The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin
Written by Niamh Martin
The Grand Old Dame of Dublin hotel turned 200 years old in 2024 but still continues to offer five-star old world elegance mixed with the best of modern luxury. Enjoy our review!
Table of Contents
Location
10/10
The Shelbourne hotel has a magnificent location on the north side of St. Stephen’s Green, providing a leafy green aspect from many of the front-facing bedroom windows. Its centrality means it is situated just a few minutes stroll from the shopping area around Grafton Street, as well as an abundance of cultural highlights and attractions, such as the Natural History Museum, National Concert Hall, Museum of Literature Ireland and the Gaiety Theatre.
The hotel is ideally situated for transport links across the city. Just a few minutes walk from the hotel is the St. Stephen’s Green Luas tram stop, while stops for Dublin Bus which offer cross-city connections and an Aircoach connection to Dublin Airport are located just across the road. Rail connections to other parts of Ireland are possible from Pearse Station, about a 15 minute walk away.
Arrival & Style
9/10
Nothing quite beats being met at the door by a man in a top hat and tails, asking if he can carry your luggage inside for you! Once inside the revolving doors, it is difficult not to break conversation and just take a deep breath. The old-style opulence is simultaneously mesmerising and comforting, with sparkling chandeliers, embossed wallpaper mingling agreeably with open fires and Victorian style fittings, which have been given a refresh following a recent far-reaching refurbishment. Attention from the reception and concierge staff is efficient and polite.
History & Culture
9/10
The Shelbourne’s history reaches back 200 years, starting from humble beginnings as three neighbouring houses in Georgian Dublin, and growing to become the largest five-star hotel in Dublin. The Shelbourne has also made its mark on Dublin and Irish history, through its involvement in significant historical milestones such as; the 1916 Easter Rising (where it provided shelter for residents and citizens in its windowless Horseshoe Bar), acting as an unofficial military hub during the First World War and in 1922, following the Irish Civil War, the Shelbourne became the headquarters for the new army of Ireland and held the first meeting of the Irish Constitution of Ireland in the hotel. The drafting of the Irish Constitution (Bunreacht na hEirinn) was drawn up by Michael Collins in room 112, now known as the Constitution Suite.
The Shelbourne has of course also been very much involved with the soft culture of Ireland over the past two centuries. It has, for example, played host to many notable stars of Hollywood, sport, music and literature, as well as iconic political figures from home and further afield. Some of the most distinguished guests have included; Laurel and Hardy, Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, Grace Kelly, James Cagney, John F Kennedy, William Thackeray, John McCormack and Peter O’Toole. The Shelbourne will also be forever associated with two novels by renowned Dublin writer, James Joyce; Ulysses and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Furthermore, distinguished writer Elizabeth Bowen was so enthralled by the hotel, she wrote a novel called The Shelbourne, considered more of a eulogy to the hotel. In it, she states that The Shelbourne has played a part “in so many lives, so many dramas, so many human experiences into which one could go on delving forever”.
Rooms
8/10
There are 265 rooms, including 19 suites. The suites vary in size and are named after some of the famous guests to stay at The Shelbourne. All rooms display a strong sense of history and tradition, as well as a remarkable and welcome plushness. Standard room supplies are well above standard quality; expect luxury toiletries, mineral water, fluffy robes, air-conditioning, coffee machine and very comfortable beds, queen-sized in standard rooms. Bathrooms are modern and set with polished marble and excellent showers. Room service and evening turndown service complete the five-star feel.
Food & Drink
9/10
The Shelbourne has been a staple of the Dublin social scene for nearly 200 years, offering as it does a wide range of reliably excellent dining and beverage facilities. For hotel guests and Dubliners alike, the Lord Mayor’s Lounge is the place to go for the legendary luxurious Afternoon Tea experience. The service is personal and homely, with a touch of flair. Try the Irish Whiskey Cream Black Tea for velvety comfort.
For something more substantial, the Saddle Room offers a sophisticated selection of dishes for lunch and dinner, with a focus on Irish ingredients. The Atlantic Cod with mussels just melted in mouth. The room decor is atmospheric, with added ambience provided by the open kitchen setting. To enjoy an aperatif/digestif, or indeed to simply unwind over a drink with friends, there are three bars to choose from, each offering their own ambience; the windowless Horseshoe Bar, long established as a meeting place for journalists and politicians (the Irish Parliament is located around the corner), the No. 27 Bar which offers an all day menu and is situated overlooking St. Stephen’s Green, and the 1824 Bar, a place for the whiskey connoisseurs and those who enjoy Champagne and premium drinks, served in a refined, low-lit panelled bar.
Breakfast is a choice of full buffet or a la carte menu. The buffet includes choices such as a Full Irish hot breakfast, fruit platters, porridge, cold meats and a range of pastries, with a la carte including specialities such as Eggs Benedict and Wildberry Pancakes.
Facilities
9/10
This is Dublin’s largest five-star hotel and it does not disappoint. An excellent range of facilities is on offer, including a luxury salon for manicures, hair styling and express beauty treatments, an onsite florist and an comprehensive spa area set over three floors. There is something here for everyone; a well-equipped gym, 18-metre pool, treatment rooms and a rather all encompassing relaxation space with great views of St Stephen’s Green and the option of a wee cocktail to sip on while you chill.
- Room Service
- Evening Turndown
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Spa
- Bars and restaurants
- Concierge
- Fitness Centre
- Sauna/Steamroom
- Valet Parking
Access for guests with disabilities
The property is fully accessible, with eight adapted rooms.
Family Friendly
The hotel’s central location makes it a very suitable base for a family holiday and St. Stephen’s Green is just across the road, with a playground and endless ducks to feed. Restaurants offer children’s menus and family rooms or interconnecting rooms are available.
Rates
Standard room B&B from €590. Afternoon Tea from €68.
Niamh stayed as a guest of Marriott International, The Autograph Collection.
Things To Do
Across St. Stephens Green, visit the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) and experience the best of old and new Irish literature, beautifully curated together.
Visit the permanent William Butler Yeats exhibition (free entry) at the National Library of Ireland, around the corner on Kildare Street
Did You Know?
The Shelbourne turns 200 this year and has historically been a prominent part of Dublin’s literary history, hosting renowned writers such as George Moore, Oscar Wilde, WM Thackeray and James Joyce.
Bram Stoker first met theatre producer, Henry Irving, at The Shelbourne Hotel, eventually moving to London to work at The Lyceum with him.