THE SHELBOURNE ^{* * * * *}

Recently I stayed at the Shelbourne Hotel to celebrate an anniversary but was left with a very sour taste. It is a hotel I have always one day, dreamt of having the privilege to stay in. Initially everything was perfect from the hotel aesthetics and the lush and plush feel of elegance throughout the hotel. Breakfast was wonderful with extraordinary choice from being able to choose from a buffet and a breakfast menu which had vast choice, all of which was included in the room rate. I truly was in awe of this hotel and was anticipating planning another stay, but unfortunately my concept changed, and my experience was tarnished at the check-out experience particularly.

After check-in, I noticed an extra charge on my card, I queried this with reception and I was advised it was a deposit, in which I accepted, expecting this to go back into my account immediately after checkout.

When I was checking out, the agent asked me for the payment of my room, in which I advised I already paid for it, and I had to show him my online banking. He was confused as on the hotels system it showed this as pre-authorisation. I felt very embarrassed as the reception area was extremely busy. I was even asked to show my card! It was then it was realised that I paid with a debit card and not a credit card. It seems the hotel may have confused my card assuming it was a credit card and not a debit card. I don’t have a credit card. 2 days following my check out I noticed a payment debited from my card to the value of the room rate, while there was still a pending transaction waiting to go back to my account, which I was advised by the hotel can take up to 2 weeks! So essentially what happened was a pre-authorisation hold was placed on my debit card for the room rate plus an extra €50.00, where I was advised that the deposit was only €50.00.

I accept that some hotels may do this, however, not to be told at check in this was happening and properly being explained for a 5-star hotel is a very unpleasant experience and what happened at check-out was very embarrassing as I mentioned above.

Unfortunately, I won’t be staying here again, because of the check in and check out experience. Not everyone has a credit card and to assume a card is a credit card without checking is not a pleasant experience. My account was left with low balance for some 6 days, with no access to available funds in my account for this period with some payments not being able to be processed due to the hold that I was waiting for to be returned. I had not budgeted for extra pending charges.

Located off of Dublin's scenic Stephens green, The Sherbourne is easily accessible by foot, bus or luas... or horse drawn cart if you are so inclined.
My partner and I stopped in for afternoon tea for my birthday, from cocktails in the bar to the very last crumb, it was an exceptional experience.
From the moment you step through the door you're enveloped in luxury, highlighted by the marble floors and truly magnificent floral displays.
The tea room is warm and welcoming, but equally cozy.
The staff were incredibly friendly, helpful and very well versed on what they are presenting.
The afternoon tea was beautifully presented, with each round described and order recommended.
Each sandwich was made of a few uncomplicated ingredients and yet delivered the satisfactory punch one might want in evert bite.
This is definitely a treat I would recommend trying at least once.

My experience at the Shelburne Hotel left me felling wanting a little more. Everything about the hotel is really grand and sophisticated right from the interiors to the amenities and the attention to detail is absolutely outstanding. The breakfast at the saddle room was absolutely delightful . what’s interesting about it? Is there is a separate menu that features various breakfast items that you can order which is excluding the buffet that’s been put out for you so I ordered the eggs Benedict and the farm egg omelette which was absolutely delicious ,all in all I had a good experience, the staff is absolutely courteous.

Best experience. Staff was outstanding. Hotel was epic. Had my first Guinness (ever) beer at the hotel bar. Will stay again.

Perfect, courteous service. Lovely food and relaxed atmosphere. All one would wish for a birthday lunch.