Grafton Street

The Westbury

★★★★★

The Westbury is the hotel for travellers who want to be in the very middle of Dublin without the noise. It sits on Balfe Street, a quiet lane a few steps off Grafton Street, the city's principal shopping street, so you can step out of the door straight into the bustle and retreat back to calm in seconds. It is the flagship of the Dublin-based Doyle Collection, and it has a strong reputation: readers of Condé Nast Traveller voted it the number one hotel in Ireland in 2025. The interiors are elegant and contemporary, with a long first-floor lounge, the Gallery, that serves afternoon tea and is one of Dublin's favourite meeting places. Wilde, named after Oscar Wilde, is the hotel's glamorous restaurant, known for its steaks, seafood and a bright, garden-like dining room. Balfes, at street level, is a relaxed brasserie and bar for breakfast, brunch and casual meals, and the Sidecar, a small, sophisticated cocktail bar with an Art Deco air, operates on a walk-in basis. Rooms range from classic and deluxe categories to a series of suites, including studio suites that work well for longer stays, decorated in calm, neutral tones with Irish design touches. The hotel provides valet parking for a fee and can arrange private airport transfers. The fitness suite has been closed for an upgrade until November 2026, so check its status if a gym matters to you.

Location is the headline. From the Westbury you are two minutes from St Stephen's Green, five from Trinity College and the Book of Kells, and five from Temple Bar and the Creative Quarter around South William Street and Drury Street, which is packed with the city's best independent restaurants, bars and shops. The Gaiety Theatre is around the corner, and the National Museum and National Gallery are under ten minutes away. It is the ideal base for a first trip, a shopping weekend or a short business stay where every minute counts, and most visitors never need public transport.

Living in it: the rooms are comfortable and quiet, thanks to the side-street setting and good soundproofing, with large beds, marble bathrooms and good workspace. Higher categories and suites have more room to spread out, and some have views over the rooftops of the south city. Service is professional and personal, with a concierge team who know the city's best tables. The Gallery is busy at weekends with locals meeting for tea or cocktails, which gives the hotel a lively, connected feel. Check-in is mid-afternoon and check-out at noon, with early and late options on request. Pets are not permitted, except guide dogs.

Who it suits: couples, shoppers and first-time visitors who want a five-star experience in the most central location possible, and business travellers who need easy access to the south city. Families can be accommodated with cots and rollaway beds, though the hotel's mood is grown-up. Rates are high, and they climb for major events and the December season, but the convenience is hard to beat.