Hotel review: On its 200th anniversary is The Shelbourne Hotel old news? We checked in to find out

Beloved by Dubliners for 200 years, this glamorous five-star is still as fashionable, relevant and welcoming as ever

The Lord Mayor’s Lounge features sash windows and exquisite art

• The Shelbourne
• 27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 
• theshelbourne.com
• Beloved by Dubliners for 200 years, this glamorous five-star still impresses with its Irish character and luxurious, resort-style 

Location

With views over St Stephen’s Green, this handsome landmark enjoys one of the finest aspects and addresses in the capital. 

At the heart of Irish history (the Irish Constitution was signed here) and a cornerstone of Georgian Dublin, it’s a wonderful location to stay, play and dine.

10/10

Style & design

The impressive architecture and liveried doormen set the tone before you set foot indoors. 

An opulent lobby, with marble, gold leaf stucco, extravagant flowers, sparkling chandelier, and sweeping stairs welcome you with bold intent. 

From the glamour of the Lord Mayor’s Lounge, with its sash windows and exquisite art to the clever murals in the chic No 27 and cosy Horseshoe Bar, the hotel oozes character and comfort.

10/10

Service

Staff are schooled in the art of charm and allowed to shine. From our first encounter with the exemplary afternoon tea team in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge to the attentive bar and restaurant staff, spa therapists and fabulous Julio in The Salon, we are pampered and wonderfully cared for. 

Two small mix-ups at dinner service in the Saddle Room are saved by charming waiters.

Check-in is the most formal part of our stay. The receptionist is courteous and helpful but lacks the warmth and sparkle found elsewhere. (They check us out too, in the same serious manner, which we now know is off-brand.)

9/10

The impressive architecture and liveried doormen set the tone before you set foot indoors. 

Activities & amenities

Twenty-four hours in The Shelbourne offers the chance to enjoy a resort-style itinerary of fun traditions synonymous with this iconic hotel: afternoon tea; Guinness and oysters in the buzzy No 27 bar; a tutored whiskey tasting in the intimacy of The Horseshoe Bar. 

The new Sleep ritual using luxury Irish brand Ground, offers a sublime hour of me-time in the glam spa. 

The pièce-de-resistance is a swish blow-dry in the elegant Salon, a pre-check-out treat allowing me to walk away with a little of that Shelbourne pzazz.

10/10

Guest rooms

Opulent, spacious, and ultra comfy, the Shelbourne’s bedrooms offer the kind of indulgent luxury you’d hope for in a hotel of this repute. 

Soothing heritage colours (our suite is gorgeous sage green), generous marble bathrooms, clever lighting, a super shower, Elemis toiletries, crisp 300-thread count Egyptian cotton bed linen and amazing city views feel so special.

10/10

In-room perks

Complementary treats include Bakehouse cookies, premium Ronnefeldt teabags, with a kettle and Nespresso machine. (Plastic milk portions are supplied but fresh milk can be requested.) 

A well-stocked mini-bar includes fitness favourites Vit-Hit and Fulfil bars.

9/10

The Shelbourne’s bedrooms offer the kind of indulgent luxury you’d hope for in a hotel of this repute.

On the menu

Afternoon tea in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge is a quintessential treat and one of the very best versions around. 

A feast of spectacular sandwiches, scones and pastries on elegant china, it’s a special experience in a very special room.

Dinner in The Saddle Room is superb too and easily worth a detour. Elegant fine dining, there’s an exciting contemporary dash brought by the latest addition to the kitchen, Philly Roe.

Breakfast is the only weak link. The restaurant space doesn’t work well for a buffet and the layout and offering feels less impressive after all the wow factor food that has gone before.

9/10

Value for money

Rooms from €200 per person sharing per night.

Room to improve? 

The front desk needs to ensure guests’ first and final encounters reflect the property’s tremendous service elsewhere.

Access for guests with disabilities? Superb, especially for a heritage property.

Family-friendly? Yes. Staff are great with families. Kids’ pool times are a little restrictive.

Dogs welcome?

No

• The Hotel Examiner was a guest of The Shelbourne