Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel
- traveler767
- First Reviewer
- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 3
- Reviews
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4
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Editor Pick
Shelbourne Hotel
- May 27, 2008
- Rated 3 of 5 by
LenR from Townsville, Australia
This is considered by many to be Dublin’s finest hotel. It was originally built in 1824, but has been recently magnificently restored which seems to have kept much of its historic charm. Ideally situated close to Dublin's cultural and historic buildings, The Shelbourne offers a great location, from where you can visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christ Church, Dublin Castle and Trinity College, explore the shops on Grafton Street or visit the National Museum and National Gallery.
The Shelbourne offers a range of accommodations all with luxurious beds, flat- screen TV, laptop-size safe, and marble bathroom. I have only seen two rooms here and they varied considerably in size and outlook. When staying here, it would be well worth your while to check out the room before moving in. The better rooms look out over St Stephen’s Green while others have virtually no view at all. One room was quite small.
The rooms are fitted out to five-star standard. All rooms have multiline telephones, high-speed Internet, a CD player and an alarm clock. One of the better features is that there are US, European and Irish multisockets in the room so adaptors are not necessary. A newspaper is provided in the morning and there is a complimentary shoeshine service.
The hotel’s bars are one of the big attractions here and seem to be packed every night with an eclectic mix of locals and tourists. I thought at times they were overcrowded. You can enjoy a cocktail or Ireland's own Guinness at the renowned Horseshoe Bar, celebrate life at the Oyster Bar or enjoy the timeless elegance of The Lord Mayor’s Lounge where afternoon tea, morning coffee and drinks before dinner can be a delight. The No. 27 Bar and Lounge is open for lunch and dinner and revels in the ‘Best Cocktail Bar’ award from Hospitality Ireland for 2007. The Horseshoe Bar is sometimes called the most famous bar in Dublin and is a traditional bar shaped like a horseshoe.
The fine dining restaurant is the Saddle Room. This opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner and specialises in steak and seafood. One of the highlights is the open kitchen with Executive Chef, John Mooney. Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to eat here.
If location is your number one consideration, you will be extremely pleased with this hotel. Most things of interest in central Dublin are within walking distance and buses and taxis are outside the door. If, however, you expect a five-star hotel to provide you with a completely stress-free environment you could be slightly disappointed. During my few hours in the hotel, I heard two guests complaining bitterly at reception about their rooms and the facilities. That was not a good vibe. My only personal complaint was the slow service in the bar areas due to too many customers. If this is a regular event, the hotel needs to do something about it quickly.
From journal Dublin Staying, Eating and Drinking
Le Meridien Shelbourne
- February 18, 2002
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Digger1 from Tulsa, Oklahoma
Wonderful old world charm,
comfortable room,
large bathroom with shower/bath,
wonderful tea room with sandwich service,
lobby contained two fully stocked bars,
hotel staff friendly and helpful,
near St. Stevens green
From journal Quest for the best Guiness
Le Meridien Shelbourne
- September 16, 2001
- Rated 4 of 5 by
traveler767 from High Point, North Carolina
this is a very elegant and centrally located hotel. while building may be old, the hotel has modern accomodations including a newly renovated spa. an opulent tea room and fancy restaurant and bar draw famous citizens and important business people to this landmark hotel. it is located downtown and across from a park.
From journal Dublin