Waterford City has a lot going for it and it’s a fine place to spend a night or 3.
Ireland’s oldest city is home to an endless number of things to do, from the Viking Triangle to the many mighty restaurants in Waterford.
You’ve also the Waterford Greenway, the Copper Coast and much more.
The best Waterford City hotels
The first section of the guide tackles our favourite hotels in Waterford City, from the brilliant Waterford Marina Hotel to the gorgeous Fitzwilton Hotel and much more.
Note: if you book a hotel through one of the links below we may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.
1. Granville Hotel
Granville Hotel is an upscale place to stay in a sought-after location on Meagher’s Quay. Overlooking the River Suir, it is a 5-minute walk from St Patrick’s Cathedral, shops and bars.
Air-conditioned rooms are furnished to a high standard with free internet. Safety deposit boxes and heated towel rails are nice extra touches.
This former Hotel of the Year has a superb Bianconi Restaurant serving Irish and international cuisine including tasty breakfasts.
The Meagher Bar has a daily lunchtime carvery and a bar menu. This is one of our favourite hotels in Waterford City for good reason.
2. Waterford Marina Hotel
Offering River Suir views, this riverside hotel is 300m from Waterford Crystal and many of the top sights.
Guests enjoy free parking and nicely furnished rooms – opt for a river/marina view if you can, for the best views.
Double, twin and family rooms all include work desks, satellite TV, power showers and Wi-Fi. The Waterfront Restaurant offers a la carte dining which is superb, as are the breakfasts, cooked to order.
Return home after a day’s shopping and sightseeing and enjoy live entertainment on the terrace on weekends.
3. The Fitzwilton Hotel
With its boutique rooms and four star amenities, the Fitzwilton Hotel is one of the more popular hotels in Waterford City. Rooms are stylishly decorated in bold contemporary detail with modern art, funky lighting and a complimentary hospitality tray for brewing a cuppa.
They include an equally sleek ensuite bathroom. Many rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning river views to distract you from TV and work station.
Chez K’s restaurant is one of the best in Waterford and the Met Bar offers a selection of cocktails, wine, beer and snacks. What’s more, you’re just 2 minutes’ walk from the train/bus station, shops and sightseeing.
4. Dooley’s Hotel
Right in the heart of Waterford City, Dooley’s Hotel is a family-run business with spacious rooms, good service and a full Irish breakfast to set you up for the day.
The New Ship Restaurant serves creative menus and sumptuous desserts. Rooms at this three-star hotel are brightly furnished and include a TV, tea/coffee facilities and private bathrooms.
It’s in a great location, within walking distance of shops, attractions and some of the best pubs in Waterford. It’s also a short stroll from the Viking Triangle.
5. Waterford Viking Hotel
Located on Cork Road, the three star Waterford Viking Hotel has spacious modern rooms, a popular bar and free parking for guests. Hang around till lunchtime and their carvery lunch is legendary.
Bright guest rooms (single, double, twin or family) are clean and minimalist with satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities along with modern ensuite bathrooms. Easy access to the motorway and less than 10 minutes by car from Waterford City Centre.
6. Travelodge Waterford
If you’re looking for no-fuss hotels in Waterford City, the Travelodge is a good shout (they’re usually fairly priced, too!).
For a good night’s sleep in a spacious comfy room with modern ensuite bathroom, the Travelodge is a great budget hotel option. This 3-star hotel includes free parking, free Wi-Fi and complimentary tea and coffee facilities.
What’s more, it’s just a short drive/taxi ride from the airport and Waterford Castle. Visitors can walk to the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre and the Viking Quarter in 20 minutes.
Double, twin and family rooms are available at very favourable prices and staff are particularly courteous and helpful.
7. Trinity Apartments Waterford
For a bit more independence and space, Trinity Apartments offer a choice of one-bedroom apartments with king or twin beds just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral and Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre.
Each apartment has a spacious living room with leather sofa, fireplace with electric stove, dining area and flatscreen Smart TV.
There’s a separate well-equipped kitchen with fridge and microwave and a beautiful fully tiled bathroom with shower and complimentary toiletries. The bedroom includes a comfortable bed with quality linen, chair and built-in wardrobe.
8. The Dyehouse
The Dyehouse is an interesting and eclectic place to stay, with vibrant decor relating to its former use as an Art Gallery. Those with an interest in art or architecture will love it! Nicely maintained with wood flooring in the entrance hall, it is in a quiet location just off the main road.
The property includes two double bedrooms with shared bathroom and a self-contained family suite to sleep four.
They all have comfortable sofa seating, public parking nearby and free Wi-Fi but no kitchen facilities. There’s a nice courtyard with covered seating for guests to relax and chill.
What Waterford City hotels have we missed?
I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant accommodation in Waterford City from the guide above.
If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.