Park Inn

Sitting pretty at a LUAS stop in Dublin's latest cultural hub, and with Old Jameson Distillery across the road, this modern hotel is a great alternative location for city breakers. Its corridors are lit with subtle reds, and glass designer sinks adorn the bedrooms which also boast balconies overlooking Smithfield Square. Come the weekend you can watch from your lofty perch, then enjoy perusing Smithfield's colourful flower, vegetable and - once a month - horse markets (though a purchase of the latter could prove tricky at Customs). The music bar is a great venue, and the adjoining viewing Chimney Tower (currently closed for maintenance) is one of the city's tallest landmarks.