The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
Hotel · Ballsbridge ·
Elegant rooms with marble baths, spa, fine dining, afternoon tea
Elegant rooms with marble baths, spa, fine dining, afternoon tea
"Stepping inside feels less like checking into a hotel and more like entering a piece of Dublin’s living history. Open since 1824 and one of the city’s oldest hotels, it has hosted dignitaries from all over the world, and the Irish Constitution was even drafted in one of its upstairs rooms. The past is everywhere: in the tiny Shelbourne Museum off the reception, where you can pore over hefty guest books, early-20th-century menus, and letters from notable former guests; and in No. 27, the famed bar often referred to as Dublin’s living room. Staying here is akin to stepping back in time and indulging in full Georgian fantasy—luxurious, distinguished, and consistently worth a visit for both locals and travelers." - Ciara McQuillan, Matt Charlton
"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
"I noticed The Shelbourne watches over St. Stephen’s Green just as it did when it opened two centuries ago, giving the hotel a long-established presence overlooking the park." - Peter Terzian Peter Terzian Peter Terzian is the features editor of Travel + Leisure, where he has been on staff since 2017. He has been an editor at Elle Decor, Culture and Travel, and Out magazines, as well as Newsday, the Long Island newspaper. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"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
"On St. Stephens’ Green, this hotel serves a vegan afternoon tea menu, where instead of clotted cream and smoked salmon, you’ll find smashed avocado finger sandwiches with caramelized shallots, as well as vegan scones and a tofu mango mousse that is impossibly velveteen." - Todd Plummer
