Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Dublin

This 232-room property on the north side of Dublin is one of the city's most kid-friendly options. Free kids board games, puzzles, and toys are on offer, as is a children's movie room were kid-friendly cartoons and movies are played. In addition, kids' bathrobes and bubble bath, a healthy kids' menu, evening storytime, and seasonal activities (such as the Easter Adventure party in the afternoons) make this an excellent family pick. Rooms are modern, with stocked minibars, fluffy duvets, and electric kettles. Bathrooms offer separate soaking tubs and nice walk-in showers. Hotel highlights include a sunny fitness room, bistro, and bar. With free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a hearty breakfast, this hotel is a good pick for value, but the city center is a substantial walk away.

The InterContinental Dublin (formerly Four Seasons) is a stately property on a big piece of land in the leafy Ballsbridge neighborhood. The 197 rooms and suites have traditional, pleasant decor with light colors and floral patterns, but the overall effect is a bit blander and less luxurious than at other InterContinental properties. Big, marble bathrooms have separate soaking tubs and walk-in showers. There are several dining options here, including a tapas bar, surf and turf restaurant, and a casual cafe. Hotel highlights include a sunny indoor pool and Jacuzzi, along with a fitness center and spa. The grounds around the hotel are beautiful and include quirky, literary-themed sculptures along with a nice patio for outdoor seating.

The Merrion is an excellent choice for well-behaved kids, featuring an indoor pool and a kids' room service menu. Cribs are available upon request, as are rollaway beds (for most room types). Coloring books can be provided for little ones in The Cellar Restaurant, and kid-size bathrobes are offered in the rooms. Babysitting services can be arranged upon request.

The Castleknock Hotel and Country Club is a comfortable, spacious property with a resort feel, outside of the center of Dublin. The 134 rooms are pleasant and modern with great golf course views. Standard rooms are a decent size while the suites are extremely spacious with fun design touches. Room amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles. The hotel has two bars -- one with a big outdoor patio area -- a steakhouse, a brasserie for more casual dining, and a patisserie for quick breakfasts. With a large pool and a playground, this hotel has tons to offer families.

The 304-room Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane is located near the Grand Canal Theatre, just south of the River Liffey. While the location isn't exactly in the city center, it is a short walk away from central Trinity College and Temple Bar. Spacious, contemporary rooms offer good value, especially considering the free Wi-Fi, and include electric kettles and safes; some have small balconies. The furniture might be a bit generic, but the hotel has impressive family-friendly features, including the huge indoor lap pool and children's pool. Babysitting services can be arranged prior to arrival.

The 225-room Ashling Hotel has plenty going for it -- from its fabulously plush lobby to an award-winning restaurant serving excellent breakfasts -- though some rooms are a little dated and the decor falls short for an advertised four-star property. On-site parking (for a fee) is a bonus, and the tram system on the hotel's doorstep is convenient for getting into Dublin's center, but the Ashling's location might still feel a little remote. Family Rooms are also available, and can include a double and a single bed, a double and two single beds, or a double and three single beds.

The 190-room Louis Fitzgerald is a modern hotel on the outskirts of Dublin that caters to business travelers. Business-friendly features include the 20 meeting rooms, free underground parking, 24-hour room service, fitness center (albeit small), and a free shuttle to nearby businesses. Rooms are contemporary and comfortable, with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Certain categories, such as Family Rooms and Triple Rooms, can accommodate larger groups. The lobby and restaurant feel upscale, with sleek leather seats and funky paintings. The hotel has a free shuttle to the LUAS tram station, and the ride from there into Dublin takes approximately 30 minutes.

The Mespil Hotel offers a fantastic location overlooking the Grand Canal in the upscale Ballsbridge neighborhood. Big, contemporary rooms have comfortable beds with crisp white linens, color accent walls, large windows, and updated amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Hotel features include an all-day bistro, casual bar, free self-parking (though space is limited), and hearty breakfast. While there's no fitness center, there are many paths along the canal for a jog. Some rooms can feel a little dated, but this hotel offers great value and service in a safe, quiet neighborhood.

The 110-room Staycity Serviced Apartments is part of a large chain of hotels with apartment-style guest rooms. There's no on-site restaurant, but each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen. Rooms are spacious and have washer/dryers, and the property is in a reasonably good location for tourists, a little removed from the city center but just a 10-minute walk to both the Dublin Castle and Guinness Storehouse. Although the free Wi-Fi is spotty and daily parking is pricey, the hotel is a solid option for travelers wanting the comforts of home.