TRAVEL The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin //

Thursday 17 November 2016

Paris has the Ritz, New York has the St. Regis, and Dublin has the Shelbourne. This is Dublin's grand dame, dahling... Dating from 1824, mixing old-school opulence with the business swank of Marriott's Renaissance brand, The Shelbourne is still one of Ireland's top hotels.


Upon arriving at the famous Shelbourne hotel, It instantly takes you to a different place- The valet takes our car, a vibrant display of flowers sit in the sweeping lobby and lemonade is offered at check-in. The location is excellent, just a few minutes from Grafton street and beside the sprawling St Stephens Green. It's intrinsic elegance, modern creature comforts, famous bars and classy staff would easily cut it in London.

On the downside, the Shelbourne doesn't come cheap! Rooms can be quite pricy and Breakfast alone is a staggering 29 euro pp. However, the premium is worth paying for that exquisite feeling of simply being looked after in The Shelborne.

The guest rooms are almost as luxurious as the lobby, with the marble bathrooms a tactile pleasure. Rooms in front overlook the Green, those in the back, without a view, are quieter. The beds are divinely luxe and comfortable, you may never want to leave...


The location of the hotel could not be better with oldies such as Doheny & Nesbitt's and O'Donoghue's, as well as No. 37 on Dawson Street on their doorstep. 

It has no shortage of great in house restaurants either with The Saddle Room as the standout. It is an old favourite reinvented as a steak and seafood restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Offering a contemporary menu using only the finest Irish ingredients and also featuring an Oyster Bar sourced from West Clare, Carlingford, Galway, and French Claire. 

The No 27 Bar & Lounge sparkles with style and sophisticated fun. It is the place to see and be seen with frequent live music adding to the atmosphere. The bar is richly decorated with specially commissioned artwork of Victor Richardson echoing the outdoor views.


The tradition of afternoon tea continues in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge  where this most pleasurable of rituals at Dublin’s favourite five-star hotel takes an artistic turn, with the dynamic new Afternoon Tea inspired by the artist Michael Flatley.
We enjoyed a selection of salted caramel mousse, raspberry compote and dark chocolate mousse encased in a dark chocolate glaze, strawberry macaroon filled with strawberry vanilla cheesecake, rhubarb compote and strawberry pâte de fruit, caramelised éclair filled with mango passion mousse with coconut ganache, an almond frangipane tartlet and pistachio pot crème with mixed berries.
Afternoon Tea costs  €49 per person for Classic Afternoon Tea and €64 for Champagne Afternoon Tea.


The Spa at the Shelbourne is a tranquil urban retreat where a complete menu of experiences for both men and women include facials, purifying body wraps, intense body scrubs and intricate hand and foot care are available.

Spanning over 3 floors, it offers an atmosphere of calm and elegance, featuring 7 treatment rooms, a couples treatment room, and an opulent relaxation room, the perfect place to clear the mind and relax. A specially created elegant space dedicated to manicures and pedicures completes the pampering facilities. In addition, this oasis of calm features a swimming pool, thermal facilities, a dance studio and state-of-the-art gymnasium.


The Salon offers hair styling, manicures, pedicures, express beauty treatments and a specialist blow-dry bar. Anyone in a rush can also choose the option of breakfast to go with any early morning treatment, as well as fresh juices, teas and coffees, cocktails, fine wines and Champagnes. 


The hotel is so historically beautiful,  it’s hard not to have an amazing stay. From the moment we checked in, we were immediately wowed by the grand surroundings of the Shelbourne and its historical significance seeps from every corner. 

A must staycation !



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