Review: The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin
Background
The hotel firstly opened in 1874 and in all of its luxurious opulence it was created on a hope and a dream by Martin Burke, who rented three townhomes to turn into a place of hospitality, that it would become an established hotel. Naming it after William, 2nd Earl of Shelburne, Prime Minister of Great Britain, the hotel is located on St. Stephens Green, an affluent area of Dublin. Throughout its hotel history U.S. President John F. Kennedy and his wife stayed at the hotel, as well as actors Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, and Clark Gable.
What’s It Like?
The hotel screams historical architectural feats with hints of the Georgian period in the high ceilings and detailing. It’s quintessentially British, every nook and cranny of the hotel, exuding a romantic feel with the fireplace going in the winter months, and the interior colors of creams and yellows bring out the spirit of the hotel, which is very much Irish. As you walk through the revolving door entranceway you’re met with a checkered floor. To the left is a restaurant bar and to the right is The Lord Mayor’s Lounge set for Afternoon tea.
Where is it?
Set in the heart and center of Dublin, surrounded by historical buildings in St. Stephens Square is the hotel. It’s a thirty-minute ride from the airport. Grafton Street, Dublin’s shopping street of luxury and high street stores is a 3-minute walk. Everything is in a stone’s throw walk to the hotel, less than a mile from The National Museum of Ireland, the Gaiety Theatre, the National Library, the National Gallery of Ireland, Temple, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and Abbey Theatre.
Rooms
The rooms are homely, traditional, and restful. It’s a place where you can unwind and relax, giving way to perfect staycations. Keeping with the design heritage of the period hotel, it’s possible to feel modern and relaxed as you habitate. Rooms average for around $460 per night, with suites being more. Rooms overlooking St. Stephen’s Green offer a bit of nature and city out the window. The Heritage Parkview room includes a king-sized bed and terry cloth bathrobes. The best part is the bathroom, covered in marble with a deep soaking tub. There’s also a separate shower. The deluxe king guest room offers 25 square meters with a large king bed. Each room is pure bliss.
Food and Drink
The room service is ready in about 20 minutes and is served with the highest quality. A friendly member of staff always delivers and menu items range from the club sandwich, to fish and chips, and the Shelbourne burger served with truffle fries. But The Saddleroom restaurant with dishes by Executive Head Chef Garry Hughes are filled with hotel history with local produce from Ireland. Dishes range from salt baked celeriac with cashel blue cheese and hazelnut dressing. Seared fillet of Castletownbere Salmon, spinach, lemon and chive butter sauce offers a unique touch to salmon. And don’t go without getting a Irish dessert of bread and butter pudding that’s caramelized. Chef Hughes has paired it with crème anglaise, pear purée, rum and raisin ice cream.
Leisure
The health club has the same and necessary equipment that any gym has of treadmills, bikes, and weights. It’s possible to take professional classes taught by teachers or to also get professional training. The pool is large, indoor, and another form of fitness that the hotel provides. And across the street is St. Stephen’s Green that allows for jogging or brisk walking.
Verdict
The hotel is divine. If there is anything that comes up the staff is willing, ready, and quickly able to make a change. The hotel is clean, luxurious, and the place to stay in Dublin. Stay here because the hotel has the ability to make you feel at home, relaxed, and comfortable.
