The Shelbourne, Dublin
On 25 March 2005, The Shelbourne closed to enable an extensive refurbishment of the hotel. As I write this Anne-Marie Whelan, Marketing Manager of the Shelbourne, is on the radio assuring the public that the wonderful facade of the hotel - a listed building - and all of its main features will be maintained, including both The Shelbourne Bar and The Horse Shoe Bar. The refurbishment will include the addition of 85 new bedrooms. It will cost 40 million euro and is expected to take 18 months.
More than just a hotel, The Shelbourne is one of Dublins landmark historical buildings. Founded in 1824 by Tipperaryman Martin Burke, the hotel has served the cream of Dublins visitors for over 180 years. Formed from a collection of townhouses in Dublins most fashionable area, The Shelbourne's proximity to Leinster House and Dáil Éireann has seen it play a vital role at the heart of Irish political life, never more so than when the first constitution of the Irish Free State was drafted there in what is now the Constitution Suite. This tradition continues to this day, with the Horseshoe Bar a popular haunt of politicos and legal eagles alike.
Always one of Dublin's leading hotels, The Shelbourne has been in many hands over the years, most recently as a Le Meridien hotel. In January 2005 it returned to Irish ownership. The new owners have begun an extensive refurbishment and renovation programme, expected to continue through 2005. As a result, they have opted to forgo their traditional 5-star rating for an "Unlisted" status for the year.
Accommodation
The Shelbourne has 190 elegant bedrooms, making the most of this fine classic building. This figure includes 22 suites. All rooms are en suite with TV, telephone, radio, trouser press, bathrobe, hairdryer and mini-bar. For the hi-tech traveller there's wireless access and a Playstation in every room. 24-hour room service is provided.
Many of the rooms have fine views across Stephens Green.
Wining & Dining (and the body beautiful)
With three restaurants and two bars, not to mention a pool and fitness centre, the facilities at The Shelbourne are as good as any in Dublin.
No 27 The Green is an elegant Edwardian restaurant serving quality food from an international menu, accompanied by an extensive wine list. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is one of the top eating places with which to impress in Dublin.
The Side Door is a more informal setting, with a wide range of dishes of different styles, from sushi to pasta, duck to tiger prawn. It opens for lunch and early evening, late at the weekends.
However, for many Dubliners (and other Irish), eating in The Shelbourne means Afternoon Tea in The Lord Mayor's Lounge, a tradition as old as the hotel itself. Available from 3.00pm - 5.30pm, sandwiches, tea and coffee and light snacks can be had there at other times.
The Shelbourne Bar and The Horse Shoe Bar are renowned, as much for their clientele as for the bars themselves. Here you'll rub shoulders with the famous and the infamous, with anyone who is anyone in the city (and wants it to be known). Especially popular at the weekends, before moving on to the late-nights.
To help you recover, The Shelbourne Club is a health and fitness centre offering guests aromatherapy, massage and reflexology, as well as a private pool. Families note that children have limited access to the pool only.
There is also a beauty centre - Heavenly Spa offering a full range of holistic therapies and treatments.
For functions and conferences, The Shelbourne has 11 meeting rooms and halls catering for parties from 10 to 300, including the historic Constitution Room.
Reservations
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