Perhaps the best part of the Dublin hotel and lodging is its diversity. The worst part may be, well, its diversity. On the one hand, there is a lot to choose from, but on the other it is difficult to decide where to stay.

Price also is a positive point. Although Dublin is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, it is listed as having the cheapest hotel accommodations among the top 10 European tourist cities.

Star System

Lodging in Dublin is ranked on a star system by Bord Failte, which is the Irish Tourist Board, and the Irish Hotels Federation. Hotels range from one to five stars while guesthouses are ranked on a four-star system. Guesthouses differ from hotels in that they range from five-bedroom family houses, Georgian and Victorian residences, to larger professionally serviced modern establishments.

While the five-star hotels account for the plushest accommodations, even establishments receiving only one star meet minimum standards set by the tourism board. Five-star hotels are defined as those that include “half-suites and all guest rooms have a private bathroom with bath or shower, direct dial telephone, and color TV and radio, controlled from the bed. Room service offers full breakfast.” Many of the accommodations listed among hotels are large or multi-national chains, but others are family-owned and many are older buildings renovated to meet modern accommodation standards.

Guesthouses

Perhaps the more interesting category is the guesthouses. These include bed and breakfasts and smaller establishments. Most are in an ideal location for city visits and shopping as they are often close to public transport. There also are farmhouses and country homes that have been converted into guest accommodations. Many offer dinner, but visitors should check first to see which offer what.

For younger tourists there also are a variety of hostels and campus accommodations. Most of these are self-catering, but some offer meals. All hostels offer kitchen and cooking facilities. There also are specialty accommodations, ranging from YMCA hostels to stately homes, in addition to camping and motor home facilities.

Accommodations in Dublin are broken down by area, with downtown being covered by the Dublin City Centre and the rest of the city divided into north and south. Further out, lodging is divided by north and south Dublin County.