Classic Luxury, Modern Style And Fantastic Services; Dublin Hotels Hit The Right Mark

This hotel makes an impression from the moment you lay eyes on it. Located in the picturesque seaside town of Clontarf, a fifteen-minute drive from the city centre, this castle dates back to 1172! You'll be staying in the grounds of a castle that has changed hands between many famous figures in history over the centuries. Today however, it is best known for its plush interior and proximity to the magnificent gold courses of the area. The hotel is also conscientious of the environment and has achieved the bronze award for green hospitality as well as having their own 'Green Team' who meet monthly to ensure that the hotel remains dedicated to being green.

If you're planning to sample a veritable Irish sporting experience in Croke Park then there is no better place to stay than the adjacent hotel. The Croke Park Hotel even offers a 'GAA Package', which provides accommodation, food and a tour of the grounds and museum for a family. Not only is this hotel conveniently located for the GAA grounds, it is also close to the city centre and offers a warm welcome and impressive interior. The leisure centre and business centre also offer you the chance to satisfy your other needs before catching a game.

This hotel is next level in its attention to detail and ability to create an 'experience'. The Dylan is a trendy and stylish, pet-friendly (in particular dogs) and goes the extra mile for children and business-oriented clients as well. You have the choice of a room with iPod speakers and in-bathroom entertainment; an opulent private dining room for high-powered meetings or specially crafted pet beds and treats to ensure your pooch is catered for. The hotel is handily located near to the Aviva Stadium so this would be a perfect choice is you plan to catch a rugby game in style.

If an emphasis on family is at the forefront of your mind then look no further than The Merrion Hotel. The surroundings are luxurious but homely, with roaring turf fires and plush couches. The hotel has made a point of being child-friendly and even offers a babysitting service and child-tailored room service menu. If your little ones go down to the pool for a dip they will be treated to pint-sized bathrobes and the bartenders have a selection of 'mocktails' to make them feel all grown up. If you want the hotel to do the hard work for you then make this your first stop.

The Shelbourne is a Dublin institution. Dating back to 1824, the Irish Constitution was drafted in its 122th room in 1922 and its old school glamour and grandeur is still as pervasive as ever. Overlooking St. Stephen's Green and a common haunt for Ireland's rich and famous you can never be sure who you might catch sight of in its Saddle Room. The views of the park are fantastic if you can manage to get a room facing the green and the hotel accepts pets with a small charge. Be sure to try the full Irish breakfast before heading out to explore the city.

If you're looking for something a little more modern then The Morgan will be just up your alley. Located in Temple Bar where the party and excitement is on your doorstep, The Morgan is a boutique hotel with style. Here you can rent a penthouse suite with a baby grand piano, Phillip Starke furniture and a rooftop garden with a caravan to lounge in while you look out over the Dublin skyline. This hotel offers a quirky alternative to your usual hotel experience and the emphasis is on having a good time and enjoying what Dublin has to offer.

With its prime location just off Stephen's Green and a rooftop garden courtyard, the Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin is both wonderfully accessible and yet provides a place to retreat from the city. Take a long soak in their deep bath tubs or relax on the queen size beds amongst the retro décor. This hotel is perfect if you want a convenient but luxurious resting place after a long day of shopping or sightseeing on Dublin's busy streets. If you really want to treat yourself then opt for the penthouse suite where you can avail of a 24 hour butler and bartender.

Fifteen minutes outside the city centre by car but offering the surroundings of something more suited to a huge country manor, the Radisson Blu is the former residence of Sir Thomas Cooley MP. Cooley had the mansion built overlooking Dublin Bay as a place to entertain the nobility and gentry of Ireland in 1750. The hotel is elegant and historic with beautifully kept gardens and an impressive conservatory bar. You get a real sense of luxury in St. Helen's and there is a real attention to detail. Stay here if you want to feel a million miles away from the city but require its nearby amenities.

You can't get any closer to the centre of Dublin in The Westbury Hotel. Take a right at the top of Grafton Street and you'll be transported into five-star opulence with the plush couches and grand piano of The Gallery Lounge. The location is perfect for a day of sight seeing on foot and the high tea served in The Gallery Lounge is unbeatable. Coupled with spacious and comfortable rooms The Westbury the usual expectations of very centrally located hotels, instead providing a service and interior that you would expect of a hotel with sprawling grounds.

As tends to be the way with Four Seasons hotels the interiors, surroundings and facilities are immaculate in the Ballsbridge branch. Located five minutes from the city centre in the leafy suburb this hotel sports Dublin's only full-service spa and fitness centre. Not only this but it also has an extremely impressive art collection including works by Louis Le Brocquy and Sean Scully that's estimated to be worth over $500,000, enjoy it while relishing a cocktail in the ICE bar, renowned as one of the cities most exclusive drinking spots. Despite this the hotel is repeatedly hailed as extremely family friendly and the staff are more than happy to provide high chairs and microwaves for your room.