D4 HOTEL, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
This is the old Jury’s/Berkley Court Complex which Sean Dunne is hoping to turn into a high rise new monied heaven. In the mean time they offer rooms for €99 per night, which is amazing value for the location. Everything is extra though and there’s no room service or anything like that. We use it for guest artistes all the time and it’s grand. Book on line at www.d4-hotels.com

AVALON HOSTEL, Aungier St., Dublin 2
Hostels are a total fear zone, but this one is surprisingly cozy and friendly, anyway you won’t be spending much time there. Location wise you can’t really beat it, there is an endless choice of bars, clubs, shops and restaurants with in five minuets walk from its front door.

JURY’S INN, CHRIST CHURCH, Dublin 8
Very much in the mode of travel lodge or holiday inn, so it’s pretty horrible, but it’s cheap for the city center – therefore, bearable if you just need a place to drop your bag and have a shower.

GRAFTON HOUSE, Georges St., Dublin 2
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on accommodation, but you want more than a soulless sleeping box, then this is just the spot. Styled like a boutique hotel but with the economy and informality of a B+B. We put friends up here all the time.

THE CENTRAL HOTEL, Georges St., Dublin 2
It’s a bit of a dump, but got location on it’s side and it’s library bar with open fires makes it very welcoming in the winter. Good off- season rates. No room service.

Note* Best to avoid Bed and Breakfasts or hostels on or around Gardiner St area. Dodgy neighbourhood.





THE CLARENCE, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
It isn’t cheep and it’s in Temple Bar, but the Clarence over comes these impediments by keeping it simple and stylish. Good bar for star gazing. Oh look there’s Bill Clinton. Rooms are a bit small but very comfy beds. The Dining room is fab too.

THE DYLAN, Westmoreland Place, Dublin 4
A new, flashy boutique hotel that try’s a little too hard on the décor front. Very nice dining terrace in a leafy setting. Located just past of the canal, it’s a very pleasant twenty minute stroll into the city center. Bar is full of rich Dublin 4 fucks though.

THE MORGAN, Fleet St., Dublin 2
Modern and maybe just a little too shiny, but well run. The bar can get very busy with non-residents as it has a nice beer garden. The Morgan features quirky room décor that will either wreck your head or make you clap like a happy seal. Offers apartments and is cheap for what you get. Bling aside it’s not a bad spot.

THE SHELBOURNE, St Stephens Green, Dublin 2
Very old school, very elegant, very fucking expensive. Honestly we recently got stung at the bar, €19.00 for a glass of Sancerre. I ask you! Still if someone else is picking up the tab it is very nice, particularly since it’s trillion buck make over.

THE MERRION, Merrion St., Dublin 2
For my money, the best hotel in the city. The mini suites in the Georgian wing are to die for. Great room service and pool. It’s pricey though. That said it beats the shit out of the poxy Four Seasons. We stay here when we want to treat ourselves or impress a bird.

BUTLER’S TOWN HOUSE, Lansdowne Rd., Dublin 4
Georgian style luxury guest house, a little dusty but comfortable in a rich older relative’s house kind of way. Well run with friendly staff. Type of gaf your Mum would be happy in. Great part of town, Sandymount Strand is just down the road.

Note* Most of the city’s 5 star’s are open to a bit of haggling – never pay rack rate!


Photography by stuseaphotos