Hotel Review: The Shelbourne, Dublin

It's hard to beat this location in Dublin for a hotel - it is right beside the city centre, less than five minutes' walk (300m) from Grafton Street for shopping, cafés and restaurants, and within walking distance of most of the galleries and museums. The hotel also faces the lovely St Stephen's Green park.

By plane: direct flights to Dublin from Manchester and Birmingham (1 hour), and London (1 hour 15 minutes). It's a 30-minute drive to the hotel. Parking costs €40 per day. Book flights to Dublin.

This is the grand dame hotel of Dublin - nearly 200 years old and is full of history, style and old-fashioned elegance. The design befits its historic pedigree - high ceilings, sash windows, huge fireplaces, paintings and chandeliers in many of the public rooms in the old part. This hotel is where Dublin society meets.

Service is excellent and at a five-star level everywhere, from the porters to the waiting staff in the restaurants. We liked the evening turn-down service with a chocolate on the pillow. Hotel facilities include a spa, hair salon, nail bar, a gym, yoga and other fitness classes and a full-size swimming pool.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Room decoration is simple and understated, with classic furnishings and soft colours. Bathrooms are large and most have a separate shower and bath. Not all rooms have an historic feel as many are in newer parts of the hotel, but all have five-star luxuries.

Room types: Queen, Balcony, Double Double, Deluxe, Heritage rooms; Junior, One Bedroom, Signature, Princess Grace suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, TV, free Wi-Fi

There are three restaurants: dishes in the main Saddle Room are classic Irish dishes done well, the offering in No. 27 The Shelbourne Bar is more casual, or there's afternoon tea in the Lord Mayor's Lounge. In summer there's an outdoor terrace.

The Saddle Room: fine dining, modern British cuisine. All-day dining, open daily.

No. 27: elegant bar, fresh seafood and pub classics. Open daily.

Lord Mayor's Lounge: drawing room, serving afternoon tea daily.