"How did it strike you on arrival?Ah, The Shelbourne. The Grand Dame of Dublin—an integral player in the 1916 Easter Rising and host to Princess Grace of Monaco—is part of the fabric of the city. The lobby drips in old-school opulence, from the oil paintings to the gold cornices. Dubliners love to gather in the No. 27 Bar for a glass of Champagne (or Sunday jazz brunch) or the moody Horseshoe Bar, which features a bacon-infused cocktail on the menu. Nice. What’s the crowd like?City folk looking for a spot of luxury. The Shelbourne does a popular afternoon tea, so the Lord Mayor's Lounge is usually bustling with towers of pastries and ladies in finery. Lovely. Now, the good stuff: Tell us about your room.Thanks to a recent renovation, the rooms aren't quite as stuffy as they used to be. Still, they boast a strong sense of history and tradition, with thick brocade curtains that block the morning sun, and antique furniture. The beds, with pillow-top mattresses and fluffy pillows, are a dream. And the Heritage Suites, some of which have fireplaces and views of St. Stephen's Green, are rather special. How about the little things; any extras worth noting?If it seem as though there are flowers at every turn, that's because The Shelbourne has four in-house florists who keep the hotel in bloom. Additionally, the mini bars stock Bean & Goose, an insanely good brand of Irish chocolate—the milk-chocolate bar with smoked salt and cocoa nibs is worth the hefty incidental. Room service and food: Worth it?There’s something to be said for top-notch room service that includes the dramatic flourishes of glass cloches. The Shelbourne is the perfect place to indulge in this sort of lazy luxury. The famed hotel bar, No. 27, is often referred to as Dublin's living room. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whatever stuck with you.The spa has the vibe of a historical drawing room and some great views over St. Stephen’s Green. You can get a breakfast blowout in the salon, too. Meanwhile, the health club has a pool, a steam room, and a sauna. The gym is seriously well equipped, with personal trainers on standby. Bottom line: worth it, and why?To stay at The Shelbourne is to step back in time and live out your Georgian fantasies. It’s luxurious, it’s distinguished, and it’s always worth a visit." - Nicola Brady
