I tend not to write hotel reviews - we normally stay in Four Seasons properties if there is no "special" hotel to stay in..however on this trip we succumbed to the central location of this hotel and so we had a couple of nights there.

I will not aim to identify every single fault with this hotel - many of which were service related (there were too many) - but suffice to say the staff at this hotel are not familiar with the expected standard of a five star hotel.........everything from the doormen not taking your bags from the car......bags being left behind the reception desk with no offer to take to the room!, receptionists who are too busy with whatever else they were doing to serve you, the Concierge who sits on his little throne behind his little tiny desk defying you to have the audacity to ask him anything, the concierge staff who clearly can't understand the expectations of guests and their dining standards.......the surly and inefficient bar staff, restaurant staff....the list goes on.....I cannot remember when I have encountered such poor service - or so widely across an entire hotel.

We did not receive turndown for some reason on the first night - and the second night when I asked for it - it comprised hanging back up our used towels back on the rack??????

The rooms are small (we stayed in one of the "Heritage" rooms - and I assume that the "Heritage" bit refers to the fact that everything in the room is well past its sell by date). Rooms were a bit tired round the edges shall we say (being kind).........carpets in the hallways and public spaces are truly filthy.....all towels, bathmats etc are very small and almost threadbare..all bathroom and bedroom fixtures and soft furnishings need replacement....

...but the biggest issue ?........and be aware of this....is that on a Thursday AND Friday evening (and I assume its the same on Saturdays) we had to literally fight our way OUT of the reception area to the front of the hotel.....though packs of Guinness wielding locals......and then after dinner to fight our way back in again (my wife picking up a nice series of Guinness stains on her dress in the process!)...I have NEVER seen anything like this!!....it like a really busy nightclub has been deposited in the foyer/reception area of the hotel.....incredible......now I like a bit of 'atmosphere" and a nice busy bar area is always a good sign......but this is simply ridiculous...

Sorry I will not visit this hotel again....The Four Seasons is infinitely better...and if you need the central location I'd recommend the Merrion....a hotel that DOES know how to look after its guests.

Like so much of Dublin, the Shelbourne is nowhere near as good as it thinks it it is. Having supped Guinness from its excellent bar, I decided to have an overnight stay as a treat. What a disappointment. While the staff and service befit a five star establishment, the rooms, alas, are more in keeping with a three star establishment. Small, with ageing and not particularly nice mahogony furniture, there is a shabby feel beyond the glossy frontage of the hotel. A light inside our wardrobe would not go out in the night, disturbing our rest. The shower was little more than a trickle and the tiling was badly in need of a grout. There was a chunk of freshly congealed gum stuck to the carpet just inside the door. And the bar? It seems virtually every office party in the city was crammed in there. It was horrendous, and there was seemingly nowhere for residents to chill out. Thoroughly underwhelming.

We were booked to stay on a very busy weekend in Dublin. The reviews were amazing, the welcome surpassed the anticipation. We were made to feel like VIP's from the liveried doorman greeting, for the rest of the weekend- regardless of the fact that there was a full house both nights! We visited due to our wedding anniversary, and received numerous special treats from the hospitality and housekeeping team, including a specially handwritten congratulations card, and beautiful fresh rosé petal turndown service. A very busy itinery prevented us from indulging in the spa, museum, and afternoon tea, that we had so hoped to partake of, but will no doubt make a point of insisting upon on our next visit. Bar 27!!! Well, just about the last word in sophistication. A wonderful place, immaculate service and ideal opportunity for people watching ( mind you, the celebs all go into the horseshoe bar..). Delicious food, cocktails and champagne- one couldn't wish for any more!!

Sunday brunch is a whole other kettle of fish.... This is big time!! Exquisite food- amazing live jazz, flowing champagne and oysters and ice sculptures make this a roaring twenties, Art Deco, opulent experience not to be missed. Love love love this hotel- the sat word in sophistication- cant wait to return for our anniversary next year!

We have stayed at many hotels across the world and have never been moved enough to write a review on Trip Advisor. After having spent one night at the Shelbourne, I felt compelled to write my first review. To celebrate a special occasion, we decided to spend a night at the Shelbourne and it was truly a 5 star experience. We were informed that we had been upgraded to a Heritage Park View room and the room was fantastic.

Later in the evening, we spent a few hours in No.27 watching the Christmas shoppers while enjoying the seafood platter. This morning, we treated ourselves to a full Irish breakfast in our room overlooking St.Stephen's Green. Breakfast was fab and loved the fresh flower touch!

All in all, it was the best hotel experience that we have ever had and we did not want to leave! The staff were friendly, extremely accommodating and welcoming and particular thanks must go to Ashley Keegan who was exceptional in all communications prior to the trip. We have decided that this will be the first trip of many to the Shelbourne and we can't wait to return!