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The Shelbourne Dublin

The Irish Constitution was drafted here and the recent brief closure of this opulent 18th-century hotel overlooking St Stephen's Green (Europe's largest garden square) has served as a reminder to Dubliners that it is still central to life in the city today.

Ranking among the world's great hotels, it has emerged from its recent restoration and refurbishment with all the old grandeur intact, and the entrance creates an even stronger impression since the lift has been relocated to allow the original staircase to take pride of place once again in the magnificent faux-marble entrance hall - now also enhanced by the creation of a new reception area.

The Lord Mayor's Lounge - always a popular meeting place for Afternoon Tea - has had a light hand in the renovation and the famous Horseshoe Bar, renowned as a meeting place for local politicians and theatrical society and nothing short of a Dublin institution, has been taken back to its old Sam Stephenson designed interior.

New rooms added at the back of the hotel have increased the accommodation, and all are luxurious - but the older suites, named after famous people who have stayed there in the past, have all been refurbished to bring back the original glamour, and are very much in demand.

Dining choices are between the stylish, No. 27 Bar & Lounge, and the opulent Saddle Room (see below). The hotel is much in demand for events and meetings, with a number of restored meeting/private dining and The George Moore Suite, and the state-of-the-art Great Room next door, for larger events. rooms in the main building including The Constitution Room.

The Shelbourne Club, a fine leisure complex with 18m swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room and much else besides is situated within the hotel complex. A luxury Spa is due to open in Spring 2008.

Conference/banqueting (500/350). Business centre, Broadband wi/fi, lap top sized safe in rooms. Fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, massage. Gift shop. 24 hour room service. Lift. Pets permitted.

Rooms 265 (19 suites, 18 junior suites, 46 executive, 247 no smoking, 7 for disabled); Children welcome (under 12s free in parents room, cots available free of charge, baby sitting arranged); B&B €192 pps. Open all year.

The Saddle Room:

Although there is no obvious sign over the door, hotel guests will spot this enticing looking restaurant within minutes of entering The Shelbourne's large foyer. The Saddle Room majors in seafood and steaks, with a large open plan kitchen putting the talented team on show for all to see.

Divided in two by banquettes, the quieter side of the dining room features dark woods, moody lighting and cosy banquettes, creating a buzzy, clubby atmosphere. Tables, which are quite wide, are dressed with linen, beautiful Riedel glasses and flickering tea lights setting the scene for some serious food. The menu offers lots of interesting choices, with seafood and steak the obvious focus.

The Oyster Bar serves four kinds of fresh oysters - it's interesting to order a combination and compare their individual characteristics - while a choice of Irish beef cuts fares well from The Grill. All dishes come with accompaniments, but side orders are usually required to make up a main course, pushing up the price of dining significantly.

An extensive and informative wine list is conveniently divided into drinking styles, and the friendly and knowledgeable sommelier helpfully guides guests towards further recommendations. Desserts offer a range of freshly interpreted classics and there's a tempting cheese trolley too.

Don't come to this stylish restaurant expecting stiff, formal service; athough undeniably five-star, the excellent staff manage a perfect balance of informed and charming service that will only enhance your dining experience.


The Saddle Room : Saddle Room Restaurant: Toilets wheelchair accessible. Seats 135 (private room, 18); reservations recommended; air con; L&D daily, L 12-2pm, D 6-10pm; a la carte L&D; house wine €30; SC discretionary. Open all year. Amex, Diners, Mastercard, Visa, Laser. Barfood also served 11-9pm daily.

Directions:

Landmark building on north side of St Stephen's Green.