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"Overlooking St. Stephen’s Green within three elegant red‑brick 19th‑century townhouses, this grande dame balances rich history—former guests span Charlie Chaplin to Barack Obama, and it even appears in Joyce’s Ulysses—with a refreshed spirit after a tasteful renovation: soothing dusky blues and creams, enormous Italian‑linen‑draped beds, and marble‑clad bathtubs. When unwinding calls, there’s a sauna, steam room, an unusually large indoor pool, and a well‑equipped spa offering Swissline facials and bespoke massages. The Saddle Room serves fantastic food (the seared scallops from County Cork and Kells Black Angus beef are spectacular), while No. 27 is a lively perch for a Shelbourne Bramble. Most of all, the sunny hospitality shines—whether you’re a local popping in or arriving bleary‑eyed after a delayed flight, you’re greeted with warmth and thoughtful service—proof that nearly 200 years on, business here is brisker than ever." - Liam Hess, Nicole Kliest