city centre, so ideal for sports events and concerts (though prices can peak during these times) at the Aviva Stadium.
Budget range? Top of affordable.

The Harcourt Hotel is in a series of elegant Georgian Buildings in an area that comes alive at night – the hotel is home to a nightclub, and light sleepers should also take note that the hotel has an all-weather beer garden that's responsible for some late-night noise. Rooms are well-appointed, with TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and family rooms can sleep up to five. Best of all, pop into the nearby Iveagh Garden for a daytime stroll and to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

The mood? Suave tones.
Location perks? Just a few minutes’ walk from St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street, and right beside the Luas tram line.
Budget range? Off-season is very reasonable.

The Parnell Street Leonardo hotel is close to the shopping areas of Henry Street and the Ilac Mall, as well as the stadium at Croke Park for concerts and sporting events. Basic rooms have the usual mod cons with flat screen TVs and free wifi, plus guests have access to a fitness area with treadmill, cross-trainer and weights on the second floor plus a spacious bar and restaurant serving international cuisine—but as this is a Dublin city centre hotel, you may be too tempted by the nearby offerings to try out the on-site eatery. 

The mood? Homely.
Location perks? Easy access to the main thoroughfare of O’Connell Street.
Budget range? Good value.

Maldron Hotel has many sites across Dublin, but this one can be found in the centre near the lively Temple Bar district. While the key selling point of this place is the location, you can also expect a comfortable, fashionable stay with everything you need to stay relaxed. Grab a buffet breakfast at Stir Café & Bar as well as an array of European and Irish dishes come the evening – they also have pizzas on the menu which can be taken back to your room. 

The mood? Simplistic and convenient. 
Location perks? Two minutes from O'Connell Street and 10 minutes from Dublin Castle. 
Budget range? Mid-range. 

The Clayton is a four-star hotel set in an old Victorian building and rooms range from deluxe to family rooms and suites. Amenities include a king-sized bed, TV, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel has landscaped gardens, plus a spacious bar and formal restaurant for seasonal plates made with locally sourced ingredients. The hotel is adjacent to the RDS (Royal Dublin Society) and just a few minutes from the Aviva Stadium, for concerts and sporting events. The direct airport bus, the Aircoach, stops directly outside the hotel.

The mood? Grand manor.
Location perks? A leafy suburb just a few minutes by taxi, bus or light rail from the city centre.
Budget range? Surprisingly affordable, albeit the top end of most modest budgets.

This pretty little guest house sits on the southeast side of the city, but you can easily get into the centre by walking (40 minutes) or via a half-hour bus. The rooms are beautifully dressed, with tea and coffee making facilities and Orla Kiely toiletries. There's also a tennis court onsite.

The mood? Chic country house.
Location perks? Take a trip to Sandymount Beach, it's less than a ten-minute drive away.
Budget range? Affordable.