Zanzibar Locke is so central but a little oasis after the hubbub of Temple Bar. The staff are really friendly and helpful and our apartment was very clean, comfortable and well kitted out. The only down side was that it was very dark as it only had a small window onto an inner courtyard. I think I'd ask for a room at the front if I stayed again, but I guess that might be noisier (ours was very quiet).
We had a car with us and there is only on-street parking which is quite hard to find and means getting up early to put a ticket on at 7am. Driving around central Dublin is pretty hellish, so I'd go with public transport next time.