The Shelbourne Dublin

Lovely hotel
Firstly the Shelbourne Dublin is a stunning hotel in the heart of Dublin
The room was adequate with fresh clean facilities . The only negative being the €739 3 night stay offered on booking.com didn’t even include breakfast. I’ve noted this is becoming a regular accurancel on the site and advise people to look around

Gone are the days of bed and breakfast for hotel guests maybe hotels are becoming more like low cost airlines ? Breakfast in the Shelbourne is €32 pp I decided to visit other local restaurants within 200 yds of the hotel each morning to sample the delights of Irish hospitality at €11 including freshly brewed coffee
Great shame in short....... a fabulous “ bed only “ for 3 nights but sadly not the best value or experience as breakfast was a very expensive upsell option €64 per couple per day €186 for 3 breakfasts whilst the hotel was going through refurbishments
Double check with any booking . Com rate
Dublin is a fantastic city to visit but Ryan Air and now the hotels charging for every option! check the deal do some homework shop around , ask to be treated as a guest and not a cash point

Nice enough but not special.
I wonder if perhaps the Shelbourne suffers from high expectations associated with its history within an Irish context. Anyway, for whatever reason I found it disappointing, it just didn't meet my expectations and wasn't anything special at all. Its a nice enough hotel but if it were a person you would say it was pretentious and shallow, it thinks its a great posh hotel but actually is nothing special. We live only 20 miles away and stayed there on a city night out to see a show in the Gaiety (always a winner there, no pretensions but a great history and as good today as ever), had dinner in the Shelbourne first (you have to go around the corner to get into the restaurant), the food was good but the service was poor and overpriced for the level of service and its not there wasn't enough staff there. Needs a shake up

Overrated and tired
I stayed at the Shelbourne for 5 nights in October on a work trip. I was very excited to stay in such a historic and storied hotel. However, I was disappointed in the quality of my room (772) for a 5 star hotel. The carpet was fraying, the paint was peeling, the walls were dirty and the furniture was chipped. I took pictures documenting this. I was here for work, so I didn't ask to switch rooms, but I really wish I had, since it wasn't pleasant for my 5 day stay.
In addition, the checkin line was very long and chaotic (there seemed to be like 50 wedding parties checking in all at once on Saturday afternoon Oct. 6). And the lovely lounge/bar on the mezzanine level was closed several evenings when I wanted to sit there. Several items were out of stock at the horseshoe lounge, including the hibiscus gin drink. In addition, there was no hot water in the shower on Wed night Oct. 10, when I wanted to take a shower. Topping it off, at checkout I was mistakenly charged for parking, when I didn't even have a car. (The charge was eventually removed.)
On the plus side, the pool, steam room and sauna were nice, though I wish there were towel hooks on the side of the pool near the stairs, since there was no place to hang a robe or towel. The towels, robe and slippers were soft and comfortable. The bed was comfortable, though the room was very hot at night
Overall, I was pretty disappointed in my stay. I mentioned all these issues to Lulu at the front desk upon checkout, and I hope they are resolved for future guests. This was not the level of room or service I expected for a 5 star hotel. Although I wasn't paying for the hotel myself-it was on my employer--I am sad to say I wouldn't recommend the Shelbourne.
(I gave this feedback to Marriott in real time after my stay, but hadn't had a chance to post this on Tripadvisor til now.)

In summary:

There were several issues with my stay:
* Checkin line was long and chaotic
* Shower was out of order on night of Wed. Oct.10
* room was VERY hot several evenings
* the mezzanine lounge was closed early 2 nights on hours they were supposed to be open
* Check out I was mistakenly charged for parking when I did not have a car
* as mentioned earlier, room 772 carpet was fraying, paint was peeling, furniture chipped, wall stained
* several items were out of stock at the horseshoe lounge, including the hibiscus gin drink

Disappointing Disappointing Disappointing
I have been wanting to stay at this hotel for a long time, however it was very disappointing. The hotel is under construction and we booked this about 9 months in advance, however were not advised of the construction until about a week before, which was too late to try and change hotels at an extremely busy time (rugby 6 nations). Our room was very nice - comfortable bed, lovely linen. It is situated in a good location for getting around Dublin.

The doorman was too busy on his phone to get me a taxi. The bar is great but it is too busy they should limit the access, as residents in the hotel we could not get into the bar at first. The barman worked their socks off and didn't stop but because they were so busy they were actually grumpy and you had to wait a long time for a drink if you could actually get to the bar.

The breakfast room had no atmosphere was just like a big conference room with a buffet in the middle, the service was very poor and took 10-15 minutes to get tea, often having to chase it 2-3 times.

So overall having wanted to stay at this hotel for so long was very disappointed and accept that they had construction work but we should have been advised of this. There is no reduction in the room rate because of the construction and the impact this has clearly had on their service.

People were constantly lost, roaming the corridors trying to find their rooms due to lots of diversions due to the construction work. We bumped into people several times going round in circles trying to find their room.

Beautiful Hotel but under construction
Unfortunately the entire front entrance area of the hotel has been closed off. You enter through a side door and have to take stairs to get to a room where check in occurs. This really takes away from the ambiance of the hotel and is a nuisance. You find yourself going down corridors and up and down stairs. I imagine the hotel with its entrance would be spectacular if it was open. Right now for the price paid you really don't get the same value. Also be careful with a room on the top floor. The AC didn't work which other reviewers have noted so it was uncomfortably hot in the room even for January. The hotel did agree to move us to another room which was much nicer and cooler. Breakfast was quite good but again was in a makeshift large room. Once the reno's are done I would return but not right now.

5*****
A group of four of us stayed here the 19th of January, although it was not my first visit it never disappoints us. We checked in earlier than planned but was advised by Miriamma that the room would be ready shortly, she was kind enough to call me on my mobile as soon as the room was ready. We were shown to the room by a lovely man by the name of Billy and our bags were brought up by Danny. Although there were renovations taking place at the time this did not impact on our stay. The managers and staff go above and beyond to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable stay.This place has always been a treat for us so we will be back. 5 star property and 5 star treatment.

Renovations took from experience
We were really looking forward to our short stay in the Hotel recently. I had booked it a few months ago for a special occasion. However I received an email just a few days before the stay, to inform me of renovations ongoing in the Hotel during the stay. ( the renovations had been going on since beginning of January). While the staff were very helpful, and guided patrons through the diversions etc. I have to admit, it did take from the experience, and I must say, had I known earlier about the disruption I would have re considered by visit.
That said, the room, service and staff were top class as expected, though I was not impressed with having to book the breakfast separately and quite an expensive price...

I hope to revisit this Hotel again in better circumstances, and would advise would be visitors to make sure renovations are completed first

Fab Hotel
Great night recently in The Shelbourne. Loved the chilled atmosphere and comfortable seating in the residents bar. Only issue was with the refurbishment, which we didn't know about until a couple of days before arriving, meant you entered through a side door and up a back stairs which meant lugging our bags up multiple flights of stairs as there was no lift, to a makeshift very unimpressive check in area. More could be done with this make shift area as it gives a very poor impression, a few vases of nice flowers or something in the room would make it less basic and thrown together looking. Suite was great though and bed so comfortable! Another issue with the refurb, if you want to go to the bar you need to go down all the back flights of stairs again, out onto the street and walk to the Kildare street side and back the same way after. Breakfast room was also disappointing and makeshift.

Lots of stairs and corridors
I was informed, after booking and paying, that the hotel was undergoing refurbishment. That was fine, the rate reflected this. What was initially disappointing was the number of stairs, to get to the first floor temporary reception and then to my 2nd floor room via the lift. I had to go up/down 6 stairs and walk through many long corridors. A result I expect of many older houses being added together to form a hotel. A bit too much for my knees. The second disappointment was the size of the room. It was quite small and cramped with no view, again presumably reflected in the discounted room rate. The bed was very comfortable and the pillows perfect.
A visit to the public bar required leaving the hotel to go out on to the street and enter via another entrance, there was no direct way through the hotel, a victim of the refurbishment I gather and not permanent.
I had intended to use the swimming pool but realised that I had brought a costume that was too small. There were shops nearby to purchase a new one but I really couldn't face all those stairs and corridors another time, in order to go and shop.
I slept well until the early hours when my wife and I were awoken by someone, nosily, trying to gain access to our room. My wife was understandably quite scared. I opened the door and was confronted with people who had tried to gain access to the wrong room. When they saw me they were quite abusive. I rang reception who immediately said they would get security. There were no further disturbances but the restful sleep I was having to that point didn't return.
These are the negative points; the positives are its excellent location, its cleanliness, the friendliness and professionalism of its staff and the superb breakfast (additional charge)
Unfortunately, in future I think that I will stay in a different hotel in Dublin the negatives outweighed the positives

Stayed in the Shelbourne last weekend. We had a lovely stay. The room was Extremely clean, quiet and luxurious with everything you could ask for. I planned to ask my partner to marry me in the Lord Mayors lounge of the hotel. The staff were so helpful with all the planning. They literally couldn’t do enough for us. The best part of the hotel is definitely the staff. The food in the hotel is exceptional. My partner is a coeliac and they were able to cater for everything including a delicious afternoon tea and gluten free breakfast. Small touches like the curtains being drawn, bed remade and chocolates on our pillows on returning in the evening was lovely. Topped up on bottled water also. Over all, this was the most special weekend away we ever had. Thanks a million to all the…

The Shelbourne is a perfect choice for Dublin. The property is well-situated in the heart of the city. The accommodations are appropriate for a high end hotel. The staff is well-trained. The dining options are excellent.

This was my first trip to Dublin. I looked at the various top rated hotels and went with the Shelbourne. I am glad I did. I had a chance to see most of the others during my stay. There are other good hotels but I think this is the top based on accommodations and location.

The building is historic and beautiful. A historic building, of course, has a few trade-offs. The gym and spa are wedged into the basement. However, they are well equipped. The pool is small but nice. There is a spotless sauna and steam room.

Dining offers great options. The on-site restaurants are outstanding. They also seem to attract a who’s-who crowd. The afternoon tea is worth the price.

If you need to give someone a special day: a spa appointment, afternoon tea, and a nice dinner will do the trick.

The housekeeping service is well done. Towel, sheets, etc., are of high quality.

Valet parking was prompt and polite.

Museums and other attractions are within walking distance. There is a large urban park across the street.

The hotel is in Marriott’s Autograph collection. This is definitely at the high end of those properties.

We had a layover of 20 hours between a flight from Barcelona and a flight to Chicago on Aer Lingus. Staying at an airport hotel was never considered as we hadn't been in the city of Dublin together before.

I checked TripAdvisor to see the hotel offerings while she checked her Marriott Membership on the off-chance they'd have a hotel there. I found the Shelbourne at the same time she was booking it. Great minds think alike. Classic hotels are our Jam. Modern, hip and trendy are instant turnoffs. It had great ratings and a long history of excellence.

We rolled up in a taxi and were greeted on the sidewalk by Bell Men and our luggage taken inside to reception. Smiling faces there and we soon had our room keys. At no time during our brief stay did we have an issue that the staff had to deal with. All were professional and friendly but had no need to go "above and beyond". It was a well-oiled machine.

We like a quiet room so being at the back of the hotel with an uninspiring view was not an issue. The room was spacious, very clean and well appointed. Elegant furnishings that spoke of 5 Stars.

The bathroom was large with enclosed shower and separate tub. Fluffy white towels. No reason to complain whatsoever. First class.

The room was for sleeping in, the bathroom for bathing so most of our time was spent out of the room enjoying the location, right on beautiful St Stephen's Green.

Our timing wasn't right for having Afternoon Tea in the elegant Lord Mayor's Lounge, alas. A beautiful room harking to days gone by. Very stylish.

We had a very fine bar-food dinner in Number 27, a beautiful bar on the ground floor. Great food and service (seperate review). There are a few restaurants and pubs within a 2 minute walk from the front door also. Buses stop just outside the hotel and are frequent.

After a great feed, some perfect pints of Guinness and an Irish coffee it was time for the heads to hit the pillows in a very comfortable bed. In the quiet we soon fell blissfully asleep.

In the morning, prior to checkout we ate breakfast (not complimentary) in the Saddle Room restaurant. Basic food, not noteworthy for the price alas. A small assortment of a la carte dishes to choose from and a tiny hot buffet. Room for improvement and a chance to further dazzle there.

We had less than a day to enjoy this fine hotel. A week would be nice.
We'll return to Dublin for a longer stay and we'll book into the Shelboune again!

Stayed here for three nights and was very happy with the hotel. Got a smaller room with a queen size bed. The front desk attendant mentioned the smaller rooms are reserved for the corporate and government rates. I was really happy with the front desk attendants when both checking in and checking out. Overall, just genuinely nice people!
Room was smaller than a standard room but as noted, that's a good trade-off for a lower rate. Bed was comfortable. Pillows were comfy. Overall, got restful sleep!
Location is great. Lots of restaurants and coffee places nearby. There is a park across the street that I saw people running around.
I didn't make it to the gym but the photos look good. I did eat at the bar in the hotel and really liked the fish and chips!
Overall, would definitely stay here again the next time I am in Dublin!

Well done! An excellent showing for your stay in Dublin! Lovely staff, stunning building. Rooms are a touch small but the bathrooms by a long stretch make up for the slightly tight quarters. Breakfast is over-the-top and well worth taking time for.

Wonderful, historic hotel that's been brought up to date, without losing any of its old-fashioned charm.  Unusually large selection of bars/restaurants for the size of the hotel - includes a cozy late night bar; a bright modern pub-like restaurant/bar, a "proper" tea room and a full service grand restaurant.
Great service throughout, though some of the staff could benefit from a bit more experience.
Perfect location, right on St. Stephen's Green and near many shops and restaurants.
Highly Recommended.

We stayed here New Year’s Eve, the hotel is very clean and you get a great welcome at the door from the valet when you pull up to park your car. The entrance hall inside is fabulous it’s was the Christmas tree and decorations would take your breath away. The check in was very quick we had arrived early but our room was ready which was great the staff are so nice and helpful couldn’t do enough for you.
The hotel room was fab it has a coffee machine and kettle to make tea,hairdryer, ironing board everything you need really
The bed was so comfy and sheet so soft and the pillows real luxury very quite there was a lovely balcony which we would be nice in the summer..
we went for dinner in one of the restaurants it was beautifully decorated we got a seat beside the window lovely to look out off and people watch.
The staff are really lovely and attentive our waitress was lovely,however the food was not as good as We expected it to be a bit disappointing to be honest which took away from our special night. we had some drinks and cocktails they were made very well. Our check out was very quick and effortless our car was ready for us about 15t mins later they tell you this when you drop it off and very friendly guys all in all it was a fantastic stay I would love to go back again.