Dublin Budget Stays: How to Find Cheap Accommodation in the Expensive City

While Dublin can be an expensive city to visit, there’s a plethora of ways to experience the beautiful Irish capital on a budget. One of them is to cut down on your most expensive travel expense: accommodation. 

Luckily, Dublin is home to a wide array of affordable lodging options. Here are some tips and tricks for finding the best budget-friendly hotel in Dublin. 

1. Do your research and compare prices

One of the best ways to find the best hotel deals is to use travel booking websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com. Travel booking websites are easy to navigate, thus making your travel booking journey more convenient. 

You won’t have to visit multiple websites to compare prices, amenities, locations, and more — just quickly search hotels in Dublin and filter them according to your budget and needs. 

2. Book directly with the hotel

Travel booking websites are great for simplifying your booking process, providing valuable resources for making informed decisions, and scoring discounted rates. While they are great tools for search and price comparison, experts suggest it’s better to book your hotel directly with the property than by booking through a third-party website. 

Hotels often offer the best deals and services to guests who choose to book directly through their website. Aside from giving you the best rate, you’ll enjoy perks like better room assignments, loyalty rewards, flexibility, direct communication, and personalised service.

3. Avoid hotels in touristy locations

When finding cheap accommodation in Dublin, your hotel location plays a great role. Consider staying in neighborhoods or suburbs outside of the bustling city center where hotel prices may be more affordable. These include areas like Phibsborough, Smithfield, Drumcondra, and North Inner City. 

But fret not — Dublin is a compact, pedestrian-friendly city with accessible public transportation. Even if you’re staying in a lesser-known neighborhood, the top landmarks and attractions in the heart of the city will still be within your reach. Most neighbourhoods are also brimming with local cafes, restaurants, pubs, shopping centres, and other amazing spots to enjoy. 

4. Reevaluate the amenities you need

The more amenities the hotel has, the more expensive it will be. If you don’t plan on spending much time in your hotel, then you’ll have a better chance of staying in a property that fits your budget. 

Think about the amenities that are important to you and rule out the ones you can live without. If you plan to explore the city throughout the day, you may not need a pool or gym. 

5. Take advantage of hotel deals 

Does the hotel in Dublin offer special deals or discounts? Check the hotel’s official website and social media platforms. You may also sign up for email newsletters. Many hotels offer promotions to attract guests, especially during slower seasons. 

6. Time your Dublin trip right

As we all know, seasons greatly impact travel prices. Take note that between June and August, which mark the summer season, the country is abuzz with visitors from around the world.

That said, consider timing your trip during the shoulder months like April-May and September-October. If you’re fine with cold weather, you may also want to visit during winter (November-February), the cheapest time to travel. 

7. Check the online reviews

Found a budget hotel you’re interested in? Don’t book without reading the reviews. 

Reading what the previous guests have said about the property is imperative, especially when booking a budget hotel in Dublin. Look for comments and photos about cleanliness, comfort, security/safety, location, and customer service. If the comment section is filled with dislikes and negative feedback, you might want to back off and book elsewhere. 

8. Consider budget-friendly hotel alternatives in Dublin

Can’t cheap hotels that are in line with your budget? You might want to include other accommodation alternatives in your search. Dublin is home to a wide array of hotel alternatives for travellers seeking a unique and affordable experience. These include

• Hostels and dorm-style hotels | Great option for solo travelers, groups, and backpackers who want to meet other travellers. They offer shared dorm rooms and private rooms at affordable prices.
• Airbnb | Looking for more space, privacy, plus a chance to save money by cooking your meals? Dublin has a lot of Airbnb listings, from affordable apartment spaces and rooms to an entire vacation house you can rent. 
• Guesthouses and B&Bs | Dreaming of a relaxing vacation in a cozy and charming house run by a friendly local host? Check out Dublin’s affordable guesthouses and bed and breakfasts. Unlike traditional hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs tend to be more exclusive with fewer guests. 
• Apartments and vacation rentals | If you’re travelling with your family or group of friends, consider skipping traditional hotels and opt for apartments or vacation rentals. Dublin has self-catering and serviced apartments for guests who want more space, privacy, and cooking opportunities. 

By doing extensive research on the best budget-friendly hotels available and planning ahead, you can enjoy all that Dublin has to offer without breaking the bank.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a foodie and travel buff who enjoys writing articles about travel and money-saving. Aside from sharing travel hacks, she spends most of her time playing the piano and guitar. If you want to know more about budget travel and affordable hotel alternatives, visit DCU Rooms.