Dublin, Ireland's capital, located on the east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey, with a population of about 1.5 million people. The River divides Dublin into the south and north sides. Historically south side was occupied by the upper and middle class, influencing the city development that is why today here are located most of the city's historic and religious sights, spacious top Dublin hotels, beautiful small cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and clubs. Speaking about places to stay in Dublin, we need admit that Dublin is rather expensive city to stay in. The range of Dublin hotel deals is wide - from classy five star hotels in old castles to small hostels, from large and light apartments to country homes and guesthouses. Concerning to the time of Dublin hotel reservation - traditionally, all places are overbooked during the peak seasons, from April-May to September, so, early reservation is highly recommended.

Dublin hotel rates
For short stays it would fit Dublin hotel booking near the city center. Even if the price will be higher then in suburbs, it pays the money and you will save time on transportation. Unfortunately, there are few options of cheap Dublin hotels near the city center, so the only way is to book a place in a hostel. Thankfully, most of these maintain a pretty high standard of hygiene and comfort, offering various sleeping arrangements, from just a bed in a large dorm to a double room. Another option to save money is stay in rented apartments. Among recommended places for cheap stay look at campus residence of Trinity College. For that you will get one of the student's rooms or two-bed apartments with own bathrooms, while they are on holidays. Breakfast is included. Other option is Isaacs Hostel located on the North side of Dublin, next to the main bus station. Facilities include Internet access, pool table, room service and microwave in lobby. Prices for accommodation here start from €14 up to €90.

Midrange accommodation is very mixed, from boutique hotels to budget Dublin hotels and townhouses with B&B's. Boutique hotels are rather luxurious and elegant. One of the examples is boutique hotel Pembroke Townhouse. This super-luxurious town house was transformed into a modern boutique hotel, where each room reflects the best of contemporary design and style. Town houses and guesthouses give more Irish ‘home' comfort, though less professional as they are privately owned. They are usually located in beautiful Georgian homes, extremely comfortable, while at the lower end, rooms are simple, a little worn and often rather overbearingly decorated. Here you can look forward to kitsch knick-knacks, chintzy curtains, lace doilies and clashing floral fabrics so loud they'll burn your retinas.

Breakfast can range from home-baked breads, fruit and farmhouse cheeses to a traditional, fat-laden fry-up. Two of the best guesthouses to stay in are Aberdeen Lodge, overlooking landscaped gardens and cricket grounds. This luxurious house offers modern comfort, air-conditioned suites with jacuzzi, four poster beds, parking, free Wi-Fi access. Grafton House, located next to George's St Arcade, is a Gothic-style building, suitable for location, price and style. It offers all features of best Irish B&B. Room range is €90-€200.

Top-end and luxury Dublin hotels represent either Georgian elegance or minimalist chic. In any option, they provide luxurious surrounds, king-size beds, satellite TV, in-room DVDs, full room service, broadband or Wi-Fi and discreet, professional pampering. Among the best Dublin hotels there is Four Seasons hotel, as it's one of the best in town for sheer quality. Other gorgeous Dublin hotel offers are Herbert Park hotel, Shelbourne and boutique hotel Number 31. Prices start from €200. Irish Landmark Trust, representing a self-catering accommodation style, and is a very unique place for stay. There is a various collection of fabulous historic houses, gloriously restored to the highest standard by the Irish Landmark Trust charity could be rented for a big group of people. The property includes small castles with only one bedroom to rather big houses with several rooms. All properties are furnished with tasteful antiques, authentic furniture and fittings. Price per night is €403, weekend €807, weekly €1925.

Dublin easily can be called the city of writers and actors: George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Colin Farrell and Colm Meaney - it's a very short list of prominent Dubliners. So, one of the must-see places to visit are city's numerous literary museums and Dublin's theatres as the Gaiety, the Abbey, the Olympia and the Gate. Ireland's oldest Trinity College is one of them. It was founded in 1592 and famous for its amazing buildings, splendid library, containing millions of priceless manuscripts, most famous of which is the Book of Kells. The manuscript, called "the Book of Kells" was produced by the Celtic Monks in A.D. 800 and is a unique example of the Christian Gospels. Among other interesting places to visit are the National Print Museum of Ireland, National Library of Ireland and two oldest Protestant cathedrals in Dublin: the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and St. Patrick's Cathedral.