Five-Star Irish Hospitality at The Shelbourne Dublin
When we travel for a week or longer—and especially internationally—, for the long haul, we always choose an affordable local hotel or an Airbnb (or two) that saves us money and allows us to spread out like we’re at home. But at the beginning or at the end of a trip, we always reward ourselves with a two-night stay at a venue that is usually out of our budget but so necessary for rejuvenation. This visit to Dublin, Ireland, we booked an unforgettable getaway at Dublin’s Grande Dame, The Shelbourne located across from one of Ireland’s most beautiful parks, St. Stephen’s Green. Upon arrival at Dublin Airport via Delta, we picked up our Budget rental car (booked months in advance) and made our way into the heart of the city.
The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection, is a 5-star hotel and a member of the Autograph Collection Hotels of Marriott.
For over 200 years, this hotel has been the choice of dignitaries, actors, and now me. In 1958, John and Jacqueline Kennedy visited; he returned during an official visit in June 1963. As always, The Shelbourne seeks to exceed expectations in a regal manner that exemplifies Irish hospitality at it's finest and necessitates return visits. It features 265 bedrooms and four restaurants.
As we drove up to the front door, the valet (parking available through valet only, €50 daily) scooped up our luggage, offered us our parking slip, and we forgot about transportation for the next two days. That’s part of the beauty of choosing The Shelbourne; its only a short walk to Trinity College, the shopping mecca of Grafton Street, and one block away from Doheny & Nesbitt, the perfect pub for your first pint of Guinness. Across the street, St. Stephen’s Green as well as the hop-on, hop-off location for many official city tours—everything at your fingertips.
Don’t you love surprises in your room? I do, and the Shelbourne did not disappoint.
Located in Dublin’s business district, it has long been the center of social life and history since its opening. It was the site of drafting the Irish Constitution in 1922 and the first to be lit by gaslight in 1825. In addition to JFK’s visit, Grace Kelly, John Wayne and Charlie Chaplin slept in these beautiful rooms. The Horseshoe Bar (dark ambience for a pour of whiskey) served poet and playwright Seamus Heaney and musician Luciano Pavarotti. According to Irish Independent, Peter O’Toole took a champagne bath here. Such a waste of champagne!
Conde Nast Traveler named it as one of the top hotels in Dublin for 2024.
Perched on a wall outside my room, the black and white print reminds travelers of travel history and the Irish carrier Aer Lingus.
Due to our early arrival, we waited in No. 27 for our room to be ready. Adjacent to the front entrance, it was quiet during the early morning hours. They served us coffee and scones, and we delighted in our first taste of Ireland. That was our first visit to No. 27. Our second was for dinner and third, for drinks; it become quite apparent that this was the ‘social capital’ of the city. Filled to the brim with visitors and locals, the quietness disappeared into laughter and celebration.
Since I’m always on a quest to find the best fish and chips in Ireland, we dined during our first evening, and I must confess, it was the best fish & chips of my holiday. I had forgotten about the Irish’s love affair with mushy peas. Such craic.
We enjoyed winter cocktails the second night alongside an uproarious wedding party and their most intimate friends. Surprisingly, there was a wedding ceremony or party every single day we were there. Could it be that No. 27 Bar & Lounge is Dublin’s living room?
The Grand Staircase is located in the main lobby and has four tiers of windows which have the crest of the 32 counties of Ireland.
Rooms & Suites
The beautifully appointed rooms and suites care for the traveler. Our room, the Heritage Parkview Room, overlooked the Green and provided a beautiful sitting area for having tea or working at the desk on my deadline. Room amenities include: in-room safe, desk, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, a Nespresso machine, complimentary bottled water, mini bar, and my favorite robes and slippers (turn down service placed them conveniently as my feet). The marble soaking tub, filled with ELEMIS bubbles, was the perfect ending to an Irish day.
Afternoon Tea in Lord Mayor’s Lounge
One of my travel goals is to have afternoon tea in every city I ever visit. Seems easy enough but uncovering an authentic high tea (the way the British intended) is difficult. During my planning, I made afternoon tea at The Shelbourne a priority and scheduled other activities around that experiences.
The natural light flowing into Lord Mayor’s Lounge illuminated the mint green china, white tablecloths, and simply made me giddy with anticipation. Sitting near the window—with St. Stephen’s Green in view—I watched and waited for the experience to begin. Alanna, our hostess, greeted us and shared with us what was about to unfold, and that she would be taking care of us. We selected the Champagne Afternoon Tea, an experience accompanied by a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee. We chose our tea—The Shelbourne Blend, a hearty malty, spicy black tea—and allowed it to steep. There’s coffees available too, but why?
During our visit, the hotel was celebrating their 200th birthday afternoon tea. The menu: oak smoke salmon, classic egg mayonnaise and cress, roast chicken and chive mayonnaise, feta and tomato, classic buttermilk scones and lemon pound cake. The stars of the birthday celebration: the peach melba, éclair, pecan pie and carrot cake. And to top it all, Len shared with Alanna about my recent birthday, and any five-star hotel will tell you, they can’t let that pass without acknowledgement and celebration.
Holidays should always be this magical and unforgettable. Book in advance for this afternoon of elegance.
Leave it all Behind at the Spa
Experience serenity in the spa with seven treatment rooms and an opulent relaxation area overlooking St. Stephen’s Green. Dive into the tranquility of the swimming pool and thermal facilities. Indulge in holistic therapies using natural products, including signature rituals and treatments by renowned brands for both men and women.
We booked our treatments before arrival to ensure that we got the desired time. Trying our hardest to stay within our budget but enjoy and indulgence, we both booked Signature Treatments for a 30-minute experience; Len, a Deep Tissue Muscle Massage, and myself, a Deep Hot Stone Massage. We arrived at the spa (15 minutes prior to appointment) and were quickly taken to the men’s and women’s lounge to change into robes and slippers and then, escorted to our treatment rooms. As quick as a flash, thirty minutes passed, which is much too short a time for any massage but a taste is so much better than none at all. Escorted upstairs to the relaxation area, we stretched out in our private sitting area, clicked our champagne glasses in unison, and enjoyed the view of St. Stephens Green out the window. There are so many experiences and treatments available; the only advice, opt for the 120-minutes.
Brands include Swissline, ELEMIS, and GROUND Wellbeing (handmade in Cork).
Open daily, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Access packages and pricing online, and make reservations before you arrive.
The Serenity of St. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen's Green is a large public park located in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. It is a historic and popular green space that serves as a peaceful escape from the busy city center. Here are some key aspects of St. Stephen's Green. It’s located at the southern end of Grafton Street. Complete with manicured lawns and flowerbeds, it features a lake where swans swim freely and totally ignore the people going and coming.
Dating back to the 17th century, it was a focal point of the fighting between the Irish and British forces.
At all hours of the day, it is filled with pedestrians. Look for the statue of Oscar Wilde and Lady Justice. Keep in mind the gates close at 5 p.m.
An October morning in St. Stephen’s Green