Looking for a great place to stay in Dublin town?  Families are more than welcome at these three incredible city properties.

Ahhh, Dublin.  Sure, you loved traveling to this fair city in your college years when you could drink your weight in Jameson’s without feeling too many ill effects the next morning.

Back then, you might have stayed at a quaint little B&B or perhaps a dormitory room at Trinity.  But now that you are traveling with your fickle family entourage, those options may not be your best bet.  Instead, you may be looking for a hotel with a central location, a little room to move and fantastic service.  You may even require (for your own sanity, of course) 24-hour room service and an indoor swimming pool.  If you know exactly what I’m taking about, look no further.  We got Dublin’s best family-friendly properties right here.

The Merrion Hotel (Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2):

You may be thinking, “Wha?!  Isn’t the Merrion known for it’s posh, Georgian decor and catering to Presidential stays?”  The answer, of course, is yes.  For the record, it is also known for its incredible art collection.  But that doesn’t mean it’s not a great spot for you and your kids to relax after a long day of shuffling around the city.  The staff are incredibly welcoming to guests of all ages.  Rooms are spacious and airy.  There is a gorgeous garden out back where the kids can get their wiggles out.  And the spa even has an indoor pool for guests (and kids are welcome!).  Just a few blocks off St. Stephen’s Green, you are in the thick of the city.  But those two blocks make a big difference–you are close enough to get to where you need to go, but off the beaten path enough to appreciate some quiet.  Win/win.

The Fitzwilliam (St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2):

Hipsters and style icons will love the Fitzwilliam for its unique “retro-modern” feel–and yes, that is how one of them actually described it to me–but your family will love its location.  Steps from St. Stephen’s Green, a fun shopping arcade and all that central Dublin has to offer, you are in the thick of things when you stay here.  Translation:  no matter how badly your kids are behaving in public, you’ll never have to walk more than a few blocks to get them back to the safety of your hotel room.  Rooms are bigger than your average city hotel room–and the property also has a small back garden.  But the true mark of the Fitzwilliam is a staff that wants to spoil you and your kids to death.  Let them.

The Four Seasons Dublin (Simmonscourt Road, Dublin 4):

Maybe you don’t want to stay on the Green.  It’s understandable–Dublin, though not a huge city, has plenty to offer outside the main drag.  For those who want a little distance from the action, I recommend the Four Seasons Dublin.  You are still close enough to public transportation and taxis to get anywhere you want to go for under 10 Euro–and chances are, the distance will encourage you to get out and explore a little more than you would if you were in the middle of downtown.  But even if you stay at the hotel your entire stay, you’ll have a fantastic time.  Your kids will feel like they found the pot o’ gold at the end of the rainbow with plenty of kid-specific amenities (my son LOVED his little bathrobe), special in-room treats and a children’s menu that you’ll want to try yourself.  There is also a pool on-site, as well as a selection of board games and DVDs you can borrow.  It really is fun for the whole family.

October 8th, 2011 | by Kayt Sukel 3 comments