There is no denying that Dublin can be an expensive city to visit. Finding a hotel that fits comfortably within a budget can be a challenge, particularly during high season or peak times. However, do not be discouraged; if you know where to look, you can often secure a relative bargain. There are stylish hostels that feature private rooms if you prefer not to share, as well as peaceful townhouses just outside the city center that offer excellent value compared to more central properties.
A word of warning, though: to say that Dublin hotel prices fluctuate is an understatement. When a major event is taking place, or demand is simply high, the prices for even basic hostels can skyrocket. The properties listed below are usually at the lower end of the price scale, but this cannot be guaranteed. Be prepared to shop around and compare rates to find the best deal.
Best cheap hotels in Dublin 2025
At a glance
1. The Hendrick hotel
Located in the heart of the trendy Smithfield neighborhood, The Hendrick offers the best of both worlds. You will find local bars, street art, and bistros right on your doorstep, while the rest of the city is less than a 20-minute walk away. The rooms are designed in a compact, pod-hotel style, but they feature clever under-bed storage and functional bathrooms. The open-plan bar area is a fantastic place to relax, and the hotel is decorated with impressive art; you can even scan QR codes to access an audio guide for the various pieces.
Address: 6 – 11 Hendrick Street, Dublin 7
2. Latroupe Jacobs Inn hotel
This hostel, recently taken over by the boutique Latroupe brand, possesses all the hallmarks of a cool urban crash pad. The restaurant serves creative dishes like grilled haloumi burgers and crispy chickpea salads, and the bar frequently hosts live DJs in the evenings, creating a lively party atmosphere. The dorms feature a unique layout with self-contained pod-style beds, while the private rooms offer great value. These private spaces include en-suite bathrooms and a boutique aesthetic, featuring navy wood-paneled walls, tobacco leather headboards, and exposed piping for clothing storage.
Address: 21-28 Talbot Pl, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 W5P8, Ireland
3. Generator Dublin hotel
Situated next to the Jameson Distillery in Smithfield, the Generator offers a mix of dorms and private rooms, the latter being quite spacious. Some of these private rooms even include small balconies that overlook Smithfield Square. Downstairs, there is a massive bar and a cozy reading nook for daytime coffee, along with shuffleboard and pool tables. The hotel often hosts evening DJs or film screenings in its cinema room. They also own the Skyview Tower, which, for a small fee, provides a stunning panoramic view of the city—provided you are willing to climb the 259 steps.
Address: Smithfield Square, Dublin 7
4. The Marlin hotel
Located near the shops of St. Stephen’s Green and the bustling bars of Drury and William Street South, The Marlin features 300 stylish, compact rooms. While the rooms are on the smaller side, the expansive ground floor blends a restaurant, bar, and comfortable hangout areas. Despite the size of the bar, it never feels overcrowded, and the pub grub menu is perfect if you prefer not to travel far for a meal. Because so much of the city center is within walking distance, you can <a s Green, Dublin, D02 AY81, Ireland
5. Stauntons on the Green hotel
While their prices are not always at rock bottom, this period property offers fantastic value when rates are at the lower end of the scale, especially for solo travelers who can book a single room with a twin bed. This Georgian townhouse is perfectly situated on the southern edge of St. Stephen’s Green and backs onto the Iveagh Gardens. There is even a private gate for residents leading through the hotel’s lovely garden, which is a perfect spot for an evening glass of wine. If your stay includes breakfast, you are in for a treat, with classic Irish dishes served on elegant crockery in the drawing room.
Address: 83 St. Stephen’s Green South, Dublin 2
6. Pembroke Townhouse hotel
You might not expect a period property in the upscale neighborhood of Ballsbridge to be affordable, but you can often find a reasonable rate at the Pembroke Townhouse. The rooms vary in size, with the “Snug” being an excellent choice for solo travelers, and the downstairs common areas are perfect for relaxing with a book. In the shared pantry, guests have access to complimentary Nespresso coffee, tea, and a platter of pastries, and there is also reasonably priced wine available. The city center is a pleasant 15-minute walk away.
Address: 88 Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
7. Clink i Lár hotel
Situated in the middle of the Northside shopping district, Clink i Lár is a relatively new, upscale hostel offering a mix of private rooms and dorms, including female-only options. The rooms themselves are fairly standard, though those on the 10th floor offer impressive city views. There is plenty of activity downstairs, particularly for solo travelers, including karaoke, movie screenings, social events, and a lively bar with a rotating nightly schedule.
Address: 35-36 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1
8. Ariel House hotel
While you won’t find any bargains when there is a match at the nearby Aviva Stadium, this charming, recently refurbished guesthouse is a wonderful place to stay at other times. Combining the character of an old-fashioned B&B with the style of a boutique hotel, Ariel House is a unique space in leafy Ballsbridge. Their single rooms and cozy doubles offer the best value, though their family rooms are ideal for those destinations they cover. Our contributors either live in these locations or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When selecting hotels to include, they visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, when hotel rates are also likely to be more affordable.
Dublin truly comes alive during St. Patrick’s Day in March, one of Ireland’s biggest national holidays, featuring colorful street parades and various arts and culture events throughout the city.
Is Dublin expensive?
Dublin is generally considered an expensive city break, but there are ways to manage costs, such as choosing dorm-style accommodation, taking advantage of the city’s walkability, and seeking out budget-friendly eateries and bars.
What are the best free things to do?
There are numerous free museums to explore in Dublin, including the Chester Beatty, Collins Barracks, the National Gallery of Ireland, and the National Museum of Ireland.
You can also search for Dublin’s “talking statues,” ranging from Oscar Wilde to James Joyce, to learn more about their historical significance, or visit the Dublin Portal to wave at people in New York City
For a break from the city center, areas like Phoenix Park, St. Stephen’s Green, and the National Botanic Gardens offer free spaces to relax. Alternatively, head to the nearby coastline at Forty Foot or Dollymount Strand for some fresh sea air.
How much spending money do I need?
This depends entirely on your plans for shopping, eating, and drinking. The average price of a Guinness in Ireland is €5.77 (£4.93), though this can be significantly higher in popular tourist areas like Temple Bar, so plan your budget accordingly based on your expected consumption.