The Shelbourne, Dublin

You're in an ideal central location - close to numerous shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as the city's galleries and museums.

Just minutes from Grafton Street, the hotel also faces the lovely St Stephen's Green park.

By plane: Manchester, Birmingham or London to Dublin takes around an hour, after which, it's a 30-minute drive to the hotel. Paid parking available on-site. Book flights to Dublin.

At nearly 200 years old, this hotel is Dublin's grand dame and is full of history, elegance and style - with its high ceilings, sash windows, huge fireplaces and chandeliers. Paintings adorn the walls in public spaces and it's where Dublin society meets.

Facilities include a spa, hair salon and nail bar, gym with yoga and other fitness classes, and a swimming pool. Service is excellent, befitting of a five-star hotel.

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

Rooms are simple and understated, with classic furnishings. Rooms in the newer part of the hotel don't have the same historic feel, but all have little luxuries incuded. Marble bathrooms are large, with a separate shower and bath.

Room types: Room, Balcony, Double Double, Deluxe, Heritage, Junior Suite, One Bedroom Suite, Signature Suite, Princess Grace Suite

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

Choose to dine on classic Irish dishes done well in The Saddle Room, or for casual fare, the bar No. 27. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Lord Mayor's Lounge, or head to the terrace in warmer weather. We loved the seafood platter in The Saddle Room.

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.